Tea Time at the Fairmont Empress

This post is also available in: Español

Enjoying Tea Time at the Fairmont Empress Queen Victoria Style!

The stained glass dome in the Fairmont Empress Palm Court
The stained glass dome in the Fairmont Empress Palm Court

One of the highlights of my travels to the pacific Northwest is that I got to enjoy tea time at the Empress. This has been one of my dreams since childhood and finally  came true after so many years.

Welcome to Victoria, British Columbia
Welcome to Victoria, British Columbia

On our last visit to Seattle my husband and I decided to hop on the ferry and visit the town of Victoria located in British Columbia, Canada for few days. The trip was smooth and we truly enjoyed the ride. It was an early riser but we wanted to arrive as early as possible to get to maximize our time there. The immigration process was swift and luckily for us our hotel was very close from where the ferry docs.

Before enjoying Tea Time at the main lounge we enjoy a cup in our own suite
Before enjoying Tea Time at the main lounge we enjoy a cup in our own suite

We decided to stay at the Fairmont Empress because it is a regal place that has so much history. Besides when you visit Victoria for the fist time to get the flavor of the place so staying at his hotel is the right thing to do. Watch the video to get to know about the history of this magnificent hotel which has been in service since 1908 and has hosted kings and queens, celebrities and most recently us, the Martins!

Even though I am from Mexico I studied in my younger years in a British private school where I learned all about the British traditions including tea time and honoring Royal Highness the Queen of England. Who in one of her visits to Mexico in the 70s stopped by our school to honor us with a special gift: The official United Kingdom flag. I remember this special event vividly as well as all those rehearsals to make a good impression. I still know the lyrics of “God Save the Queen”, the national or royal anthem of Commonwealth realms, their territories, and the British Crown dependencies. Because at my school we were used sing it every Monday during the weekly ceremony of the flags.

Waiting to be seated for tea time at the Fairmont Empress
Waiting to be seated for tea time at the Fairmont Empress

Since then I have been following the royal family and have embraced that same tradition to enjoy tea and biscuits from time to time. When my husband and I arrived to Victoria one of the main activities planned was to enjoy tea time at the Empress and to stay in a suite in this gorgeous hotel.

Delightful Tea Time Menu at the Empress
Delightful Tea Time Menu at the Empress

The tea time at the Fairmont Empress has been enjoyed for more than a hundred years and it is among the world’s best unique tea experiences. The menu includes house-made signature Empress scones, pastries, clotted creams and strawberry preserves with fresh lavender from their rooftop herb garden, and a selection of 21 of the finest loose leafs teas available.

Chef Adriana Martin enjoying tea time at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria
Chef Adriana Martin enjoying tea time at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria

We opted for the two traditional teas: The Empress Tea and the Tong Mu Phoenix Lapsang Souchong blend. Both were delightful and complemented perfectly the menu served. If you want to bring this special tea home you can buy it at the hotel retail store or here on Amazon. This is a perfect souvenir to enjoy the royal tea experience at home and relive the memories of the best tea time in the world.

Now tell us have you been to Victoria or do you enjoy this royal tradition of tea time at home?

Tea Time at the Fairmont Empress

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Chef Adriana Martin
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