Treat yourself, family and friends to afternoon tea, with a festive twist!
Tiny sandwiches, dainty savouries and delectable cakes, accompanied by tea or a glass of fizz – who doesn’t love the traditional pastime of afternoon tea? And with the festive season upon us, many Edinburgh restaurants, bars and cafes are offering a seasonal twist, with Christmas favourites such as mince pies and gingerbread taking centre stage.
So this Christmas, why not treat yourself, a friend or the family and enjoy some festive cheer at our top recommendations.
Top Tips
Tip 1: Bookings should be made in advance on the venue’s website.
Tip 2: Add some sparkle with an optional glass of bubbles.
Tip 3: Many venues offer gluten free, vegetarian or vegan options – see website for details.
The Dome
Brightening up the dark days of winter, The Dome’s Christmas lights have become a firm favourite in the city’s Christmas calendar. Take in the twinkling decorations as you relax in this splendid city centre bar and restaurant.
Served in the Club Room, their festive morning tea includes apple and cinnamon crumble, a choice of scones and a bacon roll, with a choice of tea or coffee. A children’s menu is also available.
Served every day 9am until 2pm (excluding Christmas Day) from 28 October 2024 to 05 January 2025.
The Scottish Café & Restaurant
Located at the gardens entrance of the National Galleries of Scotland: National, the Scottish Café & Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant, sourcing the best locally produced ingredients wherever possible.
Their delectable Christmas afternoon tea includes fresh homemade sandwiches, scones and festive sweet treats.
Served 12noon to 3pm from 18 November until 31 December 2024 (excluding 25 and 26 December).
Fingal
An afternoon of nautical luxury awaits aboard Fingal, a luxury floating hotel permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront. With all the glamour and style of a superyacht but with an old-world charm, this is nautical life at its finest.
Indulge in five courses served under the shimmering ceiling of The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. Choose from a selection of the finest teas with exquisite sandwiches and flavoursome savoury treats, including blue cheese and fig tart, salmon rillette, and scones with jam and cream before finishing with a festive gingerbread house with speculoos biscuit and Mouneyrac pear & chocolate financier.
Served daily (subject to availability) from 20 November 2024 to 04 January 2025.
Colonnades at the Signet Library.
Colonnades at the Signet Library is a delightfully calming escape from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile.
Their delectable festive afternoon tea features a selection of amuse bouche including chicken, mushroom and tarragon casserole, radicchio and goat cheeses bauble, maple parsnip and carrot cremeux, followed by delights such as amarula tiramisu and frangipane mince pie.
Available on set dates from 20 November to 29 December 2024.
The Scotsman Hotel
The luxurious Scotsman Hotel retains many of its original features, including luxurious floor to ceiling wood panelled rooms, grandiose marble staircase and stained-glass windows.
It’s the perfect space for relaxing with a glass of something bubbly and enjoying their festive-themed afternoon tea.
Available at select times from 22 November to 31 December 2024.
Browns Edinburgh
Take a break from shopping on George Street and step inside the buzzing brasserie atmosphere of Browns Edinburgh for a festive afternoon tea in sumptuous surroundings.
Brioche rolls with lobster tails, turkey and stuffing sandwiches, and pigs in blankets are followed by warm scones with cream and jam, before finishing with a selection of mini cakes and puddings.
Available on select days from 22 November until 31 December 2024.
Edinburgh Castle
Served in the stunning surroundings of Edinburgh Castle, this festive-inspired menu includes turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce finger sandwiches, salmon blinis, venison and apricot sausage rolls, winter berry cheesecake and apple and cinnamon festive tarte-tati, complete with a glass of Edinburgh Castle Gin or Prosecco.
The package includes admission to Edinburgh Castle.
Available at set times from 02 December 2024 to 05 January 2025.
The Queen Charlotte Rooms
All aboard to experience the grandeur of the great age of train travel. Replicating the iconic Orient Express, The Queen Charlotte Rooms offers a unique experience for both the discerning traveller and afternoon tea lover.
Served with a glass of mulled wine, their Christmas afternoon tea includes an assortment of canapés and puff pastries, finger sandwiches and a selection of desserts.
Served throughout December 2024.
Brewhemia
Centrally located across the road from Waverley Train Station, Brewhemia is an ideal spot for meeting up with friends during the festive season.
Their Christmas afternoon tea has brie and cranberry mini rolls, spiced fig and feta choux buns, brie and cranberry scones and chocolate marble cake. Offering a more substantial savoury option, there’s also the Festive Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea.
See website for availability.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
The King’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history, The Palace of Holyroodhouse looks magnificent during the festive season, with garlands and seasonal foliage decorating the stately rooms.
Located in the historic Mews Courtyard, Café at the Palace offers afternoon tea all year round, but during the festive season you’ll be treated to a Christmas-themed tea.
See website for availability.
Prestonfield House
The spectacular surroundings of 5-star Prestonfield House will be festooned with gorgeous decorations, blazing log fires and candles for Christmas.
Escape for an afternoon of indulgence and spoil yourself with their decadent festive afternoon tea, which includes traditional savouries and sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and a selection of festive cakes.
Check website for available dates.
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