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.
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
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.
Available for retail in the Pool House Gift Shop for $19.95
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.
- 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.