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. Ranging from a classic English afternoon tea to high tea with a contemporary twist, here are five places where you can sit down for afternoon tea in Calgary.
Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
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When: Afternoon tea is available on Saturdays and Sundays from October to mid-May from 2 to 4 p.m. Reservations are required.
The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant offers a classic English tea to suit its historic establishment. Nestled in Fish Creek Provincial Park, the Bow Valley Ranche was built more than 120 years ago. Afternoon tea here includes three tiers of traditional tea sandwiches, scones and mini pastries, as well as coffee and tea. Reservations are required, and are available a month in advance.
15979 Bow Bottom Trail S.E., 403-476-1310, bvrrestaurant.com
Deane House
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When: Afternoon tea is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Reservations are required.
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 spent with someone you love. Check the menu for the latest offerings, but smoked salmon gougère sandwiches, gingerbread stout cake and caramel profiterole are just a few of the treats that have been offered before.
806 9 Ave. S.E., 403-264-0595, deanehouse.com
Hawthorn
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When: Afternoon tea is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m. Reservations are required.
Hawthorn at Fairmont Palliser hosts afternoon tea on Saturdays and Sundays with a wide selection of Fairmont-curated LOT 35 tea 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 12 and under. You can also take afternoon tea to go by placing your order online before Thursday for pick-up on Saturday.
133 9 Ave. S.W., 403-260-1219, hawthorndiningroom.ca
Heritage Park
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When: Holiday Tea is available on December 28, 29 and 30, 2022. There are four tea services, with the first one beginning at 11 a.m. and the last served at 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required.
Seasonal tea offerings run throughout the year at Heritage Park, and the current feature is a Holiday Tea. A freshly brewed tea or cup of warm apple cider is served alongside baked cookies and gourmet finger sandwiches in the cozy atmosphere of the Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women. Tickets to Holiday Tea also include admission to the Gasoline Alley Museum and an exclusive coupon for the Haskayne Mercantile Block stores in Heritage Town Square. Is there a more charming way to prolong the holiday spirit?
1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., 403-268-8500, heritagepark.ca
The Restaurant at Lougheed House
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When: Afternoon tea is available on the third Saturday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Reservations are required.
Served on antique linens and bone china, the afternoon tea at the Restaurant at Lougheed House is an enchanting and classic dining experience. Enjoy the fresh scones, sandwiches and pastries and relax among friends in this historic home. After you’ve finished your tea, go on a walk through the Beaulieu Gardens.
707 13 Ave. S.W., 403-410-9288, lougheedhouse.com