High Tea at the Windsor Arms

A girlfriend and I recently had high tea at the Tea Room inside the Windsor Arms Hotel.  There's something so refined and ladylike about high tea.  While we didn't discuss what to wear, we both showed up in teatime outfits - summer dresses for a sunny afternoon of tea.

The Tea Room is beautifully decorated, the atmosphere was just the perfect amount of "stuffy" (and I'm the first to admit that "stuffy" once in awhile can actually be fun).  The tea room has something for everyone - strong teas for tea aficionados and lighter ones for the part-time tea drinker.  I'm a tea lover and went with a strong tea selection: Russian Caravan.  A blend of China black tea, Lapsang Souchong and bergamot tea leaves, the tea was a treat before it even reached the tongue.  The smell was similar to a smoldering camp fire in the summer - strong, calm and comforting.  The taste was even better - I actually swirled the tea in my mouth like wine before I swallowed it.  It was slightly bitter, but also smoky, reminding me of cassis.  It was perfect.

While tea is a main part of the experience, so are the sweet and savoury treats.  From warm scones with fresh devon cream and strawberry preserves, to the beautifully made finger sandwiches, there was something to suit every palate.  For me, it was the summer berries with fresh whipped cream.

Oh, and let's not forget about the wide array of old-fashioned tea-time hats, which can be worn with a $5 donation. Don't forget to bring your camera!

But the best part of it all?  The conversation.  Unlike other meals (which I tend to eat on the run), high tea is meant to be a slow and leisurely experience.  Which is absolutely perfect for catching up with a good friend.

Restaurant rating: Definitely worth an extra hour or two at the gym.