Four Cafes and Tea Rooms to Experience in Vancouver

Whether you’re in the mood for classic afternoon tea or a good, strong coffee, Vancouver has no shortage of spots in which to enjoy a nice cuppa. Here, four to try.

The Secret Garden Tea Company. With traditional Elizabethan décor and extremely fresh finger sandwiches and pastries, afternoon tea at this quaint tearoom in Kerrisdale makes one feel as though they’ve been swept away to a country estate in England for a few hours. From the tea cozies to the perfectly flaky crust of the lemon tarts, the owners of this establishment don’t miss a detail. secretgardentea.com

Café Artigiano. What started as a family-run coffee roastery and café serving up artisanal Italian brews has now grown to a chain of over 15 locations in the Lower Mainland and Calgary. First opened in 2000, Artigiano’s baristas were one of the first in the city to master the skill of “Latte Foam Art.” From the dark red and wood décor to the excellent paninis, soups and pastries on offer, Artigiano has established itself as a go-to spot for excellent Italian coffee in a warm, welcoming and lively environment. caffeartigiano.com

Honolulu Coffee. If you think you need to travel to Hawaii to sip your next cup of Kona coffee, think again. The renowned chain, which has been serving beans sourced from a farm on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii in its coffee shops around the US since 1992, has recently established a number of locations in Vancouver. For a sweet treat don’t miss the Hawaiian Latte made with Lokahi espresso, coconut syrup, Macadamia nut syrup and whipped cream. honolulucoffee.com

Notch8, Fairmont Vancouver Afternoon Tea If you’re looking for a traditional afternoon tea experience in one of the most glamorous and historical settings in Vancouver, head to Notch8 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Renovated in 2015, the room’s name and décor is a nod to the Canadian Pacific Railway along which Fairmont Hotels were initially built. Check the website for special afternoon tea services which take place at during holidays such as Easter and Christmas. notch8-dining.com/afternoon-tea/