My love of tea parties and fine china teacups began as a six year old aspiring princess, huddled around a make shift table sipping imaginary tea and eating imaginary scones with my friends (the human, stuffed/plastic, and imaginary kind). This was a serious affair. Choosing the friends to invite, and those that would have to watch from the sidelines (my baby brother and dolls with choppy haircuts and missing limbs). Setting the table with hand picked daisies, and risking life and limb to reach the coveted china teacups stored out of reach of my six-year-old hands.
ALL GROWN UP
Fast forward a few decades and my daughter and I are enjoying high tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise while on vacation. The dining room boasts the most stunning views of Lake Louise and the tiers of melt in your mouth scones, clotted cream, homemade jam, fancy sandwiches, pastries and tea did not disappoint! Delighting persons of all ages.
IRELAND BOUND
Even more recently, in the Fall of 2019, my husband and I had the opportunity to experience high tea at 800 year-old Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo, Ireland. For me, this was all of my childhood imaginations come true!
Upon arrival, as we were escorted to our table overlooking Lake Corrib, we couldn’t help but be amazed by the exquisite interiors. It quickly became clear why this is a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World (and former vacation home of the Guinness family). I was in a dream like state; the larger than life paintings, luxurious window dressings, table settings, fireplaces that I could stand inside, and sharply dressed servers were straight from an episode of Downton Abbey!
And the food! Wow, simply amazing, even better than one could imagine. From the delicate hand sandwiches and tasty mini desserts, to the freshly baked scones (timed perfectly for our arrival – exactly 7 minutes out of the oven), to the unique Irish Cream tea (get it here), everything was delicious and plentiful.
Simply put, we were treated like royalty. The entire Ashford experience was made even more special because they fundamentally understand that our experience does not begin with the first bite it begins with the booking and as we anticipate we dream of what could be. For me perhaps it began even earlier…in my bedroom at six years old at my makeshift table tea party.
A Local Afternoon Tea Foray
Embrace your inner childhood princess or prince and seek out local establishments that offer high tea or host your own grown up tea party at home!
Check out these dining establishments in the Ottawa area that offer fantastic Afternoon Tea experiences:
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Afternoon Tea in Zoe’s Lounge at this historic hotel is an Ottawa must.
- Tea and Cake – A quaint, classic tearoom in Almonte, Ontario.
- Brigadoon Restaurant – A relaxed Afternoon Tea with historical charm in Oxford Mills, Ontario.
