Afternoon Tea by the Sea at Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Set against the panoramic backdrop of the Salish Sea, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is pleased to introduce Afternoon Tea by the Sea, a refined new culinary experience served within the hotel’s iconic oceanfront Lobby Lounge.

Rooted in the hotel’s “West Coast First” philosophy, Afternoon Tea by the Sea offers a distinctly Pacific Northwest interpretation of the classic tea tradition; one shaped by local ingredients, coastal influences, and the quiet pace of life on Vancouver Island.

Overlooking the water from one of Victoria’s most celebrated oceanfront settings, guests are invited to experience a thoughtfully composed menu that balances technical precision with a strong sense of place. From smoked BC salmon and island-harvested honey to delicate pastries and elevated savouries, each element has been designed to reflect the rugged beauty and understated elegance of the West Coast.

Among the signature offerings is a passion fruit tropical bombe pastry, paired alongside refined savoury selections that showcase regional ingredients and modern culinary techniques.

“Our vision was to create an afternoon tea service that honors tradition while offering an elevated and unique experience. We begin with beautiful, locally sourced teas that are prepared and steeped right before your eyes, moving beyond conventional methods,” says Christian Sealey, Director of Food & Beverage. “Instead of simply replicating traditional European tea offerings, we aim to showcase the bounty of local ingredients and the exceptional skills of our culinary and pastry team. This experience celebrates our region’s flavours and innovations, providing a modern twist on classic elements and ensuring that each moment is as memorable as it is delicious.”

The tea program features a curated collection of premium loose-leaf teas from The Denman Island Tea Company, a Vancouver Island-based specialty tea company founded by Certified Tea Sommelier Brendan Waye.

Based in the Comox Valley, The Denman Island Tea Company has been sourcing, blending, and supplying high-quality teas since 2011, with a focus on organic ingredients, traditional tea knowledge, and thoughtful pairings. Many of the blends are crafted on Vancouver Island, while the teas themselves are sourced from respected tea-growing regions around the world.

The company is also developing a long-term Camellia sinensis cultivation project on Denman Island as part of an ongoing exploration into tea growing in coastal British Columbia, reflecting a shared commitment to regional agriculture, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Afternoon Tea by the Sea is now available by reservation at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel Lobby Lounge.