Brewhemia Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea

Luxurious, elegant surroundings or a cosy and cheerful atmosphere? We have sipped, supped and savoured to bring together our recommendations of the top spots to enjoy the quintessential tradition of afternoon tea, right here in the capital. It’s always time for tea!

‘There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea’ – Henry James


1.

The Willow Tea Rooms

The renowned Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow has branched out and established a tea room in Edinburgh. Taking inspiration from the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, they are fashioned after Kate Cranston’s Glasgow tea rooms of the early 1900s.

Located on Edinburgh’s Princes Street and with glorious views of Edinburgh Castle, this is a charming place to while away a few hours.

Afternoon tea is served daily. Choice from either the classic version which includes a selection of sandwiches, plain or fruit scones, shortbread and choice of cake, or opt for the savour selection which features haggis on oatcakes, sausage pastry roll, mackerel pâté and miniature cheese and tomato tart. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.


Patisserie Valerie Mother's-Day-Afternoon-Tea
2.

Patisserie Valerie

Located on Rose Street in the New Town, Patisserie Valerie is the perfect place to relax after a day’s shopping and sightseeing.

Available all-day, everyday, their eye-catching afternoon tea includes British tea infusions, freshly baked fruit and plain scones served with jam and clotted cream, mini profiteroles and a selection of mini cake slices.

Can’t make it in person? Don’t worry – they offer UK delivery!


Afternoon tea in the garden at Dunstane Restaurant and bar
3.

Dunstane Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy the traditional afternoon tea experience in all its resplendent glory at Dunstane Restaurant & Bar, with dainty sandwiches, home baked cakes and fluffy scones slathered with jam and Scottish cream. Choose from their selection of fine teas, a glass of champagne, Kombucha or artisan gin selection and make it a Hendrick’s G&Tea.


Image Credit: David Cheskin
Prestonfield House Afternoon Tea
4.

Prestonfield House

Tantalise your taste buds with a divine selection of leaf teas, home baking and traditional sandwiches served in the beautiful surroundings of Prestonfield House.

In the summer months, afternoon tea is served in the rose-filled garden or pretty tea house, while in the winter, diners can enjoy the cosiness of a roaring fire in the sumptuous Tapestry Room.

Traditional, vegetarian and vegan menus are available.


5.

Browns Edinburgh

Nestled among the neo-classical town houses and pretty Georgian architecture of New Town, the beautiful Browns Edinburgh echoes art deco styling with high ceilings, black and white tiled floors and opulent gold finishes – providing a simply stunning backdrop for guests to enjoy afternoon tea. Dainty sandwiches are followed by warm scones and a lovely selection of mini sponges and tarts.


Colonnades, Afternoon Tea
6.

Colonnades at the Signet Library

Set within a stunning 19th century building, Colonnades at the Signet Library provides a truly memorable afternoon tea experience from start to finish. Every detail is just so, from the incredibly ornate, neo-classic decor to the bespoke silver tea stand on which your delicacies are served.

Their sandwiches and cakes are all made using the finest, freshest seasonal ingredients with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. They also have an extensive list of teas, including their own signature blend.


7.

The Dome

Enjoy afternoon tea in majestic surroundings in The Dome’s Georgian Tea Room.

Delicate finger sandwiches are served along with light scones and clotted cream and a selection of mouth-watering pastries accompanied by your choice of tea or coffee. So the smallest members of the family don’t miss out, a children’s afternoon tea is also available.


Afternoon Tea at the Palace of Holyrood House
8.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

In the historic settings of the mews courtyard at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, enjoy a delicious range of homemade cakes, pastries and sandwiches, all served with your choice of loose leaf tea.

Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan afternoon teas are available on request, and a special children’s version is also available.

Top Tip: Look out for their crown cappuccino or sample their rich soaked fruit cake – delicious!


9.

The Caledonian Edinburgh

Definitely one for a ladies’ afternoon out. A sophisticated and elegant ambiance welcomes you for afternoon tea in The Caledonian Edinburgh.

In homage to the grand Caledonian Railway, formerly located beneath the hotel, every element of dining here evokes a charm from a bygone era.

Your choice of fine loose leaf tea or speciality coffee is served with a divine selection of dainty sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delightful pastries. The menu options also include a savoury tea – perfect for those who prefer something less sweet. Vegan and gluten-free menus are available, as well as a children’s version.


Palm Court Afternoon Tea
10.

Palm Court, Balmoral Hotel

Exquisite. One word sums up the style and luxury of the afternoon tea served in the Balmoral’s Palm Court.

Sumptuous surroundings and a delicious array of savoury and sweet, tasty treats await you as you relax with friends and people watch in this Edinburgh landmark hotel in the heart of Princes Street.


The Scottish Cafe Afternoon Tea
11.

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant

Situated at the gardens’ entrance of the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound with iconic views to Princes Street Gardens, The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant, sourcing the best locally produced ingredients wherever possible.

Serving both a traditional and vegetarian afternoon tea, their mouth-watering menu includes sandwiches with seasonal fillings, delicate scones and a selection of petit fours, all served with a choice of Scottish blend tea or Americano coffee.


12.

The Bonham

The Bonham Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel in Drumsheugh Gardens in the West End.

Their luxurious afternoon tea consists of sweet treats including delicious macaroons and lemon meringue tart.


13.

Tigerlily

Be seen with the in-crowd at Tigerlily, a contemporary and very on-trend hotspot situated on Edinburgh’s fashionable George Street.

They offer a sumptuous range of afternoon tea options, including classic, deluxe, cocktail and champagne tea.


14.

Harvey Nichols

For spectacular views, you cannot beat the Forth Floor Restaurant and Brasserie at Harvey Nichols. Afternoon tea overlooking St Andrew Square is a lovely way to pass the time of day.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon tucking into an indulgent, traditional tea after a little shopping, plus, everything tastes better in miniature, and even more scrumptious partnered with the finest leaf tea.


Mimi's Bakehouse Afternoon Tea
15.

Mimi’s Bakehouse

For a delicious selection of sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes and traybakes be sure to make a beeline for the hugely popular Mimi’s Bakehouse, either in their Leith or Corstorphine bakeries.

Choose from classic afternoon tea, or if you’re feeling fancy, why not opt for the champagne or cocktail menu.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

Can’t make it to one of their bakeries? Don’t worry – they also offer Afternoon Tea at Home. Enjoy the same delicious baked treats delivered to your door. Available seven days a week (48 hours notice required) for local delivery in Edinburgh (EH1-22) or collection from a Mimi’s Bakehouse of your choice.


16.

Red Bus Bistro

The Red Bus Bistro is one of the most unique afternoon tea experiences that Edinburgh has to offer.

Visitors have the opportunity to indulge in a selection of sandwiches, cakes, savouries and home baked scones whilst touring the city’s main attractions in a vintage Routemaster bus.

The tour last 90 minutes and explores the areas including Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Old Town.


Fingal Afternoon Tea
17.

Fingal

Add a whole different dimension of luxury to this most decadent and dainty of British traditions aboard former Northern Lighthouse Board ship, Fingal.

Sit under a shimmering ceiling aboard Scotland’s first luxury floating hotel and tuck into a selection of perfectly formed savoury and sweet delicacies. Add some sparkle to the occasion with a glass of champagne and enjoy the backdrop of exquisite art deco interiors and views to match.


Brewhemia Afternoon Tea
18.

Brewhemia

Brewhemia blend Scottish flavours with traditional staples, making for a delightfully decadent result. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, savouries, cakes and freshly baked scones, served with your choice of tea or artisan coffee. Or why not kick things up a notch with a glass of prosecco, or a handcrafted gin cocktail for a truly special experience?

If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, their Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea is a substantial menu consisting of homemade pies, tarts, filling sandwiches and a variety of sweet treats – all of which is washed down with a pot of strong tea and a flight of three beers.


The Ivy Afternoon Tea
19.

The Ivy on the Square

Overlooking St Andrew Square in the centre of the city, The Ivy on the Square offers a chic location to dine and watch the world go by.

Its luxurious afternoon tea includes an array of sandwiches, freshly baked fruit scones with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve. The moreish sweets include delights such as chocolate plant pot, madeleine cake with lemon curd, red velvet raspberry cake and a strawberry milkshake, all accompanied by a choice of teas, infusions or coffees.


The Cauldron Afternoon Tea
20.

The Cauldron Bar

If you’re looking to turn an afternoon into something magical, The Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Cauldron Bar may be just the ticket.

An immersive, interactive and magical experience which is suitable for both adults and children, guests have the opportunity to brew exciting teas using a working magic wand, while tucking into a tea tree that is served with tasty treats, all of which are a magical twist on the traditional afternoon tea.


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