Traditional High Tea at Burgundy Lion: Montreal’s Best Kept Secret.
Burgundy Lion has been delighting patrons since 2008 with its classic British pub fare & rustic decor. But did you know they have a secret rooftop solarium that serves authentic High Tea twice a month? This elegant tea service caters to various budgets with different price tiers and is perfect for celebrating special occasions like bridal showers, baby showers, or anniversaries, & ensures an unforgettable experience for all. I visited for the first time on Sunday 31 August at the 11am service. Here is my experience & guide to this hidden gem in Montreal
Pub Burgundy Lion Overview
Nestled in the vibrant Little Burgundy district, Burgundy Lion has been operating since 2008. As a premier, genuine British pub in Montreal, it aims to seamlessly blend traditional charm with contemporary lounge vibes while offering a unique take on British pub fare. With its rustic pub decor, community events like trivia nights, and a classic British menu featuring favorites like “Bangers & Mash” and “Scotch Eggs”, Burgundy Lotion truly lives up to its concept. Moreover, it boasts a drinks menu showcasing over 600 whiskies – the largest collection in Quebec! One of the best features of Burgundy Lion is its High Tea Experience, exclusively available twice a month (either Saturday or Sunday)
Ambiance & Decor
High Tea at Burgundy Lion is served in the four-season solarium on the second level of the Pub. When walking through the Pub’s interior, I was initially skeptical of how this traditional pub could pull off a high tea. However, upon ascending the stairs and entering the conservatory, a vibrant, garden oasis unfolded, creating a striking contrast to the rustic pub below. The solarium’s abundance of natural sunshine and lush greenery, coupled with tea themed decor, creates an exquisite ambiance. The 10 intimate tables, adorned with eclectic bone china tea cups, saucers, souvenir tea spoons, a tea menu, and water glasses, instantly transported me to an English Tea room, while the French bistro-style chairs added a unique Montreal twist to the experience. The background music, featuring classic melodies from Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf, and Sinatra favorites, further enriched the stunning high tea experience!
The Tea Service
At Burgundy Lion, tea takes center stage as the national drink of England, and the selection is exceptional. The menu offers nine distinct, organic teas sourced from Tea & Company. From beloved classics like Earl Grey and English Breakfast to soothing herbal infusions like Green Tea and Chamomile, and even more unique flavors like White Lotus and Rooibos, the tea menu has something to suit every palate. The menu also provides guidance on each tea’s optimal brewing time and indicates if it’s caffeine-free. Upon being seated, each guest is treated to a personal pot of their chosen tea, accompanied by a choice of regular or plant-based milk. We chose the “Organic Emperors Breakfast” and the “Organic Blood Orange Rooibos.” The “Emperor’s Breakfast” was a bold and full-bodied blend of whole leaf organic teas while the “Blood Orange Rooibos” offered a delightful fusion of zesty and tangy flavors, perfectly complementing the sweet treats to follow.
The High Tea Menu
After catching up with your loved ones over your chosen tea & soaking up the sun in the solarium, eye-watering platters will begin to arrive at each table. Each table is treated to a 3-tiered platter, containing an array of sandwiches, scones & sweet pastries. The platter is thoughtfully devised so that each guest can sample one of each item, ensuring you get a taste of everything. Per tradition, we started from the bottom tier which featured smoked salmon & Crème Fraîche finger sandwiches, refreshing cucumber & cream cheese finger sandwiches and summery mushroom & leek quiches. We moved our way up to the middle tier, which included zesty lemon tarts, decadent chocolate cakes & two different flavored macaroons, bringing a French flair to the experience. And finally ending with the top tier, which featured 2 different scones; a moist classic scone & a savory jalapeno & cheddar scone, served with butter & jam compote.
Personal Highlights
I loved that Burgundy Lion offered a twist on the traditional high tea experience, featuring both a sweet and savory scone, which provided a harmonious combination of salt and sweetness to conclude the meal. While all the food was truly divine, two items stood out for me. The Classic Scone brought back lovely memories of my mum’s baking with its tender, buttery pastry perfectly accompanied by the luscious berry compote. Equally memorable was the Salmon Finger Sandwich, generously layered with thinly sliced salmon, velvety crème fraîche, and zesty lemon juice, resulting in a delicious balance of flavors.
Beverage Service
If you’re in the celebratory mood, Burgundy Lion offers 2 drinks packages. The Duchess of Cambridge Package ($65) gives you bottomless mimosas throughout the High tea Service, while the Duchess of Sussex Package ($45) allows you to choose one cocktail from a selection that includes “Kir”, “King Cole Mimosa”, “Burgundy Julep” or a “Pimms Cup”. We opted for the Duchess of Sussex Package and indulged in the Burgundy Julep & a Bloody Mary (a drink on the regular brunch menu). Both were absolutely delicious and the perfect way to end the meal.
Dietary Requirements
According to their website, Burgundy Lion High Tea Service, unfortunately cannot cater to dietary restrictions such as dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, or vegan diets due to the nature of their high tea platters. However, if you are a vegetarian, you will find that the majority of the platter is vegetarian-friendly. For further details, kindly refer to their official website.
Service
The service at Burgundy Lion surpassed all expectations. The servers were incredibly friendly and considerate, even asking if we preferred English or French communication, which was ideal as we are still learning the language. Despite having numerous tables to attend to, the lovely servers took the time to provide each table with detailed explanations of every element of the high tea platter. They were attentive to everyone’s needs & ensured an enjoyable experience for all. Thank you Burgundy Lion staff!
Pricing
What sets Burgundy Lion High Tea’s service apart is the different pricing tiers, ensuring an affordable experience for all guests! The options include:
Lions High Tea: High Tea Service ($35)
Duchess of Sussex: High Tea Service plus choice of Cocktail ($45)
Duchess of Cambridge: High Tea Service plus Bottomless Mimosas ($65)
Reservations
Reservations for High Tea are a must, and it’s available twice per month (either Saturday or Sunday) offering a choice between morning (11 am) or afternoon (1 pm) service, granting you two hours of dining. The online reservation process is simple and convenient. For special occasions like Bridal Parties, Birthdays, Anniversaries, or Baby Showers, the reservation form prompts you to provide details to ensure a memorable day tailored to your needs. Allergy information can also be included in the reservation form. Visit their official website to make your reservation and find further details. There is also an option to privatize the garden for an event (minimum 20 people), which would be a fantastic location for an event! Please contact their reservation team for more information.
Location & Getting There
Pub Burgundy Lion is conveniently located at 2496 Notre Dame O, Montreal, Quebec, H3J 1N5 with easy access via the Lionel-Groulx metro station, just a 6 minute walk away, providing service on both the Green & Orange Lines. To plan your public transport, please visit: https://www.stm.info/en. There is on-street & paid parking close by in the surrounding Little Burgundy neighborhood, which you can plan here. Additionally, for those who prefer cycling, there are ample Bixi stations conveniently situated around the pub area. Make a day of it and enjoy the surrounding neighbourhood – check out my guides here!
Know Before You Go
The High Tea is by reservation only, so be sure to secure your spot in advance!
While there is no official dress code, the majority of the diners (including ourselves) opt for smart-casual or semi-formal attire, so It’s a great opportunity to dress up for the occasion and add to the elegant ambience!
The Burgundy Lion is in the vibrant Little Burgundy neighborhood, moments away from the picturesque Lachine Canal. Make a day of it and explore the surrounding area with its many activities to enjoy.
I highly recommend treating yourself to Burgundy Lion’s High Tea experience, especially during the summer and spring months. Whether it’s a bridal shower, baby shower, or anniversary, Burgundy Lion High Tea guarantees an exquisite experience. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem in Montreal – reserve your spot and indulge in an unforgettable tea service!
Looking for more Montreal inspiration this Spring? Check out my ultimate guide to spring activities in Montreal here
