McFarland House Tea Room

2 Reviews on “McFarland House Tea Room”

• Butterflyblue

  FOOD: We had come here on a Sunday afternoon at around 12:45 pm for lunch; we had to make reservations before arriving as it was mandatory to secure the table. Once we were seated, we were given menus, and chose our options; I had chosen the Afternoon Tea for myself ($29.95), which included four different types of sandwiches (egg salad, cucumber/cream cheese, tuna salad, and tomatoes/cream cheese), along with three scones (plain, cranberry, and blueberry) and three different types of desserts. The plate also came decorated with a variety of berries, such as strawberries and blueberries. The Afternoon Tea came with an order of tea (of course), in which I chose Bourbon Street Vanilla. My husband had settled on the Tuna Salad Sandwich On Whole Grain Bread ($9.95), and English Breakfast Tea ($4.95). In terms of the food itself, I was impressed with the presentation, which included large plates filled with items, with each plate decorated well to fit the tea theme perfectly. In terms of the taste, I wasnt too keen on the crust being left on the bottom of the sandwiches, which I felt wasnt very authentic. Also, the sandwiches tasted cold, as if they had just come out of the refrigerator, which was a bit unappetizing. The flavouring of the sandwiches though were delicious, and I enjoyed the variety available. In terms of the scones, I was given three different types, which was a nice variety however, they were much too small, and one bite finished one half of the scone. I did like that they were fluffy and warm, along with the two different types of jam (strawberry and blueberry) that were available, and the clotted cream. The desserts were delicious as well, with a brownie, lemon loaf cake, and cupcake available. I did find that all of the items were made fresh however, they were a bit on the small side, especially the scones, and would have liked if I were given more items as I had paid a high price. The tea was quite different as it came in a press, which was something I had never seen at a tearoom before. I did like how the press was easy to use, and with only one push, all of the tea leaves were brought to the bottom of the press. However, I didnt feel that this press was authentic enough, and would have liked to have an old-fashioned teapot, which is what I am used to. Also, the press only gave me two small cups of tea, with me having to ask for refills often. ATMOSPHERE: This tearoom was situated inside of a newly built sunroom in the McFarlene House at Niagara-On-The-Lake. It was quite hidden from the main road, and took a bit of time from the highway to get to. Once we had arrived however, I was impressed with how picturesque everything looked, especially the gardens at the front of the home, and the archway at the side. The front desk was wonderful, as they had various tea-related decorations, along with a large wall of teapots, teaspoons, and loose-leaf tea, among other items, for sale.I loved how the various corners of the room were decorated with beautiful artifacts, with small historical notes attached to them. The rays of sunshine descending into the tearoom was a welcome addition, along with the classical music playing in the background. The tables and chairs were comfortable, and the view of the gardens was stupendous; definitely a great way to spend an afternoon having tea! SERVICE: When we had first walked-in, we were served by a kind younger woman, who gave us our menus, and told us to take our time in ordering. I loved how all of the servers were dressed in costumes reminiscent of the time period, which made my stay even more authentic than other tearooms Ive visited. I loved how our server came to check on us periodically during our meal, and even refilled our teapots often when we had asked. I found all of the servers to be very pleasant, easy-going, and friendly, which was wonderful to see. COST: 1 Afternoon Tea ($29.95) + 1 Tuna Salad Sandwich On Whole Grain Bread ($9.95) + 1 Pot Of English Breakfast Tea ($4.95): $44.85 + Tax = $50.68 WOULD YOU RETURN? I loved the atmosphere and service of this tearoom however, I didnt find the food as appetizing as I would have thought it would be. I also found it to be a bit too expensive for what I had received therefore, I dont think I would return at this time.

  December 20, 2020, 3:05 am

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• Theresa Black McCourt

  Stopped here on a beautiful sunny day while visiting Niagara on the Lake. A sign on River road beside the Niagara Parkway along the river announce Tea Room which intrigued us. The tea room is housed in a historical building of the Niagara Parkway.Atmosphere- We were greeted by a young girl in period clothing who led us into a bright solarium to enjoy our tea/lunch. As we sat for our visit we were surrounded with the green outside and people enjoying the day walking/cycling by. Lovely place to be in the summerFood- Not just for tea. this places has lovely lunch combinations offered. Selections of teas are vast. I had a wonderful lavender Earl Grey Tea and my daughter had an herbal tea of some kind. If you are a tea drinker you know they serve tea of higher quality. ( Not all tea rooms do) I had the afternoon tea which had 3 tiny scones ( blueberry, peach, and plain) all served warm and they were scrumptious. Pitty they only serve it with whipped cream and not clotted cream. The preserves were from Greaves in town ( I had to stop to get some while I was there) The sandwiches were served on marble rye. They were all quite good. The desserts on my plate were outstanding compared to many tea rooms I have been to. Every single item was extra wonderful. My husband had a turkey cranberry with thick slices of brie sandwich on rye and he said it was one of the tastiest sandwiches he has ever had. It came with a salad full of fresh berries with a light dressing. he talked about his meal the whole way home. How wonderful it was. I bet we will be back again soon just because he loved the sandwich so much.. My daughter had soup ( roasted tomato – she loved it) and a larger blueberry scone. Everything was perfect except the cream they serve scones with so that really is a minor detail. Lovely.Service- Lovely , really lovely. Impression- I am sure we will back for lunch again. The house has tours too so maybe next time we are there we wiill take it .

  September 25, 2016, 8:34 am

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