You’ll find everything you need under one roof at Quebec’s largest hotel, the Fairmont Reine Elizabeth, in Montreal.
Located on René Lévesque Street, a major Montreal thoroughfare, this modern railway hotel (it sits over the railway line) maintains many grand old traditions, with a ‘modern twist’ as our afternoon High Tea waitress explained.
The High Tea is held Saturdays at 2 p.m., at Rosélys Restaurant, a name meant to reflect Montreal’s historical English/French heritage, read Rose and Lys). Their high tea is a modern take on the old British tradition — a perfect metaphor for Montreal.
You’ll first be asked if you want champagne or prosecco, although the wine selection is phenomenal, the restaurant having received a distinction from Wine Spectator magazine for its wine selection.
Then you’ll be given a vast choice of teas to choose from, each with a written explanation. You must choose carefully, as you’ll be drinking from your own pot of tea for the rest of the afternoon.
Tourists and locals from all backgrounds enjoyed this service, as they made their way through the savoury and then sweet bites of joy. In between were the scones, which, truth be told, were my favourites. I especially enjoyed the pistachio and cranberry tiny club sandwich, a sponge creation and the tartlet, with seasonal fruits and lemongrass jelly.
The place was packed. I noticed a group of Caribbean ladies dressed to the nines enjoying part of their colonial heritage! The high tea is said to have been founded by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria.
Interested in experiencing Montreal’s nightlife? If you choose to stay at the hotel, the Reine Elizabeth has a solution for that too.
Discover more from Montreal’s Fairmont Reine Elizabeth Hotel on our travel site here: https://traveltrektour.com/under-one-roof-over-one-weekend-montreals-fairmont-hotel-reine-elizabeth/
Photos: Carole Jobin
