BANFF, ALBERTA – Fairmont Banff Springs is already a luxurious, iconic Canadian spot--the 'castle' in the Rockies that is historic, decadent and a special occasion spot for tourists from Alberta, across Canada and abroad. As pandemic restrictions lift there's a celebratory mood here and elsewhere, a feeling of making the most of newfound freedoms, access to travel, good health and more. Plus, 2022 marks Queen Elizabeth IIs Platinum Jubilee--70 years on the throne! These are all great reasons to indulge in the high tea of all high teas, in fact it's being called the most luxurious tea service in Canada. Curious? Here's more.
Fairmont Banff Springs has taken the 133-year-old tradition of Afternoon Tea at the castle to regal heights with its new Royal Tea menu in the recently renovated Rundle Bar. Featuring ultra-high-end ingredients and upscale beverage pairings, the experience will set you back $400 per person. The new Royal Tea experience offers a distinctive and indulgent twist on traditional afternoon tea. Curated by Executive Chef Robert Ash, the lavish menu features artisanal ingredients such as Japanese A5 wagyu beef, foie gras torchon, and deviled quail’s egg. That's complimented by decadent house-made sweet treats including Tahitian Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with mango caviar, passion fruit crémeux and banana bread croutons, Raspberry Tartelette with yuzu curd, pistachio sable and crystalized rose petal, and Fairmont Banff Springs Opera Cake with estate grown coffee buttercream, dark chocolate ganache and a 24K gold leaf. To complete the epicurious experience, the tea offering is paired with Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée Rosé Champagne and The Metropolitan Tea Company’s small batch tea blends, including Dream Dove Silver Needles White Tea, Madame Butterfly Green Jasmine Tea and Golden Yunnan Hills Black Tea. “The new Royal Tea menu was designed to deliver the most luxurious tea service in Canada,” said Ash. “We look forward to serving this exquisite menu and providing an unforgettable experience at the ‘Castle in the Rockies’ that is fit for a royal." The Royal Tea menu can be viewed here. Royal Tea is available at the Rundle Bar daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Reservations must be made 72 hours in advance and can be made here.