A Contemporary Canadian Experience
Holts Café, located within Holt Renfrew’s luxury department stores in Toronto and Montreal, offers a refined Afternoon Tea experience that marries Canadian culinary traditions with European elegance. Whether you’re in the bustling Yorkville district of Toronto or the vibrant downtown core of Montreal, Holts Café provides an inviting atmosphere for guests to indulge in this timeless ritual.
Seasonal Afternoon Tea Offerings
Holts Café’s Afternoon Tea menu is thoughtfully curated to reflect seasonal inspirations and collaborations with esteemed brands. For instance, the Guerlain Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, available from April 26 to June 1, 2025, features a honey-infused menu inspired by Guerlain’s Abeille Royale skincare line. This special offering is priced at CA$78 per person and is available Thursday through Sunday at the Toronto location .
Similarly, the Montreal location, Café Holt Ogilvy, presents the Thé d’après-midi de la fête des Mères, also inspired by Guerlain’s Abeille Royale line. This enchanting afternoon tea is available on Saturdays and Sundays from May 3 to June 1, 2025, at CA$64 per person .
Menu Highlights
While specific menu items may vary by location and season, guests can anticipate a selection of savoury and sweet delights. Past offerings have included elegant finger sandwiches such as smoked salmon, roasted turkey, and truffle egg. Sweets may feature an array of pastries, scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate confections that align with the seasonal theme .
Complementing the food, Holts Café serves a variety of teas, including selections from renowned tea purveyors like Sloane Tea, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying Afternoon Tea experience.
Ambience and Setting
The ambiance at Holts Café is one of understated elegance. The Toronto location boasts a bright and contemporary setting, providing a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. In Montreal, Café Holt Ogilvy offers a chic and sophisticated environment, perfect for leisurely afternoons.
Suitable for Various Occasions
Holts Café’s Afternoon Tea is ideal for a range of occasions, from intimate gatherings and celebrations to casual meet-ups. The thoughtful menu and serene setting make it a suitable choice for guests of all ages seeking a refined yet relaxed dining experience.
Booking Information
Reservations are highly recommended for Afternoon Tea at both Holts Café locations. Guests can make reservations by contacting the respective cafés directly or through their official websites:
Toronto (Bloor Street): Holts Café Bloor, Montreal (Ogilvy): Café Holt Ogilvy
Please note that special Afternoon Tea experiences, such as the Guerlain collaborations, may require reservations at least 24 hours in advance.
Reviews

I enjoyed the BLT salad with a brewed green tea iced tea. Both were excellent! It’s a bright atmosphere and great for lunch, brunch and afternoon tea.

Fantastic server. Comfortable space. Music not offensive, but I prefer NO music at all. Reasonable menu choices and prices.

Terrible food and the bill was wrong, it included drinks I didn’t have. The server could not have cared less. Toffee pudding was easily the worst I’ve had anywhere.

The food was well prepared but the flavours didn’t WOW me nor was the presentation exceptional. Service was lacking and my server was inattentive.

The savoury options were wonderful. The sweet options were a little too sweet for all four of us. Something chocolate would have been nice as well.
The Lanesborough
Enjoy a regal Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough, inspired by Bridgerton and served in The Lanesborough Grill. Expect elegant finger sandwiches, warm scones, and character-themed pastries, all paired with fine teas or themed cocktails. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and children’s options available. A luxurious, theatrical experience perfect for fans and traditional tea lovers alike.
The Rubens At The Palace
Located opposite Buckingham Palace, The Rubens at the Palace offers a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in a regal setting. Guests enjoy a curated tea selection, including exclusive blends, alongside finely crafted finger sandwiches with classic fillings like Scottish smoked salmon and roast chicken with tarragon mayonnaise.
The experience continues with handmade pastries inspired by Royal traditions and warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. For added indulgence, guests can opt for Champagne Afternoon Tea. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
The Kensington Hotel
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Kensington Hotel, served daily in the elegant Drawing Room. The menu features refined finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and artistic patisserie inspired by seasonal ingredients. Guests can choose from a broad tea selection or add champagne for a celebratory touch. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with notice. A stylish choice for couples, museum-goers, or special occasions. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Rosewood
Rosewood London's Mirror Room presents a Hokusai-inspired Art Afternoon Tea, merging Japanese flavours with British tradition. Guests enjoy Japanese BBQ beef brisket buns, sake-marinated salmon, and intricately crafted Art Cakes reflecting Hokusai's masterpieces, served in a bespoke "Washitsu" box. Complemented by exclusive Japanese teas and themed cocktails, the experience is enhanced by Japanese woodblock printing demonstrations. Available daily from 12:00 PM to 5:45 PM at £80 per person, with a 10% discount via AfternoonTea.co.uk. Advance booking is recommended.
Ma Macium Restaurant
Enjoy Afternoon Tea with a Northern twist at Mamucium, inside Hotel Indigo near Victoria Station. Served daily, it features local ingredients, classic sandwiches, scones, and homemade desserts. Choose from a range of teas or upgrade with prosecco or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A relaxed yet refined experience, ideal for any occasion.
Teacups and Cupcakes
Teacups & Cupcakes in Cathays, Cardiff, offers a cosy setting for traditional afternoon tea, featuring handmade sandwiches, scones, Welsh cakes, and mini cupcakes, served with Dorset Tea or coffee. Run by local baker Claire, the teashop is ideal for birthdays, showers, or casual catchups. Vegan and dietary needs can be accommodated with notice. Afternoon tea is available for dine-in or takeaway, with booking recommended. Find them at 146 Crwys Road, open Tuesday to Saturday.
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