Tradition and indulgence combine in the elegant Victorian ritual of afternoon tea, where finger sandwiches, sweets and scones accompany a steaming pot of earl grey—or rooibos, lapsang souchong, sencha, or one of the hundreds of other distinct tea varieties grown throughout the world. In Toronto, any number of exceptional spots offer this upper-crust custom, with a few unique twists to enhance the experience. Discover Where‘s five favourites by clicking on the images below.
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- Take a well-deserved break from Yorkville’s bustle—sit back, relax and catch up during afternoon tea at <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=5827" target="_blank">MoRoCo Chocolat</a>. Foregoing some of the formality of teatime while maintaining its innate elegance, the service features a choice of teas accompanied by fresh sandwiches, mini pastries and scones with Devonshire cream and house-made preserves ($55). To really break with tradition, substitute a decadent cup of MoRoCo’s sipping chocolate, like milk-chocolate chai or vanilla-orange white chocolate. Still thirsty? Add a glass of champagne ($24 and up) or whimsical “frozen” hot chocolate ($8). And don’t leave without purchasing a box of the boutique’s tempting truffles.<br />DAILY 2:30 TO 5 P.M.
- Luxuriant Lounge
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- Ditch the white gloves at <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=3217" target="_blank">Le Méridien King Edward Hotel</a>. Though the hotel has a 105-year history of tea service, the philosophy here is one of accessible indulgence. Personalized pots are enjoyed fireside on the indoor patio of Victoria’s restaurant. The traditional King’s Tea ($30) is a popular choice, but fanciful twists are available to please particular palates: try the Asian-inspired Tea Box ($28) with smoked duck, the Ploughman’s Tea ($26)—featuring savoury sandwiches, aged tuxford cheddar with raisin walnut crisp bread, Scotch egg with Branston pickle, and warm tourtière—or, for kids, the Jester’s Tea ($16) with peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Toast the afternoon by adding a glass of champagne ($42 to $53), or add North American caviar for midday decadence ($130).<br />WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY 2:30 TO 5 P.M.
- Approachable Aristocrat
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- The elegant Windsor Arms Hotel (18 St. Thomas St., 416-971-9666) has served piping pots of tea since 1927. Today, guests can choose to sip in three unique settings—the French-style lobby, the lavish silk- and velvet-adorned Purple Room, and the brand new Russian Tea Room. Each day, indulge in the “full tea” program ($30 to $38) with handmade pastries and loose-leaf selections like the house-signature blend of Ceylon, Nilgiri and Assam teas, or complete the service with a welcoming flute of sparkling wine or sherry ($35 to $45). The Russian Royal High Tea ($85) offers decadence with savoury snacks like caviar, a braised beef and truffle tramezine, and a shot of vodka to finish.<br />TWO SITTINGS MONDAY TO FRIDAY AT 1 & 3:30 P.M.; THURSDAY TO SUNDAY AT 12:45, 3:30 & 6 P.M.
- Opulent Ambience
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- Linger over a hot cuppa in the Lobby Bar at the Four Seasons (21 Avenue Rd., 416-964-0411), a topiary filled space that rivals the top tearooms in London. Dress your dainty or dapper best and nosh on true-to-form pastries, finger sandwiches, clotted cream and preserve-smothered scones of the daily tea service ($38; $20 for children). Savoury twists like poached quail eggs on toast with truffle mayonnaise add a bit of mod to the mode. Liquid delight comes in the form of an individually selected pot of tea—from lemon-spice to Asian-inspired loose-leaf varieties.<br />MONDAY TO THURSDAY 2:30 TO 5 P.M., FRIDAY TO SUNDAY 1 TO 4 P.M.
- Authentically English
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- Within a room boasting elegant gold- and blue-accented decor and impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, the Park Hyatt Hotel’s lauded restaurant <a href="http://www.where.ca/toronto/guide_listing.cfm?listing_id=444" target="_blank">Annona</a> offers an intimate high tea experience. Renowned by visiting celebrities and locals alike, the dining room’s Contemporary High Tea ($26) offers a range of loose-leaf varieties—from white-tip Darjeeling to tranquility inducing Egyptian Chamomile Flowers. An array of finger sandwiches and canapés such as shrimp and roasted pepper torte on dark rye, an albacore tuna salad pinwheel on whole wheat or turkey breast with celery and walnut salad on brioche are included alongside miniature currant, orange and cream scones served with classic clotted cream and fruit preserves. For a celebratory delight, choose the Sparkling High Tea ($35), which adds a flute of Santa Margherita prosecco to your service.<br />DAILY 3 TO 5 P.M.
- Classy Yet Contemporary
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