Afternoon tea is the unsung hero of mealtimes – never has one event been able to fill so many purposes. From the celebratory (anything you can throw a “shower” for, afternoon tea is a winner) to the obligatory (relatives from out of town, anyone?) to the just plain fun (hey, sometimes it’s nice to feel fancy), a tea service will be there.
Many afternoon tea services require or recommend reservations, so be sure to check in advance. Here are a dozen places where you can sit down for afternoon tea in Calgary.
The 6
When: Afternoon tea is available Friday to Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The 6’s afternoon tea offers an elegant experience over the weekends. Choose from seven teas and indulge in a variety of sandwiches and sweet snacks, including a kippered salmon sandwich, Lindt dark chocolate puff with strawberry cream and more.
638 6 Ave. S.W., 825-540-1191, the6canada.com
And Some Cafe
When: Afternoon tea is available daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The afternoon tea at this Sunnyside café is served on a charming mini Ferris wheel and is one of the few you can enjoy beyond the weekend. Sip on tea or coffee while enjoying beautifully made treats like mini muffins, macarons, scones, smoked salmon sandwiches and more.
540 7 Ave. N.W., 403-452-1463, theandsome.com
Black Sheep
When: Afternoon tea is available daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At this French-inspired tea time, you can pair mini baguette and croissant sandwiches with your hot beverage, as well as treats like mini eclairs, tiramisu, cookies and more. Black Sheep’s tea is suitable for two people, so bring a friend and settle in for a delicious experience.
140-815 17 Ave. S.W., 587-210-5063, black-sheep.ca
Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
When: Afternoon tea is available Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.
Afternoon tea is the perfect accompaniment to this restaurant’s verdant landscape and historic setting. Cozy up next to the fire or relax on the patio with a three-tiered display of sandwiches, scones, tea cakes, mini pastries and more.
15979 Bow Bottom Trail S.E., 403-476-1310, bvrrestaurant.com
Deane House
When: Afternoon tea is available Friday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Afternoon tea at Deane House is a special weekend treat. This elegant experience is perfect for a bridal or baby shower, a post-shopping indulgence or some extra-special time with someone you love. Tea is served with a variety of savoury sandwiches, like the chimichurri beef tartlets and caramelized onion financiers, and sweets such as the salted honey tarts and carrot cake fritter.
806 9 Ave. S.E., 403-264-0595, deanehouse.com
Hawthorn
When: Afternoon tea is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m.
Hawthorn at Fairmont Palliser hosts afternoon tea on Saturdays and Sundays with a wide selection of Fairmont-curated Lot 35 teas and a menu of scones, sweets and tea sandwiches that will make your mouth water. And there’s no need to leave the kids at home — the Little Kings & Queens Afternoon Tea offers pricing for children ages 12 and under.
133 9 Ave. S.W., 403-260-1219, hawthorndiningroom.ca
Hutch Cafe
When: Afternoon tea is available Tuesday to Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.
Hutch Cafe provides the ideal setting for afternoon tea, whether you’re enjoying it inside the restaurant or get it to-go for a picnic along the Bow River. The Kusmi Tea selection is served with a range of savoury and sweet dishes, such as beef brisket on toast, macarons and scones and more.
795 1 Ave. S.W., 403-454-8823, hutchcafe.com
Lougheed House
When: Generally once a month (check Lougheed House’s website for exact dates)
This national and provincial historic site serves afternoon tea on set days that often coincide with special occasions and holidays. Coming up, you can enjoy the Spring Tea on April 20th. Complete the experience with a walk through the building’s historical museum, featured exhibitions and the Beaulieu Gardens.
707 13 Ave. S.W., 403-244-6333, lougheedhouse.com
Nove Nine
When: Afternoon tea is available Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With a view of the Bow River, Nove Nine’s patio is the perfect place to set the scene for afternoon tea on weekends. Dive into the selection of finger sandwiches and delicate sweets offered at this warm and welcoming Parkdale diner.
3303 3 Ave. N.W., 403-283-2394, noveninediner.com
Orchard Restaurant
When: Afternoon tea is available on Sundays until June 2 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Orchard’s afternoon tea experience is a lush and local experience. Each tea ticket includes two scones, four sandwiches and four sweets, as well as condiment pairings to complete each bite. Plus, the tea is sourced from The Naked Leaf in Kensington.
620 10 Ave. S.W., 403-243-2392, orchardyyc.com
Prologue Café
When: Afternoon tea is available Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.
Located on the main level of The Dorian Hotel, Prologue Café offers afternoon tea on Saturdays and Sundays. Wilde About Tea features a mix of sweet and savoury bites, including lemon raspberry layered cake and classic smoked salmon on a black sesame waffle.
525 5 Ave. S.W., 403-300-6631, prologuedaybar.com
Reader’s Garden Cafe
When: Afternoon tea is available on June 2 and 23, July 21, August 4 and 25, and September 22 starting between 3 and 3:30 p.m.
During the summer, you can enjoy high tea on select days at Reader’s Garden Cafe in Reader Rock Garden. The experience includes tea or coffee and three tiers of snacks like smoked salmon tea sandwiches, buttermilk scones and sweet bites like chocolate ganache cake. End your experience with a walk around the garden grounds before you leave.
311 25 Ave. S.E., 403-234-0065, readersgardencafe.ca
[Correction: This story previously stated that afternoon tea took place weekly at Lougheed House, which is not the case at this time. The story has been updated and we regret the error.]