Charnwood Villa Tea Room - Goderich, Ontario

This delightful tea room is situated in Goderich, Ontario which is also known as Canada’s Prettiest Town thanks to Queen Elizabeth II. Charnwood Villa Tea Room calls an 1870 Victorian house home, however, they only opened for tea in 2012. Before my trip this summer, it has been a while since I was in Goderich so I was thrilled to find a new tea spot to visit. It was meant to be when I found out it was walking distance from our hotel on the square, too. In my opinion, this quaint tea room perfectly completes the lovely town.

When arriving to Charnwood Villa Tea Room the lush garden in the front and around the home welcomes you. If follow the stone path you will notice a little shed outside that was transformed into a “Tea Shed” for more, and private, tea party space. Heading up the outdoor steps to the entrance is also more patio space for outdoor tea on bright white circular tables and chairs.

The first thing you see when you walk into the tea room is a large staircase, and a spot with fancy hats, gloves, scarves and other afternoon tea accessories hanging and waiting to be tried on. Staying on that level of the building you are greeted and seated in one of the rooms. For me, I was brought into a room that was also home to a piano, fireplace and antique vinyl player. There was nothing I would change about my surroundings!

This tea room offers two different tea services. There is their Traditional Afternoon Tea (formerly known as Petite Tea) and there is their Ritz Tea. During my trip, I experienced their Traditional Afternoon Tea ($15.00 per person) which includes 5 traditional tea sandwiches (bottom tier), buttermilk scones with cream and jam (middle tier), sweet pastries and fresh fruit (top tier), and of course, a pot of tea.

Their Ritz Tea ($29.99 per person) is more of a meal as in addition to the items from the smaller tea service it includes steak & Guinness tarts, coronation chicken salad and creme brule. You can view the full details for their afternoon tea service here.

Charnwood Villa Tea Room is open Wednesday to Sunday and you can reserve your tea time between noon and 5pm. This tea room is a bit different than others I have enjoyed as it is reservations only and once you arrive you are immediately seated to a table that is already set with your food. If you’re there for their Ritz Tea you will be selecting your hats and other fancy accessories before being seated. All that’s left to do when you arrive is selecting a tea from their menu, which at the time of my visit, contained 6 teas. It may seem like a small tea menu but it still managed to include a nice variety of black, puerh, rooibos, green and white tea. They also offer iced teas ($1.50 extra) and coffee ($2.75 extra).

I thought it was appropriate to try their Charnwood Villa Signature Blend, a creamy earl grey with rose petals and lavender, first so that is what I ordered. The tea was served in a tall, white porcelain tea pot with deep pink floral and scenic designs. It was part of the matching tea cup, creamer and plates set that was already at my table. It reminded me a lot of my go-to local afternoon tea spot. White sugar cubes and milk were provided as well.

Having the table all set and ready for your arrival made it quite inviting! There were nice, little details throughout the tea room that made the experience extra special. From the napkin rose resting in your teacup, to the soft, elegant background music adding to the peaceful setting, Charnwood Villa Tea Room went above and beyond.