A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of enjoying afternoon tea at The St. Regis Hotel in Toronto and it was a glamorous experience. From the moment we walked in we were greeted by an exquisite foyer and warm hospitality. Friendly and cordial staff always makes for a memorable visit. Cheers to this luxury hotel’s first debut in Canada! We look forward to many more tea-drinking, scone-loving afternoons to come.
The St. Regis Toronto, front lobby
Afternoon tea is served in the Astor Lounge on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 5pm, reservations are required. The price is $65 per person which includes a glass of Prosecco Fidora, or $85 per person including a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne Cuvée Brut. Tip: try to request a table by a window for that perfect lighting, or the cozy corner table by the shelves.
Astor Lounge
Cozy corner
Sloane Tea
As with most other afternoon tea establishments in Toronto the selection of signature tea was from Sloane Tea. I was excited to learn of a few St. Regis exclusive blends, most notably the Midnight Blossom which carries a floral note.
Midnight blossom, a St. Regis exclusive. As per Sloane Tea’s description: “light bodied and smooth with refined floral notes and a honeyed sweetness. To be savoured straight.”
I was pleasantly surprised to see sand timers provided in order to ensure proper steeping time – something I’ve never seen done at other afternoon tea spots. The time required to steep is dependent on the type of tea selected. For example, shorter times (ie. 3 mins) are usually reserved for green teas while herbal teas, my fav, may require 5 minutes. The tea sommelier guides you through the tea selection with a sample platter of tea leaves, while also providing an educational background on Sloane Tea as a company and how and where the teas are sourced.
Teapot warmer
Brown and white sugar cubes
Traditional and current scones
The scones were freshly baked with a crunchy sugary top and absolutely adored by James. They were paired with Devonshire cream (yes!), citrus marmalade, and strawberry preserves. I particularly like my scones topped with cream and jam together. How do you like yours?
Strawberry preserves, Devonshire cream and citrus marmalade
Devonshire cream
Warm scone and Devonshire cream
Devonshire cream and citrus marmalade
Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves
Sweet and savoury afternoon tea selection
Fancy tiers of sweet and savoury treats were served on a rotating stand, many of which were gobbled up before I could take pics (eeks)! On the menu were: fresh fruit tartlet, strawberry trifle, almond financier, pistachio opera cake, salted caramel eclair, smoked trout on crostini, charred asparagus on bagel, crab salad profiterole, deviled egg, and curry chicken on brioche. Luckily I was able to take the next few pics below!
Fresh fruit tartlet
Pistachio opera cake
Smoked trout on crostini
Curry chicken on brioche
Strawberry trifle
Nut-free finger sandwiches for James
Nut-free dessert options for James
We had a wonderful afternoon at The St. Regis in Toronto and wouldn’t hesitate to book again. The food was delicious and the service attentive. Just looking back at these pictures I’m getting hungrier by the moment. 😛 Check them out and leave us a comment below to tell us what you think!
Cheers,
Melissa
Astor Lounge, The St. Regis Toronto
325 Bay St
Toronto, ON
M5H 4G3
(416) 306-5800
We have more! Click here for our other Afternoon Tea posts. 🙂
Disclaimer: The opinions and claims reflected in this blog post are my own and not those of The St. Regis Toronto. No compensation was received to write this review.
