We are two weeks away from Christmas, and what better way to hallmark the occasion than with a high teas service that embodies the season. Here are 8 of our favourite picks for festive high tea towers, this winter.
H Tasting Lounge
601 Bayshore Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4
(604) 691-6962 or htastinglounge.com
The posh space is known for their waterside view, and nostalgic decor elements gilded in gold and trimmed in velvet. Stop by to enjoy their Festive Afternoon Tea service, available every weekend from now until December 29th. Each order comes presented in their trademark golden Ferris wheel, served with a tuff of freshly spun cotton candy on the side. This is a collection of savoury and sweet: like the turkey and cranberry finger sandwich, traditional French Canadian tourtière, and miniature Yuletide log cake. Add a couple of glasses of mulled wine for extra Christmas vibes.
Notch 8 Restaurant + Bar
900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6
(604) 662-1900 or notch8-dining.com
The signature restaurant located within Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is well known for its seasonal tea services. And this winter they have brought back their Nutcracker Afternoon Tea. It is available now until December 31st, with sittings at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. The set starts with a specialty hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and continues with a menu of savoury and sweets named after the popular ballet’s characters. There are carved ham, turkey with stuffing, and peppermint chocolate for dessert.
TWG Tea
1070 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2Y2
(604) 336-1070 or twgtea.com
The Singaporean tea salon is known for its high-end brews with quality handpicked leaves. And this winter TWG has a new one available, for a limited time only, called the Magic Christmas Tea. It is a blend of rare citrus fruits and dark chocolate with spices, reminiscent of the holiday season. You can enjoy it as is or as part of the seasonal macarons. A crisp almond shell filled with Magic Christmas Tea infused white chocolate ganache. And for more indulgence, grab one of their Magic Christmas Tea infused Log Cakes in vanilla or chocolate, and in an individual or full-sized cake.
The Trump Champagne Lounge
1161 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C6
(604) 979-8885 or trumphotels.com/vancouver/the-trump-champagne-lounge/
Controversial name aside, this champagne bar also specializes in over-the-top desserts, which has transitioned to tea services. Their Picnic inspired and Harry Potter themed tea sets were a success; and riding on that, they now have a Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea. It is available any time from December to mid-March. Served in a geometric shelf with miniature glasses of green egg nog, roasted spiced duck sliders, and Christmas tree-shaped cake pops.
Shangri-La Hotel
1128 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A8
(604) 689-1120 or shangrila.com/vancouver/shangrila/
New this year is Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver’s Fireside Afternoon Tea, held at the luxury hotel’s lobby. The tone is set with crackling fire and live music. Seatings are only available for a week: December 16 to 23, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. The menu features both savoury and sweet bites with gingerbread scones, candy cane macarons, and spiced rum truffles.
Bel Café
1780 W 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1K4
(604) 736-5812 or belcafe.com
Now with two locations, you can enjoy Bel Café’s festive treats for the month of December. Sip on their Sugar Plum Cappuccino made with a spiced fig and plum compote. Or the Vegan-nog, a dairy-free option of the iconic holiday beverage. Then upgrade your hot chocolate with one made from 70% Valrhona dark chocolate, house-made blood orange syrup and cardamom. For treats, they have plenty of seasonal cookies to snack on, like their Whipped Vanilla Shortbread or Cinnamon Marzipan. They even have a Holiday Turkey sandwich made with a cranberry and orange compote, Brussel sprouts, and double creamed brie.
Secret Garden Tea Company
2138 W 40th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6M 3W7
(604) 261-3070 or secretgardentea.com
Secret Garden has brought back their annual December Holiday High Tea. It features hot soup, turkey and cranberry rolls, and a Quebec style tourtière with homemade smokey ketchup. For dessert take in gingerbread spices with your scones and chocolate truffles. Enjoy frosted Christmas tree and chocolate snowmen embellishments on your cakes. And then go home with a mystery treat.
Neverland Tea Salon
3066 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2H1
(604) 428-3066 or neverlandtea.com/
Playing to our love of fairytales and magical worlds, Neverland Tea salon has decorated their Holiday Tea Tower with plenty of red and green to mark the season. They also have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free towers available for those with dietary restrictions. There is even a miniature version for kids, named after Tinkerbell. But for the original tower expect herbed stuffing scones, corned beef, and Christmas pudding with a rum sauce.
Featured Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem
