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Secret Garden Tea Company
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Tea Rooms Coffee & Tea, Tea Rooms [Edit]
5559 W BlvdVancouver, BC V6M 3W6
Neighbourhoods: Kerrisdale, Arbutus Ridge
(604) 261-3070
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 7 pm
Sun 9 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
59 reviews for Secret Garden Tea Company
Review Highlights
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"The creamy earl grey was amazing." In 9 reviews -
"with clotted cream and jam." In 5 reviews -
"The tea is wonderful, and the scones are to die for." In 19 reviews
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59 reviews in English
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Review from Mandy N.
Vancouver, BC
5/4/2012
This is definitely another high tea place that i would recommend to anyone out there. I've tried almost all the major places in Vancouver for high tea and I would say I will be returning in the near future.
This place was recommended to me by a lot of my girl friends that all tried it.
The first time I walked into this place i was like wow it's a little girls dream tea house place. My girl friend and I had made reservations there and we got to enjoy a good few hours of catching up time.
They had a lot of different types of teas to choose from and my all time favorite would be black tea with vanilla.
The server was pretty knowledgeable and knew what she was doing.
They also sold their own pastries that you were able to take home. Really big ones too. -
Review from Elisa A.
North Vancouver, BC
Updated - 4/5/2012 4 photos
Couple weeks ago I surprisely received a MSG from the owner of the secret garden for the concern of my second unpleasant visit , and would like me to visit again and make it a better memory! So here I come with my girlfriend.
The store wasn't as busy as last time which totally brings back the sweet, warm, cozy and relaxing admisphere! And it was a nice day out, so just sitting by the window, looking out the beautiful sky, cotton shaped clouds with a corner of the historical kerrisdale town view , having some chat with good friends, drinking the AMAZING TEA(i had angel's dream this time), eating the little sandwiches , scones, cakes, tarts, wow! Everything freezes all of a sudden, feels like I'm in the wonder land with all my happy moments filled in. What a wonderful day, and wonderful time!
Our favorite , sweet waitress , Whitney was there ( happy to see her) , she is always so welcoming . she brought over few tiny jars with different tea leaves and let me choose what tea I want this time- the Angels dream it is!!!
I had secret gardens secret tea befor which always satisfied me with that beautiful creamy vanilla scent and with some delightful taste of the fruit! And this time angels dream totally surprised me with its sweetness taste . it's similar to secret gardens secret but even better!!! I think it can be next best sell tea in the store!!
Angels dream , what a beautiful name with a dreamingly scent and taste! Having it at home now!!
Their high tea menu is changed every month, so this time I get to try the whole new sandwiches and cakes ! Everything tastes fresh and delish!!
I have noticed they have changed the art in the store, it makes the store feel even sweeter than before! Good job !!!
I wanna thank to the owner Kathy to care for customers' experiences , and helped me to find my good memories back with my friends in this store! It will always be my secret garden and I will bring every my besties over to build more beautiful memories and share more joyful moments together in secret garden!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/6/2012
I can only give this store a 5 stars,no exception!!!!
The store is small and neat, in the historical… Read more »
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Review from Andrea P.
3/20/2012
I'm adamant that this is the best high tea in Vancouver. Yes, $30 is pricey for tea, finger sandwiches, and treats, but Secret Garden is actually on par with or more reasonable than other tea establishments in the city. Plus, all those treats add up - you'll leave stuffed!
I've been several times and have never been disappointed with their selection. I think the quality of the food here is far superior to the Fairmont Vancouver. Peanut butter shortbread and lemon tarts are awesome! If you don't have room for a full high tea service, the Demi High Tea is a nice option: tea, 2 sandwiches, 2 desserts, and a scone with jam for $12- just enough to feed a small pint like me! -
Review from Jennifer K.
Vancouver, BC
"Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"...
"It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine..."
Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
This quaint little shop is the perfect hideout on a rainy day; with all its green accents and colorful pastel dresses hanging by their tea canisters and sweets, it feels like you're in the midst of a blossoming flower garden.
And given all that is in bloom, this cute tea shop is the perfect venue for a baby shower, which is what brought me to the Secret Garden.
Although it is simply enough to be enamored with their charming little tea pots wrapped in little warmers http://www.yelp.com/bi... or the little cups of sugar cubes http://www.yelp.com/bi..., we couldn't help but rave about the flavors as well.
The Buckingham Palace tea was simply delightful: a combo of Early Grey and Jasmine, and a bit of milk. I also ordered the Creamy Earl Grey, but it was a bit too subtle for my liking. To go with the tea, we had the whole wheat and currant scone with mascarpone and jam...so out of this world delish!
The Quiche (filled with bacon and mushroom), and a side of tomato soup were so satisfying! http://www.yelp.com/bi... How impressive that a little shop focused on teas and desserts could churn out savory dishes so well.
Bear in mind that reservations can only be made for high tea. So if you're here for the food, be prepared to wait a bit. -
Review from Stephanie K.
Vancouver, BC
5/4/2012
One of my favorite places in Vancouver! I am here at least once a week for lunch or high tea! Lovely staff love the atmosphere and its in the neighborhood! We had them cater for us once and it was also a pleasant experience! Every Vancouverite should visit at least once... I am sure after that it will be a habit!
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Review from Bronwyn G.
North Vancouver, BC
4/1/2012
This is an incredibly cute place to sit down with tea and snacks or to buy gifts. My first thought was "This is what it would look like if Pinterest barfed!" I went in just to buy some tea bags of their Creamed Earl Grey. I am not an Earl Grey fan, but then again this tea doesn't really taste like Earl Grey. It's kind of like a sweet-fragrant-creamy-tea-inspired-by-earl-grey. It's lovely and I'd recommend stopping by to buy a bag. 40 tea bags will set you back $10.95 including tax.
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Review from Ellie V.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 1/28/2012
Just went back there for a delicious breakfast recently!
Sunday mornings with some Earl Grey and an omelette... Life is good.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2011
I really do miss going to this place. My mom, grandmother, and I used to venture out to it a few… Read more »
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Review from Betty T.
11/26/2011
I am a little disappointed with this place to be honest. What's all the hype about? Had the tea service with my best friend, and was definitely not impressed!!! What is with the ambiance? Everything is inelegantly decorated in an attempt to look aristocratic or Queen Victoria ish.... but it just looks like some haunted house in a poorly made movie... even my grandma would not come here...
The food is just terrible. If i knew i had to pay so much for some dried up scones and overly sweet pastries... I would have just walked 2 minutes and bought savory snacks from Cobbs Break or Faubourg.
One more complaint... NO 3G OR PHONE RECEPTION??? Terrible!!! Imagine getting stuck at this place for a tea service (~2 hours) with someone who is totally awkward or annoying.... you can't even occasionally chat or browse on your smart phone to kill time!
Anyways, at least this place is clean and quiet. Good for conversations and what not.
For those who care about ambiance + taste, don't come here. For those who have nothing better to do, sure... try it.... i admit its a great place for wasting time. -
Review from Ellie I.
Vancouver, BC
4/3/2012
Wear nice hats, grab a few girls and go! It's a very nice place to experience afternoon tea with friends. The decor makes me think "Victorian" and that reminds me, I prefer this place over the tea service at the Hotel Empress in Victora. The food and tea is very good. No complaints here.
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Review from Herman E.
11/22/2011
Review is for high tea.
Some people really like the experience of high tea, and some people are impartial to it. I think I am the latter. I will admit that it is an "experience" but I don't think I would do it on any regular basis of any sort. It is one of those feel good things, much like watching Oprah, I suppose. Needless to say, the bulk of the high tea customers were......yes, female.
I've been here a couple of times and I'm not gonna knock it but it is worth a try, else you may get an earful from your SO.
The sandwiches and mini desserts/tarts, etc, that are served on a tiered platter is "quaint". I can't think of any other adjective. It was by no means exceptional in terms of taste.
If this is your cup of tea, (pun intended), go for it, the experience that it is. -
Review from M D.
Surrey, BC
10/5/2011
This is a good high tea place for girls.
I don't think this place is expensive (high tea for approx.$29) considering some other fancy shops charge you more than $40/person.
Their tea was great. I have tried Earl Grey, Secret Garden's secret and Lemon Mango Punch, and all of them were great tea.
Their baking stuff (scones & sweets) is pretty good too.
My favorite here is Demi High Tea (approx. $12) which comes with; Two mini sweets, two mini sandwiches, a mini scone and one of their Teas.
I like this Demi Tea just because the High Tea is too filling for me.
Will definitely go back!! -
Review from Jacqueline T.
8/19/2011
People say $30 (BEFORE tax and tip) is too much for high tea. But I've tried the high tea at fairmont ($70 a person) in Victoria, BC., and I must say.. The Secret Garden was a very close second. I might actually prefer the Secret Garden's dessert tier better than the fairmont.. as it was all too rich there.. where as the Secret Garden was refreshing, and not overbearing with Chocolate :)
I'm always happy to fork out my $30, as the high tea here is delicious! All 3 tiers. and sconessss and the cream and jammm! mmmmm. I think this is the only place where I clear out.. all 3 tiers! Other high tea places.. the sweet plate, gets too much to handle.
Definitely one of my favorite places to "raise my pinky" at! I think the quality and quanity justifies for the $$. I wish the place was a little bit more modern? But i guess thats their own special touch/charm.
If you still think its too much. Try your share at Urban Tea Merchant. They often times have a deal where it'll be $25 (AFTER tax and tip).. but their scones and dessert tier aren't up to paar. But you still get that nice high tea atmosphere :) oh.. and their tea is incredible. mm I must go write review for them now. /endListed in: Coffee & Tea - raise your…
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Review from Roger D.
2/4/2012 1 photo
Great place for friends to meet for tea and still feel at home. The food is excellent too which was a surprise.
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Review from Annie W.
7/6/2011
This is one of my favorite places for High Tea in Vancouver. Have been coming here for years with my girlfriends, some of which have moved far far away and still make a point of coming here whenever they're back in town.
While their tea selection may not be as extensive as some other places, the teas they do offer are all of very high quality and delicious. Their adult high tea comes with a good selection of sandwiches, pastries, tarts and sweets which are beautifully presented in bite sized portions on classic 3-tiered bone china afternoon tea trays. I do find that once in a blue moon a dessert will miss the mark a bit in the flavour department.
I've never had issues with their service, which like the quality of the food & tea, has remained dependable and consistent over the years. Overall, a wonderful place to catch up with girlfriends and indulge your girly-girl sides.
Reservations are must and should be booked well in advance as the place is very popular with the local ladies who lunch. -
Review from Lisa R.
Burnaby, BC
8/10/2011
This place is very fun and super cute. It's a beautiful place to have tea. I love their mini boutique of goodies. They have a wall full of loose leaf and bagged teas. So much selection and very interesting flavour choices. Nothing too outlandish but still a great selection. Creamy Earl Gray is my favorite.
Their food is yummy. I always get their tomato soup, tastes like homemade soup with grandma's tomatoes from the garden! Their little tiny grilled cheese bite size sandwiches on top of the soup are so yummy! Mac and Cheese is great, so are their sandwiches and their salad dressings are fresh and homemade.
The atmosphere is calming, fun, and laid back. The servers are great, helpful, and polite.
THE PASTRIES! Sometimes I go and just pick up pastries to go! Bite size and LOTS to choose from. Don't leave without trying the brownie, shortbread, lemon tart, ok any of them, none have disappointed. -
Review from Justin L.
8/15/2011
If you're determined to have HIGH TEA, I guess you might as well come here, since the Secret Garden does a very good job of pampering you with dainty treats and fine cups of fine tea. But, really, $26.95 per adult?? But to be fair, you get quite a lot of food. As in, you should actually skip lunch and come hungry. So if you're just here in the afternoon in between meals, consider some of the demi-tea or other shared options.
I really like the sandwiches here, particularly the GRILLED BRIE AND GREEN APPLE ($11.95), kicked up with some tangy onion marmelade. But, upon further reflection, it's a rather simple sandwich served with generic mixed greens.
Cute atmosphere, decent food, but you're really paying for the experience of feeling "refined" in a particular way that fits some folks' concept of the word, I guess. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
1/24/2011 4 photos
I'm more of a morning coffee than an afternoon tea kind of person, but when some friends suggested going for high tea at Secret Garden, I thought it sounded like a hoot. Though not English, I come from a family of tea-and-visiting enthusiasts, plus the time I went for high tea at the Empress in Victoria was amazing.
So I pulled on my pearls and headed for Kerrisdale. Secret Garden is a little oasis crossed with Grandma's house - it's all about the tea, but not too twee.
The High Tea is an event - it's $27.95 for the tea and treats. Each person gets their own little teapot with their selection - and there are about 50 teas on offer, including black, green, herbal, decaffeinated, roobios, and whatever else a tea-head might desire. The treats come stacked on a three-tier tray, plated for sharing, from miniature sandwiches to scones and teacake to pastries. They make look small, but those little bites add up to a lot of food.
The experience lasts about two hours. You sit, you talk, you drink cups upon cups of delicious tea, and work your way through the trays set before you. I especially loved the mini croissant sandwiches with tuna salad filling, a mini scone spread with cream and jam, and the most perfect bite-sized lemon tart.
Although it seems like mostly a chick thing from surveying the demographics of the room (I wondered at how many were bridal parties), the boys we brought seemed to enjoy the tea party as well. (But then they probably raced trucks back to the 'burbs.)
A rather civilized celebration of review no. 600, don't you think? -
Review from J J.
9/6/2011
Because my girlfriend likes tea, I went here with her.
The location is nice, it really seemed like a secret garden as we almost passed by it twice as we couldn't find it at first.
The tea was actually not bad for the price, the food is what you expect to get for the price as well. The items not included in the set were actually loads better.
The staff seemed genuinely nice, forgot a few things but I would too as the amount of female chatter in the room was overwhelming. My ears were grateful after getting out of that place.
This would be a good place for females and their friends to hang-out. The girlfriend also has decided she won't come back to dine-in (due to the noise) but will to buy some of their food items to enjoy out of the store. -
Review from Peter S.
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Their top seller Creamy Earl Grey doesn't hold a teacup to Bayswater's version!
We were running low on our morning beverage of choice, so I picked up a 100grams of the CEG yesterday for $9.95.
The first letdown was the smell as I jammed my nose in the bag, or lack there of. It was missing that intoxicating Bergamot I crave. And as I am sitting here typing this review sipping on a freshly brewed cup, it is void of the umph I need in a serious cuppa Earl Grey. Oh well.
So... now what? Buy some stronger Earl Grey and cut it with this? Or just serve it to guests that don't have such a snooty palate?
Hoity Toity
Cheerio!Listed in: Tea. I am addicted!
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Review from Christina P.
2/27/2011
It is truly an amazing find.
I fell in love with this place the moment I walked in.
Everything is just so pretty and makes you pampered even if you have just walked in. Perfect place for dates or get-togethers with your girlfriends
If you need to feel pampered and refreshed without going to a spa, go here :)
They are quite pricey .... so watch out. Me and my friend ended up spending about $60+ together for high tea
Everything was so pretty and well prepared... but a late afternoon tea ended up costing way more than our lunch meal @ mall food court so that was kinda disappointing -
Review from Melissa C.
Richmond, BC
This is my second time having high-tea but my first time having it here. It was such a wonderful place to have a comfy, homey, delicious, and intimate brunch with my two friends. First you pick the type of tea you'd like to drink. They provide an extensive menu of exotic and timeless types of teas.
I had the Vanilla Rooibus: A richer tea like black tea with a hint of vanilla. My friends had Avalon tea: A lighter tea with a nice swirl of vanilla taste and Secret Garden Secret: Vanilla tea with a sweet ingredient for a pleasant kick. Afterwards, a 3 pillared tray came bearing yummy treats from red pepper and beef croissant to eg rolls to raspberry scones to peanut butter and chocolate fudge to lemon tarts. The food is a set menu but it seems to change quite frequency based on what's in season and such, so don't be worried that you'll be eating the same stuff in a month or two.
Make sure to make a reservation, generally the times are 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. I enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and I never once felt pushed to finish quickly - we stayed there for 2.5 hours! but if the table is reserved for another party, they have a limit of 2 hours, which is plenty I think. Service is amazing as well ~ hot water is always replenished into your personal pot of tea and milk and sugar is given freely.
Parking is easy as well, with residential parking close by. However, paid parking right across the shop is cheap too - 75cents/hour.
In the end, I was left well-fed, full of warm, yummy tea and updated in the recent gossip with my friends for only $30! =) I *heart* high-tea!Listed in: A warm hug on a cold day
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Review from Larry L.
12/15/2010
Would you like a spot of tea darling?
My dearest friend Stella brought me here a number of times for tea. That was then, this is now,
It's still delightfully refreshing and it gives me an opportunity to drink my tea with the pinky "up".
There's other treats here too for tea time.
Come in and taste some classic charm behind the doors of the Secret Tea Garden.
Shhhhhh.... it's a secret. don't let it out.Listed in: Romancing the Stone.
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Review from Andra N.
Vancouver, BC
12/22/2011
Had high tea yesterday and was REALLY disappointed.
First off - putting five chairs around a table designed for four means that two people will end up with a THICK table leg between their knees. And you're charging $36 for this experience? For $4 more we could have been at the Hotel Vancouver.
Two people in our party of four had dietary issues that had been mentioned in advance when making the reservation. Apparently that information was not passed to our server.
The servers did not mention ANYTHING about the food to us before just bringing out the tiered tray and plunking it down. It was so noisy we couldn't make out what was in everything. When we asked about the food allergies, we were told "there's nuts in everything" (oh, that's helpful... why didn't the person taking the reservation who was told we had a nut allergy that there would be nothing they could eat?) Our other person with an allergy can't eat garlic or onions. When we reminded the server of this she said "oh ok we'll bring out some different sandwiches". ...she did, but didn't ask if the contents of said sandwiches were acceptable (she doesn't eat shrimp either and they brought shrimp salad on crackers)
After having had tea at the Urban Tea Merchant two weeks ago with the same friend, and having the server patiently discuss other food options and ask if brie and pear on flatbread was ok, the service at Secret Garden left a LOT to be desired.
As for the food, it was really disappointing. What appeared to be commercially bought spinach & feta in phyllo topped with a bit of cream and crab was at least tasty. The egg salad sandwiches were bland and boring.
The ONLY thing that was better than Urban Tea Merchant was the devon cream, which is a bit more dense at Secret Garden... but that's not even remotely enough for me to go back for a second time. -
Review from Amey S.
Vancouver, BC
7/1/2011
I came here as a group of three for their afternoon High Tea and was impressed. It's a very small shop but was cutely decorated and comfy. We got one of the window tables - best place to have tea.
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a tea connoisseur, but I got the Jasmine Dragon Tears green tea and loved it. The little sandwiches and breads were a definite 'yum' and much more filling than I initially thought they would be. The lemon tart was my favorite dessert and the scones with the Devonshire cream was absolutely delicious.
Attentive but unobtrusive service. It can get a crowded in there around tea time, as seats are limited, so try to book a table in advance. Definitely a place to go for those special occasions. -
Review from P M.
Vancouver, BC
5/2/2011
I love this little place!
I've come here a handful of times with my sister and mother for tea, lunch, and a couple of pastries.
We usually stick to Earl Grey tea or a fruity peach or citrus tea of sorts and have not been disappointed yet!
I've ordered the mac and cheese and it is pretty good--definitely not Kraft out of a box! There is also the chicken salad that comes with raspberry vinaigrette and the dressing is so fresh and amazing!
The pastries are bite size and very good as well.
All in all, it isn't cheap to go but it is worth the experience! This is a great way to say "thank you" to mom or enjoy a laid back afternoon. -
Review from HELEN C.
Vancouver, BC
8/26/2010 34 photos
Can i BEEEEEEEEEEEEEeee anymore girlier!?
I don't consider myself a girlie girl who sips tea and eats tiny cutie cakes in a dress. Therefore, such place like this was one of the spots that I'd never thought of visiting. However, 2 of my beloved girlfriends were highly interested in this place and since it was one of the girls' birthday, I came~
When I got here, I realized I was totally wrong. I didn't have to be girlie to be here. I didn't even have to be a girl to be fascinated by the place (check out the photos I've uploaded). To be honest, I'm not a fan of tea.... but boy was I enjoyed my time here. So many selections/types of tea, even myself had trouble picking one (there were more than one that I wanted to try.. which was rare!!!) Love the food too!! It was a good idea that I skipped my lunch before coming here (2:15PM).. I thought i'd still be hungry but at the end my tummy was so full. Not only the food was enough to eat, there were still some left to pack home.
The only thing I didn't like was... this place is so popular they only let you stay for 2 hours. Before your time's up, there are people already waiting for you to get your butt off their seats. Don't know about you.. but 2 hours were certainly not enough for me! :P -
Review from Heather M.
Vancouver, BC
7/30/2010
Pomp and circumstance? yes please!
when it comes to restaurants, I usually cringe when my friends force me to a snoot snoot restaurant. On first impression I thought that was what my friend Jasmine was doing to me when she took me to "secret garden tea house". Boy could I be anymore wrong! down to earth girls run the joint, who revel in good food and good conversation in a quiet soothing environment.
We came for high tea in the afternoon with the creamy earl grey tea. I had never tasted tea so good as this one and I always thought of myself as an earl grey hater. fantabulous!
as someone else mentioned, the scones you get are the best! served with creme fresh and homemade jam. It's a european treat that you don't see too often in Canada.
I have nothing to say but good things about this restaurant. Go try it for yourself. you'll be pleasantly surprized. -
Review from Jin C.
New Westminster, BC
11/10/2010
I don't consider myself very classy or of fine tastes, but I'm pretty sure this teahouse is as good as you can possibly ask of one to be - warm, unpretentious, unintimidating, and they do not care if you dress up or down. :)
I went as part of a pretty massive birthday party group for High Tea, and Secret Garden did a pretty good job of accomodating us despite their overall space being cosy. They made sure to clearly tell us all how to order, what to expect, and were very careful to distribute the shared food trays evenly so no one ended up getting less than their neighbour.
Service was awesome and very conscientious - all of us were dressed to the nines on behalf of the birthday girl, and the servers were incredibly good about making sure to not get a single crumb or drop on our clothes! Refills for your teas are given free, and the servers were very good at checking your pots and topping you up - at times you turn away from a half-empty pot, only to turn around and it was full again.
I had their Masala Chai tea and was in HEAVEN after braving the cold. Their croissant tea sandwiches are deceptively delicious, and anything dessert-wise is worth cheering about - perfectly made and delicious scones with Devon cream or jam, and their lemon tarts are bombastic.
Secret Garden is a little tricky to get to if you rely on transit and don't live in the area, but is worth the trip. I'll be going back again for sure. -
Review from Maria W.
Vancouver, BC
4/1/2011
Awesome place for high tea with wide selection of high quality teas. It is a different feeling than going to Sutton for high tea where Sutton offers excellent service and classier ambience and this place has a more cozy feel.
I have been going here for years to celebrate the special occasions like bridal party, girls birthdays, and enjoy it every time. Creamy Earl grey tea is my favorite and I like how this place is good for tea gifts shopping.
My favorite high tea is during Christmas time when they have special Christmas themed tea and the pastries and sandwiches are usually even more delicately prepared.
Reservations are highly recommended for this place. -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
10/7/2009 11 photos
First and Foremost, Thank you to Reena for setting this UYE up - I have always wanted to have high tea, and sharing it with yelpers was definitely the way to go... not knowing exactly what to expect except sandwiches and pastries, I was asking Brett a lot of questions since his gf worked at a tea shop. We later come to realize that everyone gets their own tea (from a list of 50!) and everyone at the table was nice enough to share. Definitely a wide selection, some more spicier than others, sweeter, stronger, just absolute awesomeness.
I always thought that high tea would never get you full - you are eating little sandwiches in one bite.... how can you possible leave without an empty stomach: WRONG - after conversing for 2 hours, you will leave with leftovers in a box, and ready to go home and take a nap. Everyone had 2 smoke salmon sandwiches, 2 proscuitto croissants, 3 egg salad pin wheels, 1 scone cut in half, 2 slices of banana bread that was accompanied by devonshire cream and jam... and lastly - a lemon tart, a chocolate / black forest type cake, and a cinnamon almond nest (see photos).
It was a lovely afternoon and I would definitely come back if anyone is up for it.
But before I leave:
my Mission to try Vancouver's Best Eats Continue:
Item: Heart shaped Cheese Scone (thank goodness I got the last one or I would have been devastated)
Price: $3.25
Cuisine: Pastry / Bakery
IMO, deserving of being on the list: YES
Overall comments: Not going to lie, I'm not a fan of cheese scones, but being on the list, I had to try. The cheese was not overpowering, and there was just the right amount of butter, not over the top heavy. For butter lovers, I suggest you add additional butter for the ultimate taste .. and of course heat it up.
There are other types of scones in the pastry case which look just as cute and good to eat, but you can't go wrong with this one! -
Review from Reena M.
9/26/2009 1 Check-in Here
Mmmmmm..... fooooddd comaaaaaaaaaaa.
Came here with a bunch of yelpers for a UYE high tea. We tasted 5 different types of tea: Angel's Dream, Avalon somethng, Secret Garden's Secret, Vanilla Almond, and Anniversary Blend. All teas were amazing. I would say my favorite was the avalon thing (whatever has the rose petals, bergamot, and vanilla) or the Secret Garden Secret.
The food tower was definitely coma inducing. It doesn't look like it because it's all small little pieces, but after you finish the bottom plate of sandwiches, you begin to wonder how you're going to make it through the rest.
"But, stomach, you have make it to the scones! That's what we came here for isn't?? Remember the clotted cream?? Make space!"
The egg salad rolls were creative in execution but totally could have used more seasoning. The lemon tarts were the best desserts ever! And the cranberry scones are to die for! Esp. with clotted cream and jam.
This is an awesome experience and I plan to do it again one day (especially if I don't make it out to England soon)!Listed in: Best Desserts in Vancouver
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Review from Tina L.
Richmond, BC
3/22/2011
After doing most of the major hotels afternoon teas in Vancouver, we decided to give the secret garden a try. The tea selection was excellent, ended up with the lemon mango and it was yummy. Probably drank 5 or 6 full cups of it.
The food was excellent and plentiful. There were 3 sandwich choices and you received 2 of each ( except for the egg salad which you got 3). A small scone and 2 pieces of chocolate zucchini tea cake each- yumm.
And then 3 deserts, I certainly did not leave hungry or wanting more.
The only thing that marred my visit was a fellow patron's loud and crying toddler. Not sure I would take a small child for afternoon tea, and it certainly did ruin the peaceful tea atmosphere. -
Review from Beverley W.
Vancouver, BC
11/10/2008 1 photo
The Secret Garden is one of a few surviving Anglo dining establishments in Kerrisdale, which is now chockablock with sushi takeout joints, bubble tea shops, dim sum, Korean cafes and even a Taiwanese bistro. Its decor is cute in a sort of prissy English-country-garden-style manner, and so I duly went there with high hopes for high tea, but came away rather disappointed.
There is an interesting variety of teas, and their mini lemon tarts were delicious, but other offerings left much to be desired. The savoury plate was the largest of our pretty 3-tiered tower of high tea treats, but compared to the desserts, they seemed like a complete afterthought in terms of taste and quality.
The egg salad sandwich rolls were bland and unseasoned -- my friend and I doused them in salt and pepper to get them down. The mini croissant sandwiches were cold and hard as if they had suffered in the fridge overnight, and the chicken on the mini-pizza canapes was extremely dry -- so dry that the edges of the meat were actually discolored and dehydrated looking.
I glanced at other Secret Garden diners and noticed that their regular-sized sandwiches looked quite fresh and tasty, and wondered why our much more expensive high tea didn't measure up.
I was especially disappointed because my friend, who treated me, paid 55 hard-earned dollars for a celebratory high tea for two! For that price, I think we're within our rights to expect more than skimpy, dried out sandwiches and a couple of plates of tiny tarts and cakes. We could have gone to brunch at a downtown hotel or gorged ourselves on sushi and sake for the same amount of money. In addition, we had to flag down our server at least twice to ask her to refill our teapot, when it seems like a place specializing in tea service ought to be more on-the-ball when it comes to details like that.
I'm going back to the sushi and bubble tea shops. -
Review from Anita C.
Vancouver, BC
5/14/2009 1 Check-in Here
Definitely a place to go if visitng Vancouver or even if you live here!
Perfect to go with the girls or with mom to have High Tea.
The idea of having high tea in Vancouver may seem a little la-di-dah but you definitely feel like you are in a different world when you enter The Secret Garden. Everything is beautiful inside and spring/summer-like. Not only can you sit and eat, but you can buy and go and they also sell things from little trinkets to aprons.
All the girls ordered different tea but we all had a sip of each others and all of it was very tasty! The creamy earl grey was amazing!
Even if you don't know the etiquette of high-tea (which I definitely didn't) the friendly staff are happy to inform you of how its done!
The food was absolutely amazing starting from the bottom up. Doesn't look like a lot to start but you are definitely stuffed when you get to the top. One of the most amazing scones I have ever had in my entire life are from here. Add a little of the devonshire cream and jam and you are in heaven!
Definitely a must must must! -
Review from Betty L.
8/16/2010
Lovely little place to have a traditional afternoon high tea. There's ample street parking too. If you make your reservation in advance you can sit on the couches in front of the restaurant. It has a really nice English feel to the place. From the array of teacups on display to the teacozies they use for the teapot. The baked goods in the display counter look really appetizing and pretty. Love their full traditional high tea. One can get really those finger sandwiches and thoes cute little scones. They also serve light meals.
It's a really nice place to spend an afternoon in Kerrisdale. -
Review from Tracy S.
Vancouver, BC
4/24/2009
I recently went to The Secret Garden for a 2pm seating of High Tea.
I ordered the 'creamy earl grey' and it was absolutely one of the best teas I've ever had! I highly recommend it, as does the menu which notes it as a 'most popular' order.
When I made the reservations (a must) I ordered a vegetarian high tea platter, so all of our finger sandwiches were meat-less. It was great! One type of sandwich was in a fresh little croissant, with caramelized onions, cheese and roasted red pepper! Mmm - so good!
The rest of the treats were super yummy as well and there are is a lot of food! You definitely won't leave hungry! The service was good - our teapots were refilled many times, so they were always hot and when I asked for the bill because we had to leave a bit early it came right away.
The front room (where they serve the high tea seatings) was completely full. The only problem I found was that a small-ish room with hardwood floors and walls, filled with women - whoa - it got LOUD in there! Like seriously so loud, filled with women cackling, talking, etc - sounded like a bunch of hens! My friend and I were laughing about this throughout the high tea.
I wouldn't take my mom here as I know she doesn't like loud places - I would try the High Tea at Provence in Yaletown. Same deal - less loud and a bit less expensive. Although for friends and younger relatives - I totally recommend The Secret Garden for high tea or just a quick visit!
It's a novelty, the tea and food are great, and it's fun! -
Review from Pia W.
1/5/2011 1 photo
Half a star more for my review for the wow-factor. The other half that would have made a it a 4-star? Well, I'll explain that later...
Stepping into Secret Garden is like stepping into the Mad Hatter's party -- crazy amounts of tea and food on the table. Do not ever eat lunch or any meal before coming here, the high-tea service here is a meal in itself. Delicate small sandwiches and other delicious pastries fill up a 3-tier rack (aka food tower). The bottom tier was filled with the salty stuff -- mainly sandwiches and small croissants: There is a vegetarian option for the sandwiches, but otherwise there are ones with ham, roast beef, cheese, cucumbers -- anything you can fit into a small bite-size (or perhaps two bites if you are a dainty eater) sandwich. Middle-tier was filled with small scones and some sweet tasting bread served with cream that has been whisked into oblivion (practically like butter), and jam. The top tier was pretty much a dessert tier -- I did not know what the chocolately thing was called, but it had nuts and was practically one of the most chocolately and moist thing I have ever tasted. Yum! With all this food, one cannot help in forgetting to be a prim and proper lady at high tea, and simply become like Cookie Monster -- Nom, nom, nom, nom!!
We all had a choice in ordering our own tea that steeped in our own teapots (they all had a teapot cosy to keep them warm too!). The Creamy Earl Grey tea and Vanilla and Almond tea are my favourites -- if you like fragrant, non-fruity teas. Servers keep coming to refill your teapots with hot water, so you can never complain of not having enough tea.
All that being said, Secret Garden is pretty much a reservations-only kind of place. It's impossible to walk in and take a seat -- which an old couple did while I was there, and despite have two seats open, they turned them away (hence the missing half star)...they had looked so excited about it when they walked in too! Another thing to note is: If you stay a bit too long over your alloted time, they politely hand you the bill and "kick" you out.
All in all, a great place to go if you have an occasion to celebrate. I would even suggest you to go all out and dress up with the hats, the dresses and the white gloves. Definitely a good place to bring your little girls if they always wanted to play tea parties with their small tea sets.
Note: Hunky, large, tall, muscular or all of the above men may look a little displaced if they do come here and the finger food may not entirely fill them....but the insurmountable amount of tea may just do the trick! -
Review from Melody M.
7/25/2010
This place really is The Secret Garden !!!
The minute you step into the room, it feels like all the world just fades away and you are in a fairytale. I love the cute and delecate garden decor of the room. Everything is soooo pretty from the scones, to the tea cups to the cookies. Not only that, everything is yummy and the price is so reasonable. They also serve breakfast and light meals. This is the place to go if you are a tea lover !!! -
Review from Liane B.
Thunder Bay, ON
1/26/2011
The best place for tea I've found in Vancouver. Everything here is delicious and the presentation is beautiful. The tea selection is great as well. Love it.
-
Review from danna m.
Victoria, BC
4/13/2010
my girlfriends surprised me with a birthday treat of high-tea. what a great experience! The Secret Garden has a large variety of teas to choose (I chose the maasala chai) and bring it to you in cute little colorful tea pots. Then onto the 3 tiers of heaven. Savory little sandwiches and homemade cheese shortbreads with caramelized onions. then a level of yummy scones and apricot bread; followed by a decadent layer of chocolate tarts and a lemon tart.
My thought was: how to the Brits do this every day??? it's a full-on meal in the middle of the afternoon! My next thought... maybe they don't do this every day.
A great treat and I would highly recommend it. But make reservations! The front part of the restaurant is for high tea and the back is for more of a quick tea and scone experience.... uh. i'm drooling over the scones again...
