2.17.2013

Tea at the Windsor Arms

Anyone who visits Toronto (or who calls the city home) must experience tea at the Windsor Arms - one of Toronto's most elegant boutique hotels. The hotel was designed by Kirk Hyslop and built in 1927 in the city's downtown Yorkville neighbourhood, which is known for its high-end stores and charming atmosphere. The hotel was shut down in the early 1990s after becoming nearly derelict from years of poor management and almost no upkeep. The building was eventually designated as a Canadian heritage site and was fully restored to its former glory. It reopened in 1999. Today, it is a destination for visiting celebrities, tourists and locals alike.
I recently experienced 'high tea' at the hotel for the first time and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon with a good friend of mine. Below are some of my photographs. The service and selection were excellent and everything was so delicious - not to mention quite reasonably priced. Besides, it was fun to dress up and experience a formal occasion when there was no occasion at all. (I think Martha would enjoy it here.) Click here to see their menu and more photographs of the elegant tea room. If you are planning a visit, be sure to view their tea schedule and make reservations.
Top photo credit: www.phillipac.com

5 comments:

---a--- said...

I love afternoon tea. There's something so polite and calm about spending the afternoon eating scones!

Rowaida said...

Beautiful tea lounge, and photos Andrew.
I Love love tea lounges, in London my favorites at Fortnum and Mason http://www.fortnumandmason.com/c-209-afternoon-tea-fortnum-and-mason.aspx The Dorchester http://www.thedorchester.com/afternoon-tea Savoy Hotel http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/dining/savoytea/
In Kuwait at The Sheraton Hotel English Tea Lounge http://www.sheratonkuwait.com/en/tea-lounge

ANDREW RITCHIE said...

I knew the two London girls would post comments on this! Thanks for the recommendations, Rowaidaa! Pru, eating tea sandwiches, petit fours and scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jams... Divine!

---a--- said...

Andrew, I'm thinking you need to do a trip to London so that Rowaida and I can take you out for tea!

ANDREW RITCHIE said...

Pru, when ever I am there next, I will take you up on that offer! :-)