The Best Places for High Tea with Your Little Ones

High tea, also known as “afternoon tea,” is more than just sipping a hot drink. It’s an immersive experience—a ritual that combines delicious tea with sweet and savoury treats.  And this specially designed pastime isn’t just for grown ups: afternoon tea offers young ones the chance to partake in the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea in a child-friendly setting. Plus, there are plenty of places for high tea in the Lower Mainland.

This beloved ritual originated in 19th century England, when it was an informal meal to tide over the upper class before their late evening dinner. Over time, it became a symbol of refined taste, and today, it’s a way to spend a leisurely afternoon in style.

If you’ve been wondering where to pamper your pint-sized epicureans with a fancy finger sandwich feast, wait no more. There are several local venues that cater to this time-honoured tradition, providing an opportunity for kids to engage in a refined affair. We’ve rounded up six spots for your next afternoon date.

6 Kid-Friendly Places to Get High Tea in B.C.

The Secret Garden Tea Company

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Kerrisdale, the Secret Garden Tea Company is one of Vancouver’s oldest tea houses. I took my five-year-old granddaughter Liv recently. Dressed up in her favourite dress, Liv was excited. She felt very grown up when her apple juice came in her own tea pot like grandma’s tea did. Famous for serving delicious scones, petit fours, sweet pastries and fine teas, it is perfect for a girls’ date. The day we were there, the salon was packed with women of all ages, some wearing fascinators, as they enjoyed a feast while leisurely bonding over high tea.

Little White House & Co.

Built in 1930, the Little White House & Co.’s Parisian-inspired café is a popular spot for bridal shower lunches and tea parties, all combined in a charming historic house. You’ll be surprised at how uniquely mesmerizing every corner of this place is. The farmhouse décor is creatively designed to make every angle eye candy. They offer three distinctive high tea experiences: Green Goddess, Marche Blanc and Little White House Farmhouse. Each feature unique petit fours, finger sandwiches and sweet treats.

Neverland Tea Salon

Neverland Tea Salon was founded by two childhood friends, Terri Tatchell and Renee Iaci, who have backgrounds in film and theatre. With sparkling chandeliers, tea cups hanging from the ceiling and quotes from Peter Pan on the walls, it’s a fanciful spot to spend an afternoon. For spring, come in for Tinkerbell’s “Cherry Blossom” high tea for children 12 and under. Whimsical and fun, their current cherry blossom-themed menu offers a mix of sweets (like a truffle pop and citrus scone) savory finger sandwiches (like beet cream cheese and cucumber) mini pizza, and of course, a selection of teas.

Fairmont Empress

This Victoria spot is surely the Grande dame of high tea. Opened in 1908, the Empress has been welcoming kings, queens, and yes, tiny princesses to its white-gloved tea service for over a century. So, it’s not surprising that it offers a Princess and Prince tea. Children ages five to 12 can truly feel like royalty as they are served on the Royal China collection from 1939 in the famous Lobby Lounge. In a beautiful atmosphere, the Empress presents delicious treats, such as an organic peanut butter and jelly sandwich served on brioche bread, as well as other delicacies like its signature Empress scone with housemade Devonshire cream.

Globe@YVR

Globe@YVR (inside Fairmont YVR) is not only the perfect venue for watching planes take off, it is a great place for kids to indulge in its Little Flyer’s Club’s Junior Afternoon Tea experience. Kids 12 and under can select from a menu of exclusive teas, hot chocolates or juices paired with snacks and sweet treats. Little ones will enjoy a “high-flying” experience in a sophisticated yet welcoming venue, serving up a feast fit for mini dames. Seasonal specialities including a selection of teensy sandwiches, freshly baked scones and sweet pastries are created with little ones in mind.

Cakes n Sweets

Since opening its doors in 2014, this Coquitlam bakery has been serving delightful high tea experiences. With a beautiful menu of drinks and petit fours, this spot is known for its aromatic tea, mouthwatering desserts, cozy vibes and friendly staff. The high tea menu is refreshed seasonally, offering a variety of new flavours and treats to delight guests—young and old.