White Lions Tea House - Orillia

I had a fantastic time at this restaurant on a rainy Saturday afternoon. What better way to spend a rainy day than by sipping on a cup of tea?

Stopped in there on the way to the cottage, really cute little place with some parking around back. First time in there, was picking up some gluten free options for my mom - and boy did they have a great selection! I bought some butter tarts, scones and cookies. They were so good!

Laurie offers a great variety of thirst quenching teas along with home baked scones, fresh sandwiches and soups. All are prepared the day of. The tea house is quaint and beautifully decorated. A local art club also hangs their artwork there which is nice to view while having breakfast or lunch. I do recommend.

It isn't for everyone...I get that. But I quite enjoy lunches with friends at White Lions Tean House. It's the type of experience Orillia needs more of. In a town where everywhere you turn you see people in camo clothes it is such a WONDERFUL breath of fresh air to be able to sit within the walls of a quaint, Victorian tea room, sipping your choice of brew in real china. The food is delicious and always unique. And oh the tea! So many choices!!! It's a lovely experience! Do yourself a favour and have a lunch date at White Lions!

We have been here twice. The first visit was pleasant the waitress was great (even though the owner was constantly on her about our table.. Seems we asked for things out of order?) The iced tea was wonderful. We had desert and more tea. On the whole a nice experience.Our most recent visit was very different..30 days apart. We arrived and were seated immediately ..no wait staff this time..we had the owner. There were 4 of us so we were gabbing a bit..we had all looked at the menu but not decided. The place only had one other table so time was not an issue. We all felt pressured to order quickly ..so we did... Now I am not a tea snob..I like what I like and over 58 years I think I have it. The owner stopped out conversation to tell me how I would like MY tea best???? Anyway we ordered food..two salads ploughman lunch and quiche. Pretty standard fare... I am from England..and what She brought as a "plough mans lunch was a huge laugh.. Three tiny slices of Gouda , two very thin slices of kabasa and two small slices of ham ( previously frozen for sure) 1 Slice sweet pickle and two slices of French stick..well when I say slices..they were an eight of an inch thick..I could actually see through them. My friend has Quiche...we had never seen flat quiche before..again I think a result of freezing .. Even the salad people were disappointed ..we are not picky eaters at all..but the quality of the food was bad..tasteless scones with cream for dessert.. Not what the English call scones and not very fresh.. The cream that tops them has sugar in it..stretch it I guess..is the authentic taste of scones with cream and jam is not there. Great place if you want nice tea...but expensive for the food you get