We returned for Christmas Tea after a wonderful experience last year, but this visit was disappointing. Instead of the festive, beautifully decorated dining room we enjoyed before, we were seated in a plain room with no ambiance or holiday décor. Service was inattentive—milk was missing for tea, and then only one small pitcher was provided for seven guests. When my 3‑year‑old granddaughter joined last minute, they couldn’t provide food for her, yet still tried to charge us for an extra adult. Sadly, this year’s experience did not live up to the tradition we had hoped to continue.
Disappointing High Tea Experience at The Old Mill, Toronto Having enjoyed many traditional English high teas, I had high hopes for The Old Mill’s offering — unfortunately, it fell short in several areas, especially considering the $65 price tag (plus tax and tip). To start with the positives: the sandwiches were tasty in terms of flavor and fillings, and the desserts and scones were both beautifully presented and quite fresh. The Devonshire cream was lovely, though the portion provided was surprisingly small — certainly not enough for two large scones. When we asked for butter, things became a bit confusing: we were first brought a savoury butter (odd for sweet scones), and then, after asking again, were given small plastic packets of frozen butter. It was disappointing that proper clotted cream or even room-temperature butter wasn’t readily available. The Waldorf chicken salad sandwich, while flavorful, was served on stale bread — quite a letdown for a place that markets itself as a high-end tea experience. We also found it disappointing that sandwich refills were not offered. When we asked if we could have a few more, we were told that the only option was to purchase an entirely new tea service. Three tiny sandwiches simply didn’t feel sufficient for a $65 afternoon tea. The tea itself was delicious, but the service missed the mark in presentation. Once our pot was empty, instead of bringing a fresh pot, our server simply topped up the old one with hot water — leaving us with weak, over-steeped tea. At this price point, each refill should come in a fresh pot with a new tea bag or leaves. As for the setting, while The Old Mill is a beautiful historic building, we were seated in a back room that smelled musty and felt neglected. The furniture was worn and didn’t evoke the charm or elegance one expects from a “grand English tea.” Overall, while some elements — particularly the scones and desserts — were enjoyable, the experience as a whole did not justify the cost. Between the limited portions, inconsistent service, and lack of refinement in both presentation and setting, this high tea unfortunately did not live up to expectations. Overall, between the limited portions, inconsistent service, and disappointing setting, this experience did not live up to expectations. Sadly, after driving 78 km for what we hoped would be a special outing, we left feeling underwhelmed.
Had the loveliest time catching up with a few girlfriends over afternoon tea at the Old Mill Hotel. Everything was super easy to book, and when we arrived, our table was all set and waiting. The staff were great - friendly and professional without hovering. Just the right amount of attention to make us feel looked after without interrupting our flow. One thing we really appreciated was having three different menu options—regular, vegetarian, and vegan. It made things so much easier for our group! The tea selection was solid, and the food? Delicious. Having skipped lunch, we came hungry and still couldn’t finish it all! Honestly, it’s hard to pick a favourite—everything worked so well together. One friend was obsessed with the scones, I couldn’t get enough of the little sandwiches, and another was all about the desserts. The vibe of the place is timeless - in a cozy, elegant way. It was peaceful, relaxing, and just what we needed. Already thinking about when we can go back. Thank you :)
A major disappointment. Tea cups were dirty - that was the first issue. Waitress arrived to take the tea order - that was fine but the food was spartan and delivered almost immediately after the tea arrived. Three minuscule sandwiches, two scones (brick hard and dry) - one jalapeño (who includes a jalapeño scone at an afternoon tea?…bizarre…and the contents of the other scone remain a mystery). Had to ask for butter, jam and clotted cream and the waitress never came back to ask if we wanted a refill on our hot water or a glass of water…nothing! Servers are students who rush to remove plates as soon as they are empty but apart from that grand effort wherein they reach over your head to get said plates, there is no service. None. We had to flag another waitress down for more Hot water…seriously. Terrible, disappointing, food quality with few exceptions was deplorable and for this ‘experience’, you fork over $75. Disgusting and a major rip off. Never have I taken the time to write a critical review - never had cause to - until now. The Old Mill needs to seriously ramp up…there are too many lovely places for afternoon tea. My advice…avoid this one.
First time trying this venue. I loved it as it was in the old mill. It was a bit expensive compare to whatever they served us. The food was very yummy and clean. our server was very courteous and took time to explain everything to us. The room temperature was perfect and we were next to the windows. I loved watching the garden. It was on time. I loved the tea as well .We enjoyed walking around the mill after the afternoon tea. I highly recommend this place.
We’ve attended two afternoon high tea’s this year; with two extremely different experiences. Our first experience was for Mothers Day! The pictures show effort in the table decor and the selection of tea sandwiches and desserts! Our recent experience was extremely disappointing. None of the tables had flowers or any of the extra details that would make it feel more special. The menu had changed, and I had assumed they would serve the traditional sandwiches offered on Mother’s Day—unfortunately, that was not the case. The tier of sandwiches and desserts looked unappealing, and the Crab Salad Finger Sandwich tasted overly fishy and was unpleasant. The scones were the only item that met expectations. But everything else was such a disappointment!! Had they just kept two egg salad and cucumber with cream cheese, it would have been so much better. Sometimes simple is best. The smoked turkey on brioche was completely overpowered by the bun and was completely tasteless. The desserts were disappointing as well—they were bland, green, and falling apart. To the chef, the use of lemon needs to be taken down a notch. We were there to celebrate my niece’s ninth birthday, a special occasion, and her tier plate did not reflect anything listed on the menu. I had advised the team she could not eat a grilled cheese sandwich so instead they gave her a piece of toast but omitted everything else that came along a kids menu. She received the same desserts as ours, with NO cupcakes, cake pops, cookies WHICH were listed on the kids menu. I was completely baffled by the lack of attention to detail and care, especially for a celebration. If you can’t cater to children, then remove it from your offering. Overall, this experience was far below expectations, and I would not recommend it for special occasions.
Easter tea today at the Old Mill was a lovely experience (and I got to wear a fascinator). Our server, Nelson, was friendly, efficient and helpful. Understanding that they have only two seating times for tea, and are quite busy because all parties essentially walk in at the same time–he brought us what we asked for with a very quick turnaround time (water, extra napkins etc). It's great that they offer special menus (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free & nut-free) because not all places that do afternoon tea offer anything aside from the "regular menu". Two of us had the vegetarian menu and one had the regular menu in our party. Of the desserts, I especially loved the white chocolate, almond & lavender mini cake (delish), followed by the carrot cake choux au craquelin with cream cheese chantilly, as those were the most unique items. The lavender mini cake had a type of poured fondant, which was so good! The grilled vegetables bruschetta, though tasty, was very oily, so it would have helped to have some paper napkins nearby, in addition to the cloth one we all got (as our fingers were rather oily). A few of the "sandwich" items listed on the original menu seem to have been replaced with other items, such as a mushroom sandwich instead of a spinach wrap. The tea served is Sloane, which is Canadian (yeah) and very good. I would have preferred they use Canadian-made jams or preserves (e.g., Greaves), and maybe offer jams with Canadian fruit (Saskatoon berries, blueberries from Nova Scotia, Niagara peaches etc). The two-hour seating time is just the right amount of time to enjoy the tea service with friends. I took one star off from the ambiance rating, because I do feel that the Old Mills really needs some upgrading and improvements to it's building (both outside and inside). I initially went to the wrong door, and had to take outdoor steps, which were really in terrible condition and felt a bit unsecure. I think some improvements and modernizations would be good!
Afternoon Tea at Old Mill Toronto is a Canadian Food and drink based in Toronto, Ontario. Afternoon Tea at Old Mill Toronto is located at 21 Old Mill Rd, Toronto, ON M8X 1G5, Canada.
Please contact with Afternoon Tea at Old Mill Toronto using information above: Address, Phone number, Fax, Postal code, Website address, E-mail, Facebook. Find Afternoon Tea at Old Mill Toronto opening hours and driving directions or map. Find real customer reviews and ratings or write your own review.