I hadn’t planned to leave a public review, but after receiving an unexpectedly hostile response from the owner following a private and respectful message, I feel it’s important to share my experience.
Our women’s group visited Tea at the Grand for a high tea gathering. The table was beautifully set, the food was lovely, and our server, Brooke, was warm and attentive.
That said, a few discreet requests made during the event—such as asking about vegetarian options or requesting ice after burning my hand on a teapot—were met with defensiveness and a surprising lack of courtesy from the owner. These were not complaints, but quiet, reasonable questions asked away from the group to avoid disruption.
After the event, I messaged to request a receipt (which was completely ignored) and share feedback privately. Rather than respond with professionalism, the owner sent a lengthy and accusatory message, mischaracterizing my words and actions, and suggesting that I had disrespected both her and her space.
As someone who organizes community events regularly and makes a conscious effort to support local businesses, I was deeply disappointed by this treatment. While the food and server were delightful, the owner’s reaction left a sour note on what began as a lovely afternoon. I hope future guests are met with more kindness and professionalism.
Christine Bintakies
Love out afternoon tea experience and our server was amazing and so personable
Donna Hood
Do not go here, cancelled our reservation 2 hours before reservation! Voice message on phone always full and never replied to email to try to confirm reservation.
Gina Christakis
Loved Tea on the Grand. Celebrated my BFFs birthdays there. This atypical tea house is worth the drive to Paris, Ontario. The food is excellent and you will not leave hungry. The dessert in the end is the big surprise. The owner is friendly and is happy to talk about the history of this landmark and the quaint city of Paris. Do not expect the typical three tiered High Tea experience; however, expect some good food, tea, and a good time with your friends. The owner will call you ahead of time to discuss whether anyone in your party has allergies and/or whether they are celebrating something special. She will go out of her way to make this a great experience. You will not leave disappointed. Try Tea on the Grand for a “grand’ time with your friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: High Tea
colleen seguin
I have stayed at Judys on more than one occassion and now wont stay anywhere else when visiting Paris ONT SHe makes you feel like family. She goes out of her way to make you feel comfortable. I love her stories and the laid back atmosphere. Everyone has their take on their own experience. If considering a nice quaint place to stay try the Carriage House. It is private, quiet and clean! We will be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heather Pearsall Showler
Booked visit for a group of 10 people three weeks prior. Confirmed with owner. Arrived after 45 minute drive to be greeted at the door, owner “not expecting us”; “didn’t write it in her book”; spoke about her life and the trials and tribulations she was under. Turned us away. Very unprofessional and will never return. Major disappointment for our group!
Lori F
I came with my elderly mom for our birthdays as the pictures always looks so beautiful. We were seated in the back kitchen area and there was cobwebs and spiders all over. We did not get a three tier tray as it shows in the pictures we got one long dish and it had four different things on it And then we got a piece of cake we had to ask for fork and same with when we got the food we had to ask for napkins. I was so disappointed because the pictures look so beautiful. It is nothing like the pictures. People came in after us and they were sat in the front room area and they did get the three level tray. I ordered the high tea .
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
Helen Bobis
This heritage home is a beautiful setting for delectable treats crafted by host and owner. Judy added to the experience by sharing the history of the home and of Paris Ontario. She is charming, full of stories and open to all people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stacey Jacob
Hi, I was about to make reservations here until I heard about the owner's rant. Judy is a HOMOPHOBIC old woman who called the rainbow crosswalk a "gay little crosswalk". I'm Queer and so is most of my party of 20. Word has already spread about what you are, and your gross unprofessionalism. You will not get a single cent from my family or any of my friends, and I'm considering posting the Brant city council YouTube video across all platforms. (for anyone interested, it's the vid from may 28th and check around the 30 minute mark) Judy, you're a bigot and your screeching rudeness in the video is the ultimate deterrent. 0 stars. Negative 10 stars, to be honest. I look forward to your poorly written response.
HAVE A SUPER, SUPER, GAY DAY ?️??️??️?
Ivygreen
A 5-star review does not begin to do justice to this establishment. I was skeptical of my visit given some of the negative reviews but it just does not add up for me. Many times, customers do not take responsibility for their part in a poor experience. Judy was the most welcoming and gracious host. The food was absolutely excellent, the tea was steeped and flavoured very well, and her home is absolutely stunning.Thank you Judy for the lovely memories, great conversation, and food made with love. You are an extremely kind individual who perseveres through the many extremes. I will continue to support you in future.P.S. My friend and I thank you very much for the extra chocolate covered strawberries on the takeaway cake! I noticed it after we got to the hotel and was reminded of how incredibly sweet you are. Thank you so much.
Fabulous food and hostess!!! Thank you for an amazing birthday ? 5+++ stars!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: High Tea
colleen brown
The owner is aloof and doesn't accept
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 2
Jackie
Went for tea today with my family. It was delicious!!!! The amount and quality of food was fabulous!!! We will be back again!!! Thank you!!! :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: High Tea
Melissa Baskin
I honestly have never left a review before but after booking afternoon tea back in May 2023 and after flying from NS to meet my family to celebrate my grandmothers 86th birthday and have afternoon tea the owner never emailed or called to let us know she was not going to follow through with our reservation. I chatted for quite sometime months before with her about how important this was, it was not easily accessible to get my grandma to her location and then to be stood up after waiting 30 minutes past our reservation time… wow!She also did not respond until hours later. We were lucky to be in Paris with many other great spots to eat, I really can not believe how unprofessional this was. She did offer to have us for a free afternoon tea again but I came from out of province for this special occasion.This is not a fake review! This was for the May long weekend for 4 people, and I did contact you.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Allison
Tried to make reservations here for a friend’s birthday. Judy’s correspondence was initially rude and then became highly abusive and accused me of bullying her because she thought (incorrectly by a long shot I might add) that I’m some 20 year old straight out of school. I have no idea where she got that idea and it shouldn’t matter anyway. In no way was I bullying her, I even acknowledged where my communication could have been more specific and wished her well. I then received two more unsolicited emails from her getting more and more crazy. Had she kept it up it would have verged on harassment.My friends and I went to Abigail’s Tea House which is 20 minutes away in St. George and we had the best time, the food was delicious and the owners are incredible. Do yourself a favour and skip Tea On the Grand and go to Abigail’s.*** UPDATE:So now the owner is leaving lies about me. Not once did I phone this establishment. Our correspondence was strictly over email and not once did she say she was out of the country, but rather told me she had a severe injury to her hand. I had stopped responding to her emails and she emailed me twice more and it was utterly baffling. I still have copies and will happily post them for all to read. I find it very strange that she chose to respond to my review 3 years later and completely fabricate our exchange. I don’t ever delete emails for this very reason.
I hadn’t planned to leave a public review, but after receiving an unexpectedly hostile response from the owner following a private and respectful message, I feel it’s important to share my experience. Our women’s group visited Tea at the Grand for a high tea gathering. The table was beautifully set, the food was lovely, and our server, Brooke, was warm and attentive. That said, a few discreet requests made during the event—such as asking about vegetarian options or requesting ice after burning my hand on a teapot—were met with defensiveness and a surprising lack of courtesy from the owner. These were not complaints, but quiet, reasonable questions asked away from the group to avoid disruption. After the event, I messaged to request a receipt (which was completely ignored) and share feedback privately. Rather than respond with professionalism, the owner sent a lengthy and accusatory message, mischaracterizing my words and actions, and suggesting that I had disrespected both her and her space. As someone who organizes community events regularly and makes a conscious effort to support local businesses, I was deeply disappointed by this treatment. While the food and server were delightful, the owner’s reaction left a sour note on what began as a lovely afternoon. I hope future guests are met with more kindness and professionalism.
Love out afternoon tea experience and our server was amazing and so personable
Do not go here, cancelled our reservation 2 hours before reservation! Voice message on phone always full and never replied to email to try to confirm reservation.
Loved Tea on the Grand. Celebrated my BFFs birthdays there. This atypical tea house is worth the drive to Paris, Ontario. The food is excellent and you will not leave hungry. The dessert in the end is the big surprise. The owner is friendly and is happy to talk about the history of this landmark and the quaint city of Paris. Do not expect the typical three tiered High Tea experience; however, expect some good food, tea, and a good time with your friends. The owner will call you ahead of time to discuss whether anyone in your party has allergies and/or whether they are celebrating something special. She will go out of her way to make this a great experience. You will not leave disappointed. Try Tea on the Grand for a “grand’ time with your friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: High Tea
I have stayed at Judys on more than one occassion and now wont stay anywhere else when visiting Paris ONT SHe makes you feel like family. She goes out of her way to make you feel comfortable. I love her stories and the laid back atmosphere. Everyone has their take on their own experience. If considering a nice quaint place to stay try the Carriage House. It is private, quiet and clean! We will be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Booked visit for a group of 10 people three weeks prior. Confirmed with owner. Arrived after 45 minute drive to be greeted at the door, owner “not expecting us”; “didn’t write it in her book”; spoke about her life and the trials and tribulations she was under. Turned us away. Very unprofessional and will never return. Major disappointment for our group!
I came with my elderly mom for our birthdays as the pictures always looks so beautiful. We were seated in the back kitchen area and there was cobwebs and spiders all over. We did not get a three tier tray as it shows in the pictures we got one long dish and it had four different things on it And then we got a piece of cake we had to ask for fork and same with when we got the food we had to ask for napkins. I was so disappointed because the pictures look so beautiful. It is nothing like the pictures. People came in after us and they were sat in the front room area and they did get the three level tray. I ordered the high tea .
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
This heritage home is a beautiful setting for delectable treats crafted by host and owner. Judy added to the experience by sharing the history of the home and of Paris Ontario. She is charming, full of stories and open to all people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hi, I was about to make reservations here until I heard about the owner's rant. Judy is a HOMOPHOBIC old woman who called the rainbow crosswalk a "gay little crosswalk". I'm Queer and so is most of my party of 20. Word has already spread about what you are, and your gross unprofessionalism. You will not get a single cent from my family or any of my friends, and I'm considering posting the Brant city council YouTube video across all platforms. (for anyone interested, it's the vid from may 28th and check around the 30 minute mark) Judy, you're a bigot and your screeching rudeness in the video is the ultimate deterrent. 0 stars. Negative 10 stars, to be honest. I look forward to your poorly written response.
HAVE A SUPER, SUPER, GAY DAY ?️??️??️?
A 5-star review does not begin to do justice to this establishment. I was skeptical of my visit given some of the negative reviews but it just does not add up for me. Many times, customers do not take responsibility for their part in a poor experience. Judy was the most welcoming and gracious host. The food was absolutely excellent, the tea was steeped and flavoured very well, and her home is absolutely stunning.Thank you Judy for the lovely memories, great conversation, and food made with love. You are an extremely kind individual who perseveres through the many extremes. I will continue to support you in future.P.S. My friend and I thank you very much for the extra chocolate covered strawberries on the takeaway cake! I noticed it after we got to the hotel and was reminded of how incredibly sweet you are. Thank you so much.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: High Tea
Restaurantji Recommends
Fabulous food and hostess!!! Thank you for an amazing birthday ? 5+++ stars!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: High Tea
The owner is aloof and doesn't accept
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 2
Went for tea today with my family. It was delicious!!!! The amount and quality of food was fabulous!!! We will be back again!!! Thank you!!! :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: High Tea
I honestly have never left a review before but after booking afternoon tea back in May 2023 and after flying from NS to meet my family to celebrate my grandmothers 86th birthday and have afternoon tea the owner never emailed or called to let us know she was not going to follow through with our reservation. I chatted for quite sometime months before with her about how important this was, it was not easily accessible to get my grandma to her location and then to be stood up after waiting 30 minutes past our reservation time… wow!She also did not respond until hours later. We were lucky to be in Paris with many other great spots to eat, I really can not believe how unprofessional this was. She did offer to have us for a free afternoon tea again but I came from out of province for this special occasion.This is not a fake review! This was for the May long weekend for 4 people, and I did contact you.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Tried to make reservations here for a friend’s birthday. Judy’s correspondence was initially rude and then became highly abusive and accused me of bullying her because she thought (incorrectly by a long shot I might add) that I’m some 20 year old straight out of school. I have no idea where she got that idea and it shouldn’t matter anyway. In no way was I bullying her, I even acknowledged where my communication could have been more specific and wished her well. I then received two more unsolicited emails from her getting more and more crazy. Had she kept it up it would have verged on harassment.My friends and I went to Abigail’s Tea House which is 20 minutes away in St. George and we had the best time, the food was delicious and the owners are incredible. Do yourself a favour and skip Tea On the Grand and go to Abigail’s.*** UPDATE:So now the owner is leaving lies about me. Not once did I phone this establishment. Our correspondence was strictly over email and not once did she say she was out of the country, but rather told me she had a severe injury to her hand. I had stopped responding to her emails and she emailed me twice more and it was utterly baffling. I still have copies and will happily post them for all to read. I find it very strange that she chose to respond to my review 3 years later and completely fabricate our exchange. I don’t ever delete emails for this very reason.
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