‘Slow down, connect with friends’: High Tea in Saskatoon 

WATCH: Saskatoon fans of ceremonies 'steeped' in tradition can add another location to the list of places offering a high tea service.

Fans of ceremonies steeped in tradition can add another Saskatoon location to the list of places offering a high tea service.

High Tea combines a fancy lunch with local culture, and is proving to be intriguing to many.

Experiencing the often proper and elegant high tea tradition is not something usually associated with the Saskatchewan prairies, but it can be enjoyed along Saskatoon’s River Landing.

“I didn’t realize that they did high teas, which is just extra special and a lot of fun,” Francine Westeringh told CTV News.

Westeringh, a fan of all things tea-related, is celebrating her 30th birthday. She’s participated in a high tea ceremony before, but this celebration was unexpected for her.

“My sister surprised me and is treating me to a nice high tea. She knows me well. I love collecting teacups. I love tea. It’s always such a nice thing to do with friends and family.”

High Tea is hosted every Sunday at the newest option at The Shoppe at River Landing.

There are several procedures involved in a traditional High Tea, from placement of napkins to proper etiquette on breaking delicate pastries on the three-tiered serving platter.

Meaghan Bruinsma organized the gathering of friends for this birthday party, and admits she had to do some research on formalities associated with High Tea.

“All of a sudden we’re all in the group chat asking what does this mean? What do we even wear? Apparently, you’re supposed to do hats and stuff like that, but we just decided to go a little dressier and just wear your own style.”

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The ceremony has several formalities surrounding it, but at this location, they prefer to focus on savouring the moment - and the pace reflects that.

“Slow down, connect with friends and relax,” says Euneece Yocte, manager of The Shoppe. “We first serve our teas, then we give the time to let them chat, then we take all the towers out.”

The Shoppe started serving High Tea in May, and say it’s growing in popularity. They’ve had tables of one, and groups of 20. While they mostly host the ceremony Sundays, it can be held other days to accommodate special requests.

“It’s so awesome to offer something like this to the community,” added Bruinsma. “It’s a fun space to feel pretty and kind of disappear into.”

While this may not be in the heart of London, and it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the Saskatoon charm this experience provides along the riverbank is proving to be a hit.