Afternoon Tea in Victoria

Experience the artful elegance of high tea in the Victoria, British Columbia

High Tea originated as a British working class tradition. "High" refered to the way it was taken, sitting atop stools in a tea shop or standing at a counter or buffet table. It was a cross between afternoon tea and supper, and for many it was the main meal of the day.

The afternoon tea idea began around the mid 1700's as a way to ward off the inevitable hunger before dinner. This tradition led John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich to make his famous innovation of putting meats or other fillings between two pieces of bread. The Tea Sandwich was born!

Today, it has become a more elegant affair, less a working class meal and more of an event.

When to serve it? The high time of the day of course, around 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

Favourite Places for High Tea:

• The Butchart Gardens 
• White Heather Tea House - The Local Favourite (250-595-8020)
• High Tea at The Empress

Your innkeepers will be happy to make your reservations for you!