Turning 80 With Class! High Tea at the Historic Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, Canada
Welcome to a delightful journey through the exquisite world of High Tea at the iconic Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, Canada. Before we embark on this culinary adventure, it's important to acknowledge that this footage was captured on the unceded territory of the Lekwungen people of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.
This day was truly worth celebrating, as it marked my Dad's 80th birthday. Dad had dedicated his career to the Empress Hotel, a place he cherished deeply. Despite his many years there, he had never experienced High Tea, and neither had I. If you were to ask Dad what he missed most about working at the hotel, he'd tell you, I miss the people and I miss the food. Given his passion for food and the special occasion, it only made sense to make a reservation and treat him to High Tea at the Empress Hotel, even though it comes with a somewhat hefty price tag of $95.00 + tax per person, plus tip. I might be a frugal spender, but some experiences are worth sharing, especially with someone as dear as my Dad.
Upon arrival, Dad and I were warmly welcomed and escorted to our cozy table for two. Our High Tea adventure began with Dad choosing the Empress Blend of Tea, a traditional favourite from the extensive tea menu. Just like fine wine, tea pairs perfectly with specific foods, and our server provided a timer to ensure our tea was steeped to perfection.
Shortly after, a magnificent tray of delectable sandwiches, scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and pastries arrived at our table. The scones were raisin, and the sandwiches included mouthwatering selections like egg salad croissant, cold smoked salmon, curry chicken, English cucumber, and ham and cheese. The top tier featured heavenly pastries, including carrot cake, chocolate and cherry teacup, caramel pecan tart, cheesecake, and macarons. The food, expertly prepared at the Empress Hotel (with the exception of the locally made macarons), was beautifully presented, served with expertise, and absolutely scrumptious.
Our High Tea experience was nothing short of memorable, and we will forever cherish the wonderful memories created that day. Beyond the scrumptious food, the spectacular view, and the stunning atmosphere, the background piano music added a perfect touch to the ambiance, and Dad even knew the talented pianist. The pianist joined us briefly after finishing a set, to wish Dad a happy birthday. The two reminisced about the good people and the good times. Given it was Dad's birthday and he had retired from the iconic Empress Hotel, he was acquainted with many of the staff working that day. Word quickly spread throughout the hotel that Doug was celebrating his 80th birthday at High Tea, and one by one, his former co-workers stopped by our table to wish him a heartfelt Happy Birthday and admire how great he looked. It was undoubtedly one of the highlights of his day, being remembered and celebrated by the people he loved working with. Dad remains good friends with many of his now-retired former co-workers and maintains friendships with those still working at the hotel.
If the price doesn't deter you, I highly recommend experiencing High Tea at the iconic Empress Hotel. It's a longstanding tradition and one of the most sought-after experiences for both locals and visitors in Victoria.
Thank you for choosing to spend your time celebrating with my Dad and me. If you enjoyed this video, please consider giving it a thumbs up, leaving a positive comment, and subscribing to my channel if you haven't already. I'm just starting my journey in food reviews and have plenty of new culinary experiences to share. If there's a local Victoria restaurant you'd like to see reviewed, please leave your suggestions in the comments, and I'll do my best to fulfill your requests. Your support means the world to me, and I genuinely appreciate it.
On a side note, when Dad retired from the Empress Hotel, he was presented with his own Royal Empress Set Tea Set for 2. It is in the Original Empress pattern, which has been in use since 1939 and consists of a Tea Pot, sugar bowl, creamer, 2 dessert plates, 2 tea cups and saucers. Dad was grateful for the gift he received, he felt it was a heirloom to stay in the family. I am now the caretaker of this precious family heirloom.
The Empress Hotel is located in the City of Victoria, BC Canada at 721 Government St.
For reservations call 250-389-2727 or to book online emp.diningres@fairmont.com
Best....Corrie
Why we LOVE the Fairmont Empress
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Welcome to Our Favorite Hotel in Victoria, BC Canada- the luxurious Fairmont Empress
0:00 start
1:36 The Lobby
2:24 Accor Hotel Group
3:13 Q Bar And Q at the Empress
4:14 Guestroom
4:43 The Library
4:59 Palm Court
5:18 Victoria Conference Centre
6:31 Fairmont Health Club
6:56 History Museum
7:28 Tea Time
11:39 Dinner at Q at the Empress
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This Forbes Four-Star, 4-Diamond iconic property known as the Castle on the Coast is located on Victoria’s inner harbor next to the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. For more than 110 years the Fairmont Express has been dazzling guests with their personalized service and legendary hospitality which is a trademark of the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts brand.
A recent renovation in 2017 transformed this beautiful property and brought in a new era of modern luxury.
Located in the heart of Victoria it is easy to enjoy unique experiences such as whale watching, visiting the world famous Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, Royal BC Museum, Minature World, Fishermans Wharf. You can also enjoy a Victoria Carriage Tour or a harbor ferry tour. Be sure to watch for our video on Butchart Gardens coming up soon.
Victoria born Emily Carr is British Columbia’s most famous artist. Her art and writings are recognized across Canada. She is known for her paintings of First Nations villages and Pacific Northwest Indian totems. She was also a writer and produced six autobiographical books.
The Fairmont Empress is one of many properties of the Accor hospitality group, a worldwide hotel operator with 5,300 hotels, 778,000 hotel rooms in 110 countries and is the largest hospitality company in Europe. The All-Accor Live Limitless loyalty program offers members a range of offers, services, rewards and experiences including dining, art, travel, shopping and entertainment.
Winston will greet you in the lobby. Winston- Labrador golden retriever has his own hash tag #WinstonattheEmpress
Guest accommodations include 464 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites in distinctive floor plans , many with views of the harbor, city and gardens.
A wonderful treat was delivered to our room. Empress 1908 purple gin – made with botanicals including the butterfly pea blossom that give it the purple hue and chocolates made in-house.
There is a History museum which is not easy to find, located near the parking area
A deal was reached between the city and the railway in 1903. The city would provide the land and special tax and water concessions for 15 years and the railway promised to build a first class hotel costing at least $300,000 and would be operated and maintained for 50 years.
We enjoyed Tea at the Empress in the Lobby Lounge with classical piano music played on the hotels baby grand piano. Flaky scones with housemade strawberry jam, pastries, honey from the local bee hives and finger sandwiches. An elevated culinary experience which has been going on here for over a century.
Q at the Empress featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine based on fresh regional ingredients. This means they partner with local farmers and artisans and include sustainably sourced seafood and traditionally raised meats. Fresh contemporary feel blended with their traditional heritage.
We had a wonderful dinner with the Meat and Cheese Plate and the Chilled Seafood Plateau along with a Q 1908 with the famous Empress 1908 indigo gin and egg whites with some simple syrup.
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