Let’s Chat: Afternoon tea, anyone?

By Linda Tooth on July 16, 2025.

Are you a fan of the Julia Quinn Bridgerton novels or the Netflix adaptation by Shonda Rhimes?

If so, you know that afternoon teas and the social concept behind it was very important during the Regency and Victorian eras in England.

It gave people, especially women, an opportunity to socialize in the late afternoon over sandwiches, scones, incredible desserts and of course tea, as they typically did not have dinner until 8 p.m.

Did you know that you can have afternoon tea in High River, Alberta?

The Noble Teahouse is a beautiful Victorian historic home that will transport you back to 1800s England for a few hours. A small group of us recently made the journey to High River and it was one of the best afternoons I have ever had.

It was very warm the day we went so we did not have hot tea (14 options to choose from), instead we all chose the strawberry iced tea. Our three-tier food platter included a maple roasted ham, pineapple and cucumber sandwich or my favorite, the Granny Smith apple with sugar butter on a cinnamon bread on the first tier. Waiting for us were the freshly made scones on the second tier with homemade clotted cream and jam. The third tier included desserts such as crème brulee with strawberry and orange or again my favorite, the lemon cheesecake macaron.

What is really incredible about The Nobel Teahouse is that the women who work there are part of the Narrow Road Home recovery program.

Abuse, addiction, and trauma survivors are given opportunities for employment while rebuilding their lives. Owner/operator Joelene Smart started this recovery program as she saw a need to help women within her community.

Some of these women have seen the worst life has to offer and through programs like Narrow Road Home they are given the chance to rebuild what was taken away from them.

Every person I saw working the day we were there was smiling, and my heart was full knowing that they were receiving the support they needed.

If you are planning on going to Calgary this summer, why not make a side trip to High River and The Nobel Teahouse? You will not be disappointed.

According to the Narrow Road Home website, “Together, we can continue to provide a lifeline of hope and a path to recovery for women in need.”

I will be going again this summer as my mother-in-law is arriving soon from England and I know she will love the opportunity for afternoon tea that helps to support women.

Make sure you reserve a spot as they are only open Thursday to Sunday with afternoon tea being offered at 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Nex week I will be continuing my discussion on the UCP’s decision on book banning within school libraries in the province of Alberta. I will be reviewing the third book, Flamer by Mike Curato.

Stay tuned.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading.

Linda Tooth is a part-time communications instructor at Medicine Hat College

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