Murchie's or the Empress...Umm, Murchies!

The blends are so enticing we wish you could take a whiff!

People say you shouldn't miss tea at the Empress Hotel when in Victoria...well, we say you shouldn't miss tea at Murchie's Tea and Coffee.  No, it isn't the same...it's not a $60 per person high tea event.  But Murchie's story is a rich part of the history of British Columbia, its roots older, and you can enjoy a fine pot of the same blended tea enjoyed by Queen Victoria for a mere $2 a pot!  Throw in a couple of their delicious scones and you'll be glad you made the choice.

John Murchie got his start in the tea industry working with Melrose's of Scotland in the 1850's.  He was a young boy when he was charged with delivering tea to Queen Victoria while she was in residence at Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands.  As he became familiar with the types of teas the Queen preferred, and his own knowledge grew, he began experimenting with the blending of green and black teas.  The recipe for the Queen Victoria Blend at Murchie's is the same today as it was when he created it then.  Mr. Murchie immigrated to Canada in 1894 and founded his company, delivering tea to customers and passing on his experience, and eventually his business, to his son.

While the blending of green and black tea may seem ordinary today, at the time John Murchie was considered a rebel and criticized for taking this unorthodox step.  However, his blends have withstood the test of time and have remained favorites of customers for over a century.  In 1993, Murchie's Tea and Coffee was granted its own Coat of Arms by the Chief Herald of Canada honoring 100 years of quality tea making.

Scales, bins & tins are all part of Murchie's charm.

Murchie's Tea & Coffee is located at 1110 Government Street in downtown Victoria.  You can also order off the website here.