Tea for Four

Every November, Jess and I would go for afternoon tea at The Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara on the Lake. We have for years now.

Instead of simply not going this year, I decided to take her mom (my Aunt Jeanette) instead. Without much thought, I realized it might be fun to go with my mother and sister-in law as well. After all, she was just as much a part of their lives as well.

So we all went to tea, and it was lovely. 

Though it was hard at times, we reminisced, told funny stories about her and giggled all afternoon. Then we walked through town and even stopped at a small antique market on the way home.

I'm so happy I didn't skip it this year.

And who knows, maybe this will become a new tradition for us girls. One scarcely needs an excuse to go for tea.

Our selection of delicious little pastries and tea sandwiches.

And their most amazing scones. I have never had a scone that rivals these. They are scones with jasmine-infused raisins, served warm with clotted cream and local preserves.

The tea room was decorated for Christmas, as well as everywhere else around town.

Aunt Jeanette (Jess' Mom), my sister-in-law Rachelle and my mother-in-law Jackie.

Tea for Two and The Clench House

 

In celebration of the first day of Spring, my cousin Jess and I took a trip out to Niagara on the Lake and enjoyed tea for two at the historic Prince of Wales hotel.

 

A couple weeks later, we are still waiting for Spring to arrive.

 

As I sit here writing this, I can see the red tips of my Peonie plants pushing their way up through the dirt.

 

Soon.

 

Signs of Spring were all over town.

 

The inside of the hotel is ornate and luxurious. Having afternoon tea here is a special treat.

 

 

Proper high tea is served. Complete with tea sandwiches, little pastries and the most delcious Jasmin-insfused raisin scones with clotted cream and Raspberry jam, it's the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

 

On our way home, we drove about looking at all of the qauint little cottages and grand historic homes around town. I wanted to share with you one of my favourites.

 

This is the Clench House.

 

 It's considered one of the most significant early 19th century homes in town, built by Ralfe Clench, a farmer, judge and political figure in Upper Canada. Currently it's under significant reconstruction and restoration.

 

Isn't it beautiful?

 

To the left of the home is a creek the runs alongside the house.

 

There are so many beautiful little parts to this home. Small buildings outside, additions, a greenhouse, a carriage house and what probably used to be servant's cottages.

 

 

This is the back of the house. The carriage house is attached to the main house with a glass house.

 

I mean really, how perfect!

 

We stumbled across a stand selling Pussy Willows on our way home. Perfectly Spring.

 

Have a lovely Saturday.

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.