The selection on the left is gluten free, the one on the right is their diabetic option. What you can’t see is the plate of desserts on the top tier. YUM!

One thing I’ve always wanted to do is have proper tea with my girls, and the best place to experience authentic afternoon tea (outside of England, of course) is at The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia. So when planning a trip to Victoria with my daughters, mom and mother-in-law, afternoon tea was the first thing I booked.

I was pleasantly surprised to see The Fairmont Empress afternoon tea gluten-free and diabetic menus.

Afternoon Tea The Fairmont Empress is an experience.  Surrounded by antique furniture, chintz fabrics and fine china – the ambiance is steeped tradition.  The server expertly poured our tea into beautiful china tea cups and delivered our scones, pastries and desserts on tiered china servers with elegance.  We felt so fancy!  I sat up a little straighter and became very aware of my elbows resting on the table, quickly removing them.  Barbarian.

V loved the sandwiches and desserts – the tea? Not so much.

The tea was lovely.  My gluten-free sandwiches and desserts were wonderful and my oldest daughter appreciated the diabetic selection (low sugar for Type 1 diabetes).  They also have a vegan option.  When you book your afternoon tea experience be sure to tell them about any dietary or accessibility needs, in our experience they went above and beyond in accommodating or special diets, including modifying a cheese tray with gluten free options.  The pace of the meal was relaxing; we soaked up the traditions and spent our time enjoying the conversations between our three generations.  V enjoyed the food – although for kids,  the tea may be an acquired taste.

Starting our own tradition – Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress Victoria BC.

Next time we’re wearing hats…or better yet, tiaras.  Pinkies up!

Disclaimer: My tea order was complimentary for purposes of this review, but the experience and opinions are my own.