Neverland Tea Salon is like entering an alternate universe where pastries and teas abound and magic seeps from every well-crafted nook. Each chair, table, teacup and staff member has been selected carefully, with artistic flair at the forefront of conception. This is especially true of the Murphy bed stage, which is folded down for special events and parties hosted after closing hours.
Terri Tatchell and Renée Iaci, friends since high school, opened Neverland Tea Salon in September 2013. Creativity is in their roots, as Renée works as actress and director and Terri as an Oscar-nominated screenwriter. “I approached Neverland like a screenplay,” says Terri. “If I had a tea shop in my movie, what would it look like?” After Terri discovered her daughter was gluten and dairy intolerant, making teahouse visits impossible, Terri approached Renée with an idea and soon, Neverland was born.
Executive Chef Victoria Reichert masterfully created various pastries, sugary treats and sandwiches, including equally tasty gluten- and dairy-free options. The rest of the staff is equally creative and talented. “We hire more for personality than experience,” says Terri. While Terri was behind the vision of Neverland, Renée sourced all the teas after countless cuppings, resulting in their most famous blend, Take Me To Neverland. With several blends made specifically for their shop and more than 60 types of tea sold, customers are spoiled for choice.
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Forget the stuffy High Tea service and experience a truly magical afternoon at this whimsical (and totally kid friendly) tea salon in Kitsilano. The charming interior is bedecked in eclectic vintage furnishings (the Victorian settees wouldn’t be out of place in a stately Georgian manor house) and the menu is as creative as it is decadent. Delicate flower-patterned china plates are adorned with savoury finger sandwiches, pretty pastel macarons, and scones served with proper Devonshire cream. Neverland even offers a special children’s menu for the little ones and tea-based cocktails for the grown ups.
View this Smart ListNeverland describes its soul as coming from a “place of creativity, inspiration and gluttonous self-indulgence”, and their afternoon tea reflects this. Amidst the decadent Victorian-style interior, delicious delights are to be had. Ranging in price from $25 to $43, based on the tea selection or champagne additions, the afternoon tea menu rotates seasonally. The winter menu includes a mouthwatering selection of finger sandwiches with a twist. Fillings include ricotta with marinated vegetables and pine nuts, slow-roasted pulled pork, and Spanish grilled cheese. Be sure to leave room for the wickedly rich desserts, though, such as a chocolate gingerbread mousse cake.
View this Smart ListLooking for a cute alternative to a fancy date-night dinner? How about tea for two? This whimsical tea salon in Kits is once again hosting a special Valentine’s themed tea ($40 per person for full High Tea; $25 for Demi High Tea) from February 12 to 14, with extended hours on the big night to accommodate all the lovers. Expect a classic tiered tea service with a romantic twist; nibble your way through pretty plates of Kushi oysters, gourmet finger sandwiches, scones, bite-sized desserts and heart-shaped macarons – plus unlimited tea refills throughout. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free substitutions are also available.
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