Open Thursday-Sunday from 12:00pm-2:45pm, no reservations required.
The Camellia Tea Room is located in what was once the Milner Drawing Room, used only for special occasions or social drinks with guests after hosting dinner. The adjacent veranda was a favourite spot of Veronica’s, taking her daily afternoon tea here at 4:00pm sharp.
Today, the Camellia Tea Room is a humble operation supported by a dedicated team of hardworking volunteers. The menu offers a selection of custom tea, coffee, English-style scones, savoury soups, and decadent desserts that rotate through the seasons to utilize fresh produce from our Gardens.
Sit, relax and enjoy a pot of tea or two with a view.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but we do not take reservations or host private parties.
The Camellia Tea Room is a humble operation run by a dedicated volunteer team with a limited capacity of eight tables and twenty-two guests at one time. Additional seating can be found in the Wisteria Room and Patio if we have the adequate volunteer numbers to accommodate the extra capacity, and/or proper weather for outdoor dining that day.
Because of this, we do not take large group bookings, shut down for private parties, or take reservations of any kind. It is our goal is to be able to serve as many of our Members and walk-in visitors as our limited space allows, per open day.
Groups of 4 or less are easily accommodated. Groups of 5+ may need to be added to a waitlist, or split into sperate tables.
Our Tea & Coffee
Veronica's Garden - Herbal
A fragrant herbal tea complete with notes of sweet apple, invigorating peppermint and spearmint, rosehips, blackberries and aromatic hibiscus. It's given a natural pink hue from elements of strawberries, rose petals and beetroot. This concoction is a true celebration of the plants that have been inhabiting the 10 acres of garden since Veronica's time. Handcrafted exclusively for Milner Gardens by the Denman Island Tea Company.
Long Distance - Black
A smooth, black assam tea featuring cold pressed bergamot, highlighting the citrus rather than floral notes, and is complimented by subtle hints of lavender and bachelor buttons. This blend is fondly named after the nickname Milner House was given by Veronica, as she felt her home was such a long distance away from the rest of Society and her family. Handcrafted exclusively for Milner Gardens by the Denman Island Tea Company
Rina’s Breakfast - Breakfast
This Irish Breakfast blend is an homage to Irish-born Rina Milner (née Bury), Ray’s first wife, credited with planting the Orchard and the early stages of the garden. A wartime nurse remembered for her kindness and warmth – this strong black tea with notes of sweet honey complements Rina’s legacy.
Gardens of Glin - Green
This exquisite green tea transports you to the vast green gardens of Glin Castle, Ireland, where Veronica lived during her first marriage to Desmond FitzGerald, the 28th Knight of Glin. Featuring a vibrant green tea base, this fresh blend showcases enchanting notes of jasmine and rose, perfectly balanced with fruity notes of grapefruit and delicate peach.
All blends are available for retail in the Pool House Gift Shop for $10.95
Ray's Blend - Dark Roast Coffee
Named after Ray Milner, this delightful selection of Ethiopian and Sumatran coffees makes our house blend full-bodied and balanced. With rich notes of dark chocolate, almond and red fruits, Ray’s Blend makes a dynamic and bright cup of easy-sipping drip coffee. Roasted for Milner Gardens by French Press Coffee Roasters.
Available for retail in the Pool House Gift Shop for $19.95
Diners with Dietary Restrictions
Gluten Free
Our Chocolate Cake is made with quinoa flour and is also dairy-free. It does contain eggs, so it is not vegan. Our soups are always made with a gluten free vegetable stock and dairy-free alternatives. Please let your volunteer server know if you are celiac and will require our gluten-free bun instead of focaccia bread.
Dairy Free
Our Lemon Blueberry Tart is a dairy-free staple on our menu. Also, both of our soups are made with dairy-free alternatives and served with a piece of freshly baked focaccia bread (vegan).
Vegan
Our Lemon Blueberry Tart and Garden Bounty Soup served with freshly baked focaccia bread are two option for our vegan diners. Alternatively, you can request the Salmon Chowder without the salmon for an additional vegan dining choice.
Nuts
While we typically refrain from using nuts in any of our menu offerings, we are not a nut-free facility. Cross contamination may occur.
FAQ's
- Cash and AMEX are not accepted in the Camellia Tea Room.
- The Camellia Tea Room is wheelchair, walker and stroller accessible.
- We do not take reservations for dining.
- The Camellia Tea Room is primarily volunteer run. If you would like to join our wonderful volunteer team, fill out this application today!
- Tipping your server is not necessary, but anything generously left behind is given as a donation towards supporting the Gardens and educational programming on site.
- Admission to the Gardens is required to access the Camellia Tea Room.
- The Camellia Tea Room is located in what was once the Drawing Room of Milner House.
- The Camellia Tea Room is a humble operation with a limited capacity of eight tables and 22 guests. Additional seating can be found in the Wisteria Room and Patio if we have the adequate volunteer numbers and proper weather for outdoor dining.