High tea, a centuries-old British celebration, can be enjoyed at a tea room near you

FSTORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAN FEDUCK rom the moment the elegant cups and saucers were placed on the tablecloth, I knew this experience would be more like taking tea at Downton Abbey than grabbing a “steeped tea” on the go. Proudly, our server placed a three-level tray of delicacies in front of us and watched for our astonishment.

My mom, a friend and I were on a quest to visit area eateries that carry on the age-old tradition of serving high tea. In these times of fast-paced living, the experience of high tea allows us to slow down and enjoy the luxury of sharing quality tea and delicacies with friends and family.

Tea was first brought to Canada in a shipment by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1716, as the British settlers brought customs around afternoon and high tea to their new country.

It is widely believed that the custom of serving afternoon LEFT: tea originated in 18th-century England when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, requested tea and sweets in the afternoon to ward off hunger between breakfast and late dinner. At that time, high tea was a term used to describe a more substantial afternoon meal for workers arriving home from a hard day of labour. Over the years, these terms became intertwined and high tea is now considered to be a special afternoon dining experience including fine tea (or coffee) and small sandwiches, scones and sweets, usually served on a three-tiered tray. Many fine hotels and tea shops around the world serve high tea in the afternoon, continuing this elegant tradition. Here are some places that offer high tea in the southern Ontario area. Each has its own story and style and all share a passion for creating a memorable experience. Langdon Hall in Cambridge has hired a dedicated pastry chef to produce the bite-sized delicacies offered at high tea. The trays have three levels: scones, savoury and sweet. A selection of fine teas is sourced from Tealeaves, a Vancouver-based company. ABOVE: The Boathouse in Guelph, located next to the Speed River, is a cosy place to enjoy high tea.