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Chocoholics will be climbing the walls at this immersive new afternoon tea in Vancouver

A pop-up chocolate dessert lounge at Notch8 Restaurant & Bar at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is taking afternoon tea to a whole new level.

A pop-up chocolate dessert lounge at Notch8 Restaurant & Bar at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is taking sweet treats to a whole new level.

The private dining room of Notch8 Restaurant has been transformed into a dessert-lovers' delight complete with custom built, floor-to-ceiling chocolate covered walls — though the themed offerings and creative cocktails promise to take centre stage. For the past three years, Notch8 has offered themed afternoon teas with a playful twist on the classic tradition. Changing quarterly, past themes include the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Old World Carnival and Enchanted Forest.

 Enjoy sweet treats at Notch8 Restaurant & Bar at the Chocolate Laboratory Dessert Lounge. Photo courtesy Fairmont HotelsEnjoy sweet treats at Notch8 Restaurant & Bar at the Chocolate Laboratory Dessert Lounge. Photo courtesy Fairmont Hotels

But, guests begin this sacchariferous celebration, dubbed the Chocolate Laboratory Afternoon Tea, by selecting their preferred choice of Fairmont’s LOT 35 Tea to sip on — FYI, the Creamy Earl Grey, a black tea with cornflower petals and a wickedly delicious cream flavour — has become a favorite of servers and guests alike. Anyone looking to add a tipsy twist to their afternoon tea can select from themed cocktails, including the Oscillating Clock, made with Empress 1908 Gin, simple syrup, lemon and tonic.

The experience continues with s’mores crème brûlée, followed by a triple chocolate scone and a raspberry white chocolate scone served with milk chocolate clotted cream and mixed berry compote. The savouries include a chili chicken sandwich with mole sauce and fromage frais, a chocolate BLT made with chocolate apple bacon, tomato and iceberg lettuce, and a cocoa gravlax served with lemon mascarpone and chives.

Sweet treats from the in-house pastry shop complete the tier with items such as gold popping candy chocolate sable, a red velvet cream puff, popcorn brownie and a chocolate waffle topped with caramelized banana and sour cream Chantilly.

More dessert offerings include Liquid Matter, made up of a dark chocolate cake, peanut brittle chunks, chocolate meringue, peanut butter ice cream and molten chocolate, or the Truffle Specimens, which comes in flavours such as goat cheese and lime or olive oil and chipotle.

Meanwhile, cocktails served at the Chocolate Laboratory Dessert Lounge, open Friday and Saturday evenings, include Cocoa Combustion, a drink for two that features LOT 35 Earl Grey Tea, Crème de Cacao, Kraken Spiced Rum and lemon. Dessert offerings include Liquid Matter made up of a dark chocolate cake, peanut brittle chunks, chocolate meringue, peanut butter ice cream and molten chocolate, or the Truffle Specimens that come in flavours like goat cheese and lime or olive oil and chipotle.

For tiny tots, a children's tea is offered with kid-friendly tea sandwiches, scones and other delicious sweets. Additionally, options catering to guests with specific dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diets, are available with advance notice at time of booking. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online or by phone at 604-662-1900.