As a back-up to afternoon tea at the Fairmont, a girlfriend and I came here for tea. Before coming I called to make a reservation and asked the hostess if it was ok if we just did tea and maybe some scones but not a full afternoon tea meal - she said they were more than happy to accommodate a la carte orders.
However, when we got there and ordered tea and asked about ordering some scones our waitress was pissed. She repeated about three times with an annoyed expression "ok, so you are JUUUST having tea?" and when I said "yes and possibly scones or something. The hostess said this was possible." she ripped our plates off the table and made us feel so stupid for not having the full tea menu.
My friend and I both felt pretty embarrassed even though we called ahead to check that this was ok. The waitress brought us our teas but wouldn't take an order for any bites from us, and didn't tend to us any further.
When we left to pay (had to ask the hostess for the bill as our waitress wouldn't come to us) I double checked with the hostess that it is possible for people to come in for tea only...she said again they were happy to do this. When I mentioned that it had upset our waitress she explained that the waitress was just upset because it meant her gratuity would be smaller. Obviously, we already knew why she was pissed from the start but then for the hostess to just say it and act like it was ok to treat us like that was a bit weird. The hostess was very nice, don't get me wrong - but I just was confused why she would justify this waitresses bad attitude.
I wouldn't recommend the King Eddy to anyone - obviously because I was made to feel very embarrassed and stupid. Aside from this the hotel just didn't feel very historic or special like the Fairmont or Windsor. There is an ok selection selection of teas but both that we chose tasted like they had lost their flavour. I had the King Eddy Special Blend and my gf had the Floral Jasmine which she said was good but a bit weak as well.
All in all, I will never return. 1 star only for the host being smiley...and because Yelp won't let me give 0 stars.