This is something I’ve wanted to do for some time: afternoon tea at the Library Bar. I’ve been for drinks, but never for tea. The Library Bar offered a good selection of tea. Perhaps a dozen or so on the menu (maybe more) representing a wide variety: from simple greens and whites, to spicy chai and creamy earl greys. We opted for the 1907 Fairmont Centennial Blend: rich and moody off the nose, it opens with malty astringency and finishes with hints of oak cask and a dusting of delicate citrus. I really enjoyed this tea. It poured a beautiful bright red-orange that looked rich in the pink china teacups.

Sandwiches, scones and sweets were good (perhaps too much, but for that price you may expect some grandeur and indulgence). The sweets selection was heavy on the chocolate. I would have liked to see a little more variety.

My major criticism with their tea service is that they give you loose leaf tea tied tightly in a tea bag that sits in your teapot. The leaves have no room to open and the tea continues to steep past the recommended steeping time. By the time I came to pouring my second cup of tea, the tea had become much too strong. It was practically undrinkable at this point.

Afternoon tea is offered from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends. I think that’s too early and should only be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. But this is probably due to high demand and not anything else. I can’t fault them for that.

Overall, I had a great experience and I will definitely go back.