You guys, I have a thing for tea. It’s my solace, my comfort, my relaxation when I’m in desperate need of some peace. As a result, the man in my life and I like to go to our own local teahouse on occasion to get drowned in cucumber sandwiches, scones, and other delights that make my little heart happy.
So when we arrived in Victoria, my absolute must do on the grand old bucket list was to have afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel. This hotel boasts having been the place of choice for British royalty to stay when they decided to drop by for a visit. It’s classy, elegant, and more expensive then the local teahouse, and I was pumped!
We got off to a rocky start though upon arrival in Victoria. Our hotel was not quite ready (we did NOT stay at the Empress, since one night there would most likely have bankrupted me). This meant that I had the lovely experience of changing in a public bathroom and trying to fluff my hair into a semblance of normality (I failed) before heading to tea. Sigh, #travelwoes.
Apparently, on our trip, the hotel was serving a very special tea in honor of the wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The menu was composed of Prince Harry’s favorite treats. They also used the same china for other visiting dignitaries that would stay at the Empress. So we got an extra fancy tea I guess.
I say “I guess” because I wasn’t as impressed as I’d thought I’d be. I found myself comparing it to my local teahouse and thinking how it was so much better than this fancy-schmancy place. The scones were alright, the three-tiered trays of foods were okay… But not memorable. And I can’t even tell you what the dessert portion of it was which is insane because I gravitate towards sugar like a moth to a flame. So either I had paid an exorbitant amount for tea because it was the Empress, or I just thought Prince Harry had mediocre taste in food.
Next time, I’ll appreciate the things I have (like awesome local teahouses!) and stop thinking the grass is greener at the Empress.
Girls and tea parties… all that sophistication and stuff.. 😁
I like to have grown up tea parties now!
Those can get pretty wild lol!
Only if we fight over the snacks 🙂
Lol! Seriously though, awesome post! It’s refreshing to see people who enjoy the finer things in life!
You should try a tea house (or go back for more if you already have)! It’s always a fun time for me 🙂
You’ve given me a date night idea for me and my wife! (Well done Kristen!)
I’m gonna have to do some looking online… I don’t know of any around here..
I hope you can find one!
It’s fun to go, if just for the experience!
Wow lucky you! That china is gorgeous!
Isn’t it? I felt very fancy! 😅
As much as I loved the empress’ tea, I guess your local place, I mean your favourite tea house, seemed better to me too 😉
It really is… though I’m very happy I got to experience tea at the Empress.
What a bittersweet experience. At least you’re not left with ‘Empress cravings’. The wallet wins!
That is very true! I’m glad for the experience though! It’s nice to know that sometimes the fancy things aren’t necessarily “better”!
I would love to visit any teahouse! I wish they were as common around here. I’m sorry this fancy place was such a dissappointment. 🙁
I honestly didn’t know I had one so close by until about a year ago. They are quite enjoyable to visit!
I still had a good time at the Empress. I was just surprised at how unimpressed I was!