Lougheed House - Calgary

We booked tea here for Mothers Day for a change from the norm. Considering there aren't many afternoon tea venues in Calgary (and Fairmont teas rarely live up t... read more We booked tea here for Mothers Day for a change from the norm. Considering there aren't many afternoon tea venues in Calgary (and Fairmont teas rarely live up to their standard) this was decent. The courses were tasty and filling enough. The service was rather awkward - the waitress started in to what courses we'd be receiving without introducing herself or making any small talk but they were nice enough and brought tea when we'd run out. Odd part about the tea - there was no selection or choice and we were served Yorkshire Gold which is tasty enough but for $50 a pop you'd think the tea would be proper loose leave and that we'd be given options. All in all an ok experience if you're in a pinch for a special occasion. There's a minimum number to book for the tea and I would have said it was amazing if it had been maybe half the price. It's the same price as the Banff springs and not even close to the caliber, although I appreciated the China and table setting. I hope the extra funds go to preserving this lovely piece of Calgary history!

Lunch was perfect in this sunny heritage room looking out over a pretty garden, right in the middle of the Beltline in central Calgary. There is ample free park... read more Lunch was perfect in this sunny heritage room looking out over a pretty garden, right in the middle of the Beltline in central Calgary. There is ample free parking, including handicapped parking, near the garden that grows much of the veggies served in the restaurant. A ramp and elevator ensure the lunch room is accessible to everyone, including the bathrooms with baby changing tables.My favourite part was the service. Brian was right there when we needed him, the perfect person for a place like this. He was truly proud to tell us about the specials, and recommended a wine, explaining why it was his preference.The lunch menu is simple, with specialist sandwiches...and specials. We loved the crab dip appetizer gooey with Gruyere. I would go back anytime, and take guests and friends to show off a wonderful repurposed heritage building.

Historic setting and lovely atmosphere in this historic building surrounded by a beautiful garden to walk around in- nice for a sandwich lunch- entry to museum... read more Historic setting and lovely atmosphere in this historic building surrounded by a beautiful garden to walk around in- nice for a sandwich lunch- entry to museum discounted with lunch purchase

I realize afternoon teas are a licence to print money, and more to the point, so does Lougheed House. They've jammed in as many tables as possible, to the point... read more I realize afternoon teas are a licence to print money, and more to the point, so does Lougheed House. They've jammed in as many tables as possible, to the point where I was seated on a wooden bench literally right on top of a steam radiator. They couldn't even be bothered to wedge a foot to prevent the table from wobbling, but luckily I had some scrap paper in my pocket as remedy. The food was mediocre at best, with at least one item (the macarons) apparently being prepackaged and not freshly made. At one in the afternoon they were all out of my wife's first tea choice, and the plastic bodum presses that the tea was served in were not precisely in keeping with the ambience. Speaking of ambience, there was very little in the way of Christmas, and what little there was the music wasn't audible over the table of ten next to us in any case. We then had to wait over twenty minutes for our cheque while the server dealt with the cheques for each person individually at that same table of ten. All in all, it was overpriced for a mediocre experience. I have no problem with being charged a premium price, but I then expect a premium product, and this wasn't that. EDIT: my wife reminded me that the advertising for this promised “mince pies and Christmas pudding”. Blatantly false. Except for a little peppermint on the chocolate ganache tarts, there was nothing particularly Christmasy about it.

Service, food and decor were excellent. Could not ask for better. read more Service, food and decor were excellent. Could not ask for better.