Two weeks ago, I was invited by a good foodie friend, Nora, to accompany her to have afternoon tea at the Bacchus Lounge inside the elegant boutique hotel, Wedgewood. I have been trying to cover as many Afternoon Tea experiences in Vancouver as I could for the blog, so I was happy she asked me to join her while she did some media work for them.
Having been to several afternoon tea services offered by hotels, I find that the food offering is generally more traditional, the service is impeccable and the atmosphere is serene and calm. The afternoon tea service at the Wedgewood is no exception to that. Luxury and professional service seems to be the common theme amongst them and you'll notice that right away as you pull your car up to the front of the hotel where the windows to the Bacchus lounge is facing as well. There is a valet attendant dutifully on standby to help you open your car door and shield you from the elements with an umbrella. On the top of my head, I can only remember one other afternoon tea experience which had started off so grandly and that was at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver. It's no wonder that this establishment was awarded the Four Diamond Award from the CAA/AAA. It's obviously a good choice for hosting clients or impressing guests.
I really enjoyed our time at the Bacchus Lounge and the elegant atmosphere really made an impression. Below are some of the details from our wonderful afternoon spent indulging in our shared passion of food photography and delicious food.
Until we indulge again.
XOXO,
Mimi
❤ OTHER NOTES:
One Word description: Posh
Ambience: Classic luxury. Upholstered furniture, dark wood and specially imported light fixtures from Venice. The lounge is big and spacious while tables and booths are moderately spaced around the room. There are a handful of window tables available which overlook bustling Hornby, they are great for looking out onto some street action. The booths are plush and located in the centre of the room without any natural lighting so its a much dimmer environment than most afternoon tea houses. The atmosphere is for the most part, serene and calm so keep that in mind for larger parties.
Savoury: Good. Savouries centered around a selection of traditional finger sandwiches as opposed to puff pastry or quiches. The fillings were fresh and tasty but the outer layer of the bread was a little dry perhaps due to exposure. There were five different sandwiches to choose from and they were offered in regular afternoon tea sized portions. Not too small (like Rose House) but also not too big (like Neverland).
Sweets: Good. We were told they were all made in-house which surprised me as the raspberry macaron was exquisitely perfect. Most afternoon tea places often have problems with this item so I feel this is a real good reflection of the pastry team here. The rich and smooth chocolate mousse was perhaps the item I enjoyed the most and was the biggest in size compared to the other seven sweets that were not too small (like Rose House) but also not too big (like Neverland). And yes, there is indeed fruit cake and Bakewell tarts on that second tier, some guests may really appreciate these traditional pastries.
Tea: A small collection of basic teas - five black, one green and two herbal. Perhaps the smallest collection I have seen so far. (Neverland and Rose House being the most abundant in variety).
Teaware: Minimalistic white 3 tier stand and matching teacups. Tea was served in a glass teapot with infuser.
Service: N/A (We were there as guests of the establishment). They were professionally trained and in uniform.
Location: 845 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1V1, (604) 608-5319
Parking: One of the very few afternoon tea lounges that offers valet parking! Street parking is also available on Hornby or a sheltered parking lot inside the Scotia Theatre on the next block.
Other notes:
♥ Afternoon Tea $35 per person
With a Kir Royal, Add $11.50 or a Glass of Sparkling, Blue Mountain, Brut (B.C.), Add $16.00
Only available on the weekend. Saturday & Sunday from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
[srp post_limit='5' post_random='yes' category_include= 29 widget_title = 'Indulge in Vancouver Life with Me']
Leave a Reply