Another treasure awaits in the quaint Village of Naramata in the form of Neverland Tea Cottage Naramata.
From Penticton, up Vancouver or Eckhardt Avenue, connect with Naramata Road and follow the winding road which is a bucolic byway past vineyards, orchards and gardens with glimpses of Okanagan Lake and the craggy hills to the village’s Robinson Avenue.
Take your time, enjoy the scenery as you remain vigilant for cyclists along the way or in the village, perhaps a peacock. Finding this Neverland is a joyful journey on its own and the delightful menu on the patio is absolute pay dirt. Because it’s seasonal, you may need to plan for next spring so be sure to book your reservation to confirm it is open and seats are available.
At this time, it is open Friday to Tuesday, 11:30 am to 5:30 pm for dine in service (last seating at 4 pm) and 9:30 to 11 am for ‘Early Morning Grab & Go’. Beginning September 7, High Teas will only be offered on weekends.
Neverland Tea Cottage Naramata is the second location for the owners – two childhood friends who founded Neverland Tea Salon, Vancouver in 2013. Proclaiming a shared love for decadence, whimsy and adventure that spirit “has led them to the magical lakeside village of Naramata. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, mountains and a peacock named Kevin,” they have meticulously renovated a former coffee shop enhancing the space with whimsical décor.
The site at Naramata is designed as a beautiful English garden with tables shaded by sunshine yellow umbrellas set up on various levels of patio. Those patrons donning Easter bonnets and sun dresses find equal comfort here to the casual folks wearing summer shorts and shirts or cycle apparel.
High Tea and A La Carte Menu
Decked out in exquisite detail, here you’ll find delicate place settings with diverse patterns of Bone China teacups. We ordered off the lunch menu and I’ll definitely be back to do the proper high tea.
I went for the Finger Sandwiches, which had four finger sandwiches served with tossed green leaf, radish, cucumber and carrot salad with lemon dill vinaigrette. My husband selected the Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich with pickled red grapes, pears and candied walnuts on multi-grain and salad like mine. Our meals were excellent with the only complaint that the portion of vinaigrette was extremely light.
Mouth-watering savouries created by Chef Todd Niel and an amazing variety of beautiful sweets by Pastry Chef Heather Jeffreys tempt you. The citrus scones served with house-made strawberry jam and Devonshire cream that top the towers are legendary.
The lunch menu includes a variety of sandwiches and salads with daily specials. There is also a category for children with lunch option and “Tinkerbell’s High Tea’. The tea list is extensive and organized by Black, Scented Black, Green, White, Herbal & Fruit Tisane and Rooibos. Our selection, which was bold and malty and proved delicious was Assam Hathikuli, a single-estate black tea from sea level in India.
It is licensed so you can add a lovely bubbly or Mimosa to your dining experience. I tried the Citrus Mimosa and Mark had a glass of Black Widow Winery Sparkling Web.
A Place to Celebrate
The Vancouver location has long since established itself as a popular destination to celebrate life’s special moments. There, private weddings, showers, birthdays, open mic’s, retirement parties, celebrations of life, EP release parties and even a burlesque show have been successfully hosted.
Whatever the occasion, this noteworthy addition to Naramata is bound to make you smile. Everywhere you find eye candy and whimsy – even in the restrooms!
As shared by Neverland’s founders, “So come with me where dreams are born and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever in (Naramata) Neverland!” – J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
For more details and to check current hours, see https://neverlandteacottage.com/
