Royal afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Royal Tea at Prince of Wales in Niagara-on-the-Lake

When staying at the Prince of Wales hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, it only seems fitting to continue the theme with a "Royal Afternoon Tea".  Last month, that's exactly what we did and, to paraphrase a royal quote, we were most amused.

The Prince of Wales is an elegant hotel in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. Originally built in 1864, it went by several names until the start of the twentieth century. In 1901, after a visit from the Duke and Duchess of York (later to become King George V and Queen Mary, also parents of Princess Mary), it was renamed in honor of the Royal guest.

Royal Tea in The Drawing Room

The Royal Tea includes a sparkling drink

As our grand home-away-from home for a few days, my husband, Chris and I, along with travel companions, my brother, Ed and sister-in-law, Sandy, we enjoyed the hotel's beautiful rooms (incredibly, ours was decorated in red velvet and toile, as if I had filled out a preference option beforehand!) and the charming dining venues. The latter category included The Drawing Room, where we made reservations for afternoon tea.

Grand hotel rooms, our decorated in red velvet

. . . and toile!

The Drawing Room's menu has a wonderful selection of different types of afternoon teas. Building on the traditional tea fare, the "Prince of Wales Tea" adds a variety of Canadian cheeses. The "High Royal Highness Tea" is a nod to the highlands with a full charcuterie board and a serving of 12-year old Scotch.  But, we chose the "Royal Tea" which is comprised of scones, savories and sweets accompanied by a pot of tea and glass of sparkling wine.

Savories and sweets

Warm scones served with jam and creme fraiche

In addition to cucumber sandwiches, other savories included a meat and cheese filled croissant and avocado toast. The scones were warm and served with strawberry jam, butter and creme fraiche. And, on my favorite, the top tier, there were macrons, fresh fruit, cookies and tarts.

The Drawing Room at Prince of Wales hotel

All tea fare and tea was absolutely delicious and presentation was perfection as was the service and ambiance. We were particularly fond of our seating at the front of The Drawing Room with its wall of windows that faced the city's main street. 

Additional seating at the front of The Drawing Room with its many windows facing main street

Every table was decked out with crisp white linen, floral patterned fine china and a rose centerpiece.

Prince of Wales front lobby

Prince of Wales, downtown Niagara-on-the Lake

The Prince of Wales afternoon tea was exceptional and we plan to be back next time we're in town, ready to be treated royally.