High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel

What is high tea you might ask? 

The Reader’s Digest version goes something like this… sometime during the 1840’s, her Grace Anna Maria, Duchess of Beford decided to add a twist to the ritual of afternoon tea.   At the time, it was common to only have two meals a day. She thought that by having tea a bit later in the day, accompanied by some sweet breads or even a small sandwiches, it would be a good way to tide one over to the evening meal.

Once she began sharing her delightful new habit with friends, it soon it progressed into a full-blown social event among the English aristocracy.  While this certainly wasn’t the first record of a late afternoon tea served with a snack of some sort, credit for starting this tradition is quite often given to Grace Anna Maria.

The term “High Tea” however was coined in England, not for the time of day but rather because of the actual height of the dining tables used among royalty and the wealthy in general.  The upper class served their late tea and refreshments on their higher dining tables, rather than a parlour table, coffee table, or even an old crate that the more common folks may have used.

Of course as the tradition grew, so did the menu to include not just expensive teas, but also finger sandwiches, sweets and delectable desserts.  As influential families from different countries started trying to impress one another, High Tea truly become something of an event for the wealthy.  This of course never stopped the common folks from enjoying their own version of afternoon tea served with biscuits, cakes or other types of food.

What does all of this mean for those of you visiting Victoria, BC? 

If you’re interested in experiencing High Tea, you’re in luck… a grand tradition for over a century, the world renowned Fairmont Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual of afternoon tea to famed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike including Prince Edward of Whales, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth & Prince Phillip, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Douglas Fairbanks and Katherine Hepburn. Reinvigorated in their timeless, sophisticated lobby lounge, tea at the Empress continues this classic Victorian experience.

You will have to decide which of the four seatings you’d like to attend between 11am to 5:45pm.

Their incredible menu may include:

• Smoked salmon on blini
• Hand peeled tofino shrimp tartlet
• English cucumber on rye
• Roast beef on whole wheat
• Signature empress warm raisin scones
• Etenia chocolate passionfruit cremeaux tart
• Berry pistachio daisy
• Caramel banana cake
• Cream earl grey almond delice
• Queen bee shortbread

Along with an amazing food menu, you’ll have a bit more than just Orange Pekoe and Imperial Breakfast tea to choose from.  They offer 21 of the finest loose leafs teas available from a variety of countries and feature an original blend “The Empress Tea” which is a selection of seasonal, quality teas, created exclusively for Fairmont Empress by the Metropolitan Tea Company.

They also have “Champagne Tea” featuring a glass of Veuve Cliquot Brut III or a “Royal Champagne Tea” featuring a glass of Veuve Cliquot Rose.

To make this experience truly extraordinary, you may also order the “Empress Cake”.  This rich chocolate torte, developed in France by pastry chef AJ Thalakkat is topped with a delicious chocolate crown, a replica of the one worn by Queen Elizabeth II.

A few tips to ensure you’ll have the best experience:

• Book in advance, this is a popular activity so availability can be limited
• Specify any food concerns when making your reservation
• Dress appropriately, this is high tea and tradition states you should dress nicely. Part of the fun of tea time is feeling fancy! There are no long gloves and gowns like the old days, but avoid sportswear.  Dress code is “smart casual.”
• Knowing the rules behind afternoon tea is helpful, but don’t get weighed down by them. If you forget your etiquette lesson, just drink up and have fun!
• Always greeting with a handshake
• After sitting down — put purse on lap or behind you against chair back
• Napkin placement — unfold napkin on your lap, if you must leave temporarily place napkin on chair.
• Sugar/lemon — sugar is placed in cup first, then thinly sliced lemon and never milk and lemon together. Milk goes in after.
• The correct order when eating on a tea tray is to eat savories first, scones next and sweets last.
• Scones — split horizontally with knife, curd and cream is placed on plate. Use the knife to put cream/curd on each bite. Eat with fingers neatly.
• Proper placement of spoon — the spoon always goes behind cup, also don’t leave the spoon in the cup.
• Proper holding of cup — do not put your pinky “up”, this is not correct.
• You’re finally ready to take a sip of tea! When you do, look in your cup. It’s considered impolite to look over your tea cup while sipping.

From the minute you walk into the grand old hotel until far after you leave, you’ll feel the rich history and tradition that only a truly iconic landmark like the Royal Empress can offer.

In June 2017, the Fairmont Empress Hotel completed a $60 million plus restoration, that added a modern luxury to this already iconic hotel.  Situated in the heart of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, it is nestled among the Royal Museum & Historic Parliament buildings.  It is an absolute must see on any trip to Vancouver.

You will be positively delighted by the amazing architecture, the award winning service, the 100 plus years of experience, the incredible selection of teas, the world famous menu and the truly over the top feeling of just breathing in the atmosphere of this one of a kind experience.

If you are planning a trip to Vancouver, then please do yourself a favour and take the day trip to Victoria and treat yourself to High Tea.  Better yet, make a weekend of it and see all that downtown Victoria has to offer.  CLICK HERE to learn more about High Tea at the Empress