Afternoon Tea in Victoria. STEEPED IN TRADITION SINCE 1908. A time honoured tradition for over a century, the world renowned tea lobby of The Fairmont Empress has served England's most beloved ritual and Victoria's grandest tradition of Afternoon Tea to famed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike. Surrounded by rich chintz fabrics, antiqued tapestries and rugs, elegant wing back chairs, vintage furnishings and hand-carved tables, the picturesque backdrop of the Inner Harbour provides the quintessential Victoria experience to all who grace Afternoon Tea. Award-winning Pastry Chef D'Oyen Christie and Team serve hand-made signature Empress scones, delectable pasties and tea sweets prepared in house daily, reflecting locally sourced ingredients to ensure an authentically memorable experience. From the original blend