Spending an afternoon at the White Heather tea room

March 30, 2022

The second venue to sample for afternoon tea in the tea series is the White Heather Tea Room located on Oak Bay Avenue.

Majestic Oak Bay Avenue is home to art galleries, artisan vendors, boutique stores, coffee shops, bakeries, delis, as well as the legendary cozy and quaint White Heather Tea Room. Visitors and locals have adored this iconic tea room for over twenty years.

The White Heather Tea Room was opened in January 2000 by Agnes Campbell, a native of Scotland. Her imprint remains today from its name to her granny’s delightful Scottish shortbread recipe. Agnes retired from the tea room in 2009 however the current owners and the staff of White Heather continue to provide the high-quality food and the warm, friendly hospitality that are symbolic of the White Heather tea experience. Don’t forget to let them know when booking if you are celebrating birthdays, graduations, bridal and baby showers, or even self-care days as they are always pleased to ensure your visit is special.

This delightful tea experience includes white linens and china, accompanied by decadent creations curated from local and seasonal produce, complemented with alluring food art. The beautifully presented tea tiers have been referred to as “a feast of miniature finger foods of epic proportions”, and after my recent visit, I would have to completely agree.

The superb tea spreads are available to order in three sizes. The “Wee Tea,” is three courses and eight-afternoon tea morsels with freshly baked scones, mini quiche, selection of tea sandwiches, and selection of fresh baking served with coffee or tea. I do want to point out that this is actually not so “wee”.

The “Not So Wee Tea” is made up of three courses and eleven-afternoon tea morsels including scone, quiche, tea sandwiches, mini sconewich with a savory filling, and a selection of dessert bars, fresh tarts, and confections.

The “Big Muckle Tea” is fit for a king or queen. Four courses, thirteen-afternoon tea morsels comprised of a starter amuse-bouche, scones, savory finger hors d’oeuvres, tea sandwiches, mini sconewich with smoked salmon and cream cheese, and a selection of dessert bars, tarts, and confections.

White Heather also offers a gluten-free tea option which has three courses, ten-afternoon tea morsels, baked scones, mini sconewich, savory open face tea sandwiches, savory mini scones with tofu and seasonal vegetables along with a selection of fresh baking.

The tea room also offers the option of “afternoon tea to go” which is beautifully packaged and full of fresh and delicious bites. Please check the website for updates to this “to go” option as changes do occur to this service.

If tea is not your choice on any particular visit, there is a vast array of appealing lunch specials. The staff wants nothing more than to ensure you have a great experience and are indulgently satisfied!

The tea shop is open for dining from Thursday to Sunday for afternoon tea and lunch. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by phone to secure a spot in this cozy welcoming tea room.

There is nothing like a delightful cup of tea and a delicious tea tier to bring pleasure. The White Heather comes through with both of these!