I consider myself somewhat of an expert on this city’s high tea scene. That’s because I’ll use any excuse to go for high tea -- business meetings, social visits, birthdays, and cheer-me-up noshes.

The best place to go, in my opinion, is the White Heather Tea Room in Oak Bay. To begin with, the food is divine. I’ve been there at least two dozen times in the last year and never once has the food failed to please. It’s always innovative, fresh, and top quality.

The White Heather is a local favourite because it’s affordable. High tea here is about a quarter of the price of tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. As well, the portions are substantial. The White Heather offers three sizes of high tea for three different appetites: the Wee Tea for those cursed with a small appetite; the Not So Wee Tea for folks who want a lunch size tea; and the Big Muckle Giant Tea for Two which is so huge that my companion and I have never been able to finish it. This has lead to many a heated discussion about who gets to take the leftovers home. Be forewarned.

The White Heather also offers a scrumptious brunch (try the lighter-than-air lemon ricotta pancakes) every Sunday, and Friday night dinners October through May. It provides catering and high tea to go.

Reservations are strongly recommended.

Written By: Maria Lironi

Features
Wheelchair Accessible  |  Beer and Wine  |  Catering  |  Lunch  |  Smoke-free  |  Take-Out  |  Sunday Brunch  |  Takes Reservations

Comments
We frequent the tea room for a delicious meal in this quaint restaurant. All food is prepared by the owner and is one of a kind. I try to take all lady members of the family for tea as an after christmas celebration.
- angela Oakley on Tue, November 20, 2007

My friends and I (four of us) went to your Tea Room for the great Big Muckle Tea! Only one of us had been there before so we were forwarned about what to expect!! Well let me tell you that was an understatement! It was a loverly get together of the four of us who had been friends for 50 years!!! What a delightful place to reminisce and thoroughly enjoy the spread!! We are planning on making this an annual event for good company and great Big Muckle!!!!
- Joyce Carr on Sun, August 12, 2007

We found this lovely tea room completely by accident while sight-seeing around Oak Bay. We were smart enough to stop in,not knowing what a treat awaited us! With no previous knowledge about this tea room, we of course had no reservation. The owner, who was so charming and welcoming, managed to squeeze us in with hardly a wait. We had the Big Muckle Tea--what an incredible treat! I have been to many an afternoon tea, but this,by far, was the superior, stand-out winner! Every bite of every scone, tea sandwich, tart and treat was delicious. Also included many savory selections, which I love. All of the staff very friendly and accommodating. We will definitely return (WITH reservation)on our next trip to Victoria. We can't believe we found such a wonderful place completely by accident--it was such a lovely and satisfying afternoon of tea and treats, and extremely reasonably priced as well!
- Deb G on Fri, December 8, 2006

A recent update. I can add nothing to the praises of the tea room. I am lucky enough to live just down the street, so it is a favourite haunt, a must with visitors. Just an update on opening times. It is closed on Sundays AND Mondays, and has been for several years. Also, reservations are really necessary, except perhaps late in the afternoon. I often suggest a late afternoon tea, order the Muckle Big Tea, and make it do for dinner....
- elain genser on Sun, September 17, 2006

My six friends and I just had tea at White Heather and I must say, it competes with Buchard Gardens for being the highlight of our one day visit to Victoria. The place was very warm and friendly. We had to change our time of arrival at the last minute and they were very accommodating. But most of all, the food and tea were EXCELLENT!! And there was plenty of it. We took what we couldn't eat with us, contained in a very attractive box. Since leaving, we have told everyone we've run into how great this place is. Now if I could only justify flying from Washington DC to Victoria just for tea again at the White Heather Tea Room!
- Joyce Montague on Wed, August 16, 2006

My sister and I visited The White Heather Tea Room and found one of the best priced Tea's for your money! very cosy tables and and a large selection of wonderful tea. The food was excellent, Better than the Empress!
- Nancy Elliott on Mon, March 13, 2006

I agree! The White Heather Tea Room is the best place for tea in Victoria. I am glad to live walking distance from this fine tea room, and frequent it often. It is a particular favorite for celebrating birthdays with my girlfriends. We all agree, the menu is the BEST on the island, serving large portions of healthy and delicious food. My only complaint is that the actually building itself isn't bigger! I would have large parties there if it were so.
- Lachelle Sevre on Sun, January 22, 2006

I agree with Maria! My husband and I found out about the White Heather at the Victoria Visitor's Center in the harbour. We got reservations and then walked over. Be forewarned--it's quite a bit of a walk, a couple of miles at least--but worth every step and besides, you'll need the exercise considering how well they feed you. My husband was completely unfamiliar with British-style tea and thought he was only going to get a cup of hot tea and nothing else.... now he's at least as big a fan as I. We got the Not So Wee Tea, which is a terrible understatement. We stuffed ourselves ill and nearly had to roll out of the restaurant. We also brought home some wonderful loose-leaf teas. If we ever get to make it back up to Victoria, you can be sure we'll make a point of stopping at the White Heather!
- Sue Pearl on Fri, December 9, 2005

We found the White Heather Tea Room on this website and drove out of our way to get there on the Tuesday after B.C. day and they were closed for the Sunday, also the Monday (B.C. day) and then closed in lieu of the holiday on the Tuesday. I guess they didn't want our business. We were so disappointed but we found James Bay tea room which was delightful and willing to accommodate tourists like ourselves.
- R & G Bolton  on Sat, August 13, 2005

I agree with all of the above but want to mention that the White Heather is now closed on Sundays.
- Kate von Kanel on Wed, July 27, 2005

Add Your Comments
Please Enter ONLY Comments. DO NOT ENTER Questions or requests for information. They will NOT be answered and will be deleted. You need to contact the establishments directly for answers to your questions.

Your Name

Your Email

Subject of Comment

Your Comment

Type The Characters You See From The Image Below

Want us to link your web site? Just Fill Our our link request form by clicking here.

See something you like? Something you don't like? Send us your feedback. Let us know what you want to see on Vancouver Island, it's your web site! Email us at webmaster@kulshan.com

Copyright 1999-2006 Berry International ALL RIGHTS RESERVED