Haunted Cellar Afternoon Tea Returns to Notch8
On September 25, 2026, Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver launches its Haunted Cellar Afternoon Tea, a seasonal twist on the classic service that runs through November 1. Under candlelight and gothic decor, diners work through three tiers of handcrafted pastries, savoury bites and seasonal confections, each with a spooky name and theatrical presentation that turns afternoon tea into a mystery dinner without the murder.
What's on the tiers
Head Chef Tyler Uguccioni has designed a menu where every item sounds like it belongs in a haunted mansion. The savoury tier includes The Book of Shadows (roast beef, horseradish, caramelized onion, gruyere), Hocus Pocus (smoked salmon, apple, pumpkin seeds, boursin), and Sleepy Hollow Tart (kabocha squash, vadouvan, compressed apple, walnut, sage). The pastries lean into autumn with scones topped in apple-strawberry jam or orange-cinnamon mascarpone. The sweet tier delivers Black Widow (black sesame shortbread, milk chocolate truffle), Moon Over The Castle (dark chocolate tart with blood orange crémeux and cassis gel), and Sorcerer's Cauldron (chocolate choux, raspberry mousse, berry pearls). A children's menu swaps the gothic theatre for kid-friendly finger sandwiches, cookies and scones.
Cocktails anchor the experience: the Wicked Forest (Roku Gin, Midori, Green Chartreuse, lemon), The Widow's Walk (Roku Gin, sherry, lychee liqueur, absinthe, with a lychee-and-blueberry eyeball garnish), and Pumpkin Spice Resurrection (Absolut Elyx, Kahlúa, espresso, pumpkin spice, whipped cream). A rotating tea list includes Masala Chai, Pumpkin Spice Rooibos, Apple Ginger, and Lavender Earl Grey.
When and how to book
Seatings run September 25 through October 18 on Thursdays at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m., and Friday through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m. From October 21 to November 1, add Wednesday to the mix, with the same three daily slots. Adults pay $75, children (12 and under) $40. Takeaway is available Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m., pre-ordered only. Book directly through Fairmont Hotel Vancouver at 604-684-3131 or online; cancellations require 48 hours' notice or face a $25 per person fee. Vegetarian options are available, order at booking.
