Afternoon Tea at The Prince of Wales Hotel

All Photos - The Grower's Daughter

Last week I went for tea with my cousin. It's a special treat to get out just the two of us, and this time was even more lovely, as we were able to catch up over a lovely pot of tea and the most delicious little treats.

It was quite a wonderful way to spend a dreary Fall afternoon, let me tell you. Both being Austen fans, we couldn't help but long to have tea like this every time we paid our social visits!

Here's a little peak at how we got to spend our afternoon out. I'm sure it won't be long before we head back again!

Enjoy.

Tea is served in the Drawing Room at the Historic Prince of Wales Hotel, downtown Niagara on the Lake.

The Outer Room - Note the cold, rainy day.

The room is ornate and full of old parlor Antiques.

Around the love seats and larger sitting areas are the cozier spots for Tea for Two. This is where we were seated. I decided I would like to look for a pair of chairs like this, redone in linen, along with a simple, small table just for afternoon teas like this.

Our cozy little corner. We were the only ones for most of the afternoon which made it even cozier.

We ordered the Traditional Tea for Two. We could each select a tea from a list of the finest loose tea, brewed perfectly. We decided on Earl Grey, and a classic Orange Pekoe. After tea was poured, our accompaniments came out: A selection of four little desserts (A Strawberry Petite Four, Chocolate Dipped Shortbread, Chocolate Mousse with Mandarin Orange, and a Lemon Tartlette), a large scone with Jasmine infused raisins and traditional clotted cream, churned butter and Greaves Strawberry Preserves (a local favourite), and finally an assortment of tea sandwiches (including Ham and Cheese, Cucumber, Salmon and Egg, all on house made breads).

Needless to say, it was delicious!

The yummy little treats.

Somehow, two hours managed to fly by leaving our pots empty, our treats finished, and us very relaxed. We toured around the hotel a little while before heading home. The entire hotel is extremely ornate. The halls were lined with a vast collection of old portraits, and very rich wood details.

Outside the weather brightened a little, and we walked around the hotel.

The hotel spans a block downtown.