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 seven places where you can sit down for afternoon tea in Calgary.
And Some Cafe
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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 that 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
Deane House
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When: Afternoon tea is available from 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 spent with someone you love. Check the menu for the latest offerings, but curry chicken tartlets, Fogo Island shrimp on a potato roll, rhubarb galettes and berry financiers are just a few of the treats that have been offered before.
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
Heritage Park
When: Tea on the Verandah on Sundays from June 4 to September 3; River Forth Afternoon Tea on Tuesdays from June 13 to August 29
Heritage Park offers a few different ways to experience an afternoon tea service. On Tuesdays from June 13 to August 29, afternoon tea is offered on the River Forth dining car from 2:35 to 3:35 p.m. You can also enjoy vanilla cream puffs, finger sandwiches and more during Tea on the Verandah at the Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women, which runs on Sundays from June 4 to September 3 at various times. There will also be a Canada Day Tea on July 1.
1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., 403-268-8500, heritagepark.ca
Nove Nine
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When: Afternoon tea is available Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Afternoon tea is a new offering at Nove Nine, a warm and welcoming diner in Parkdale. Expect a selection of finger sandwiches and delicate sweets that you can dig into on the diner’s patio that offers views of the Bow River.
3303 3 Ave. N.W., 403-283-2394, noveninediner.com
Prologue Café
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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 recently started a new afternoon tea service that is available on Saturdays and Sundays. Wilde About Tea features a mix of sweet and savoury bites, including chocolate profiteroles with salted banana caramel and classic egg salad with truffle aioli.
525 5 Ave. S.W., 403-300-6631, prologuedaybar.com
Reader’s Garden Cafe
When: Afternoon tea is available on July 2 and 30, August 20, and September 3 and 24 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