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]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
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]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
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]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Anonymous   

Best salmon sandwhiches
Their toasted salmon sandwiches are amazing! Also, the Caesar salad with soy bacon bits. Yummo! Must try the carrot cake! They are both fun twins who own the business! They have movie nights and music nights!    [06 Dec 2007 17:53:58]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Mango loose tea, salmon sandwich

     ­JoHannah   

Charming
The time we spent with the twisted sisters in Chemainus was memorable not just for what we ordered, but for what we learned.

Walking into this small, intimate tea room was like walking into someones kitchen - almost literally - we had to look around for someone in case we had got the wrong door. We sat around and talked with the charming proprietresses long after we should really have left them alone to get on with their Christmas decorating.

If you have a particular tea in mind, then try to be specific - there are usually several kinds of each tea - but if you are completely bamboozled, don't hesitate to ask and you'll quickly get a recommendation based on your tastes.

Next time we're in Chemainus, we'll have to drop in for a chat and a cup of tea. I'll use my time deciding which tea to have next.    [16 Dec 2007 02:43:42]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Desserts

     ­Chris, www.thenodens.org   

It's a tea room (and more)
Those of us who know this gem of a place are willing to wait. In the mean time, the tea selection is not duplicated anywhere nearby, and you don't have to break the bank to enjoy a real, large pot of high quality beverage. The "Twisties" make an excellent light meal, and as others have pointed out, their service is personable, friendly, courteous and timely. If you frequent the place, you will see they have a regular and varied clientele, touching a wide range of people in this community. There are regular movie showings and an acoustic jam session every 2nd Friday night.    [29 Feb 2008 21:57:20]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Lemon square & cream

     ­Roderick   rmibeaton at mac dot com