Doves Nest figured out how to use high tea as their cash cow to milk customers by offering very little for a high price. I don't deny that the portion sizes are generous, but at $30/person, I could stuff myself multiple times at a good quality cafe or bakery.
The cutesy, humble decor, and the impressive 3-tier tray display are smoke screen and mirrors for the fact that their food isn't any good. Their scones are enormous and difficult to eat. It was also super dry and to top that, they serve WHIPPED cream on the side. Where's the traditional clotted cream??
The sandwiches were OK at best and had very little filling and was mostly bread. The pastries tasted homemade but weren't anything to write home to your mom about.
On a positive note, the service was great and so was the tea selection.
Hopefully there will be more high tea options in Calgary in the near future. Doves Nest should rename themselves to Pigeon Hole, because they corner you into paying an exorbitant amount for carelessly-made food. If anyone asks me to go to Doves Nest again, I'll say screw that noise! Might as well drive to Banff for quality tea at the Fairmont.