Fantastic - don't let location or decor throw you off!
This is a surprising little place. It's located in the back of a gift shop, and it's open surprisingly late - something like ten at night, which is unheard of in a tiny place like Chemainus. My first impression wasn't great - the decor really threw me. What I hated most was the gray walls, very boring and even dingy looking. However, that was forgivable when I found out they have a projector and show TV shows and movies on one wall quite frequently. And once I'd gotten a taste of the food and the service, I was hooked! The ladies (actual sisters) who run this place are highly talented. They're friendly without being annoying, fun without being overbearing, and make absolutely great food. My recommended dish is the "high tea" which includes tea, finger sandwiches (egg, salmon, and cream cheese and cucumber, and yes you *can* request more of one if you don't like one of the others), warm scones with Devon cream and strawberry preserves (absolutely to die for), and as if that wasn't enough, dessert - which varies according to season and what they've got on hand.

They recommend that you call a half hour in advance so they can get everything ready and you won't have to wait, but I've gone there several times and ordered it when I got there because I wasn't in a hurry, and I've never had to wait long, and they're very good at getting the next course to the table as you're finishing the first. This is my favorite local place to have tea with friends. There are more 'formal' seating areas (about six or eight tables for two, some of which can be moved together, but I wouldn't recommend bringing a party of 10 if you want to sit together) and another area full of couches where you can watch the 'wall'.    [09 Mar 2006 03:54:44]

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Recommended Dishes: High Tea

     ­Anonymous   

A Great Escape aka a Short detour from life!!
The food, service and ambiance are always a treat. The soup is hot, delicious and creative. The desserts are "to die for", and for a tea room they make great coffee. The decor has many out-of-the-ordinary pieces that are pleasing to the eye - some really are twisted. Even the restroom is a fun place to visit. You'll have to find out for yourself though.    [08 May 2006 10:34:09]

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Recommended Dishes: Soup, sandwiches, desserts and of course the tea

     ­Janis   

March, 2006
Their soups are creative and a meal in themselves. They have a huge selection of teas. Tea is served in proper china pots with cozies to keep them warm.

The service is exemplary.

It's a friendly atmosphere where the patrons make you feel like family. Yes, they're sisters and a touch twisted, but in the nicest way. If you like an eclectic setting you'll feel right at home.    [26 Nov 2006 00:13:13]

Food: -   Service: -   Ambiance: -   Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Whatever the special of the day is

     ­Anonymous   

Disappointed
I was disappointed in the decor which was extremely messy. They did not serve clotted cream as they find it "too expensive"? The service was wonderful. The desserts were underwhelming.    [15 Jul 2007 03:49:32]

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     ­Anonymous