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Where to Get the Best Afternoon High Tea in Toronto

By Kate BialowasView Author PostsJul 17th 2018

Afternoon high tea may be a British tradition, but Toronto has it down to-a-t (see what I did there?). High tea is one of the best ways to escape the busy city life and treat yourself to a luxurious experience. Perfect for you and a group of friends, a special event like a bridal shower, or mother-daughter date, afternoon high tea is an ideal way to enjoy each other’s company. If you’ve been looking for the perfect place to indulge in afternoon high tea, here are 6 places to enjoy it around Toronto.

1. Old Mill Inn

Afternoon tea is an old tradition at the Old Mill Inn. They’ve been serving cyclists, pedestrians, canoeists, and motorists for over 100 years. Your afternoon tea will be accompanied by finger sandwiches including smoked salmon, mini egg salad, and cucumber and baby watercress; house-made tea pastries like Scottish shortbread and lemon meringue tartlets; and current and lemon scones. Choose from their delicious tea selection that ranges from earl grey to masala chai, and stop by Monday through Thursday for complimentary bottomless mimosas.

Image: Instagram/ @tzuzan

2. Kitten and the Bear

Located in Parkdale on Queen Street West, this charming spot is the perfect place to enjoy your afternoon tea with friends. Their Jam and Tea service offers a tasting of seasonal preserves, buttermilk scones, clotted cream and your choice of Sloane fine tea. At $17.50 per person, this pairing is quite the steal.

Image: Instagram/ @kittenandthebear

3. T-Buds

There are a number of tea services to choose from at T-Buds, a second-floor lounge located in North York. Choose from the classic afternoon tea or the chocolate afternoon tea if you have a hearty appetite, or if you’re not as hungry, opt for the savoury cream tea or cream tea services. Each service includes a pot of tea per person and depending on the one you choose, you can enjoy treats such as smoked salmon and dill cream cheese sandwiches, mini quesadillas with savoury chocolate, freshly baked scones and a warm quiche.

Image: Instagram/ @beauty_phd

4. Bampot Bohemian House of Tea

Offering a vegetarian-friendly high tea experience, Bampot tea house not only serves world class tea and delicious vegetarian eats, they also have board games to be enjoyed. Pair your tea with options like the baked falafel with pita bread, posh cheese and crackers served with spicy raspberry jam or their best-ever chocolate fudge cake. Sweet or savory, there’s something for you.

Image: Instagram/ @mynikonandme_

5. Windsor Arms

At the Windsor Arms, you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in their plush, comfy seating area. Start off by sipping a glass of sparkling wine or sherry while you indulge in dainty sandwiches and delicacies. The sandwiches range from gougere chicken to guacamole, and the delicacies include goat cheese and caramelized shallot tart. Finish off with a selection of handmade pastries and sweets while you enjoy your loose-leaf tea.

Image: Instagram/ @seuyuiq

5. The Shangri-La

It doesn’t get much more luxe than high tea at the Shangri-La. Located in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge, you can spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying live music, while indulging in delicious treats and sipping on one of their 75 premium teas (there’s a certified tea sommelier on site). The menu includes sandwiches, tartlets, scones and luxurious creations by head pastry chef Jolan Thiry. You can also enjoy a glass of prosecco or an elderflower fizz mocktail, all for $65 per person.