Built in 1912, this is the oldest building in the village and originally housed the Oak Bay Grocery and Post office. Edward Richards was both proprietor and Post Master and lived over the shop.

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In the early 1970s, Mr. and Mrs. George Ferguson established an antique shop in the dining room area and Canada Trust leased the space that is now our main entrance and tea service area. In about 1975, the Fergusons decided to turn their antique shop into a small tea room. Previously, George had been an ordained Parson in Scotland, and coincidently, his bride’s maiden name was Parsons. Thus, they decided they should name their tea room “The Parson’s Blethering Place."  (According to Oxford, “blethering” is Scottish for. . . “voluble senseless talking”!)

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In 1981, Ken Agate, newly arrived from New Zealand, purchased the tea room business and in conjunction with the owners of the building, John and Sally Wood, set about a major renovation. The name was shortened to ‘The Blethering Place’ and blossomed into a popular meeting place for locals as well as a destination for international tourists. After thirty years of as The Blethering Place, Ken sold the business, but can still be found here enjoying a chat with friends old and new.

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In November of 2012, Nicholas Hopkins bought the business and named it “The Oaks Restaurant” We have added some of the best parts from the past to our own style. You can get afternoon tea at the most reasonable price in town. People love our homemade jam, marmalade, sauces, and made-from-scratch desserts. Whether you’re looking for, Victoria’s Best Brownie, all day breakfast,  live entertainment weekly without a cover charge, or a venue to throw your next party, this is the place to come. We emphasize friendly service and strive to be a community meeting place for any occasion, even for just a rest and a nice cup of tea.