Important Notice
We will not be hosting a specialty Mother's Day Afternoon Tea event this year. The Camellia Tea Room will be open for walk-in service on Mother's Day Weekend - no reservations will be taken.
Large Groups and Reservations
We apologize for the inconvenience, but we do not take large group bookings or private reservations.
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 or shut down for private reservations. 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.
FAQ's
Cash and AMEX are not accepted in the Camellia Tea Room.
The Camellia Tea Room is accessible.
We do not take reservations for dining. Please see the "Large Groups and Reservations" section for more information.
The Camellia Tea Room is primarily volunteer run. If you would like to join our wonderful volunteer team, fill out this application today!
Tips are not asked for, but anything generously left behind is given as a donation towards continuing education for Vancouver Island University students.
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.
Our Tea and Coffee
Handcrafted exclusively for Milner Gardens by the Denman Island Tea Company
Veronica's Garden
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.
Long Distance
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.
Both blends are available for retail in the Pool House Gift Shop for $10.95
Hand roasted for Milner Gardens by French Press Coffee Roasters
Ray's Blend
A delightful selection of Ethiopian and Sumatran coffees make our house blend full-bodied and balanced. With rich notes of dark chocolate and red fruits, Ray’s Blend is delicious as Espresso, French Press or Filter coffee.
Available for retail in the Pool House Gift Shop for $19.95