Afternoon Tea

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea” - Henry James

Scott's on Princes Street

With walls adorned with images from the country’s heritage, and stunning views looking out onto Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens & The Scott Monument, you’ll feel truly immersed in all the Scottish with Afternoon Tea at Scott's on Princes Street.

Their Scottish-inspired menu includes Arran cheddar & tomato finger sandwich, poached salmon slider, homemade scone with fresh cream and strawberry preserve, cranachan shot, plus more.

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, every day, 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!

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.

Browns Edinburgh

Nestled among the neo-classical town houses and pretty Georgian squares 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 & brioche rolls are followed by warm scones and a lovely selection of mini sponges & tarts.

Colonnades at the Signet Library

(Image Credit: The 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. 

The Dome

[Image credit - 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.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

In the historic settings of the mews courtyard at The Palace of Holyroodhouse enjoy a delicious range of home-made cakes, pastries and sandwiches, all served with your choice of palace 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 rich or sample their rich soaked fruit cake - delicious!

The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian Hotel

[Image credit - Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian]

Definitely one for a ladies afternoon out. A sophisticated and elegant ambience welcomes you for afternoon tea in Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh's Peacock Alley. 

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 with a more savoury than sweet tooth. Vegan and gluten-free menus are available, as well as a children’s version.

The 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 & 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.

Eteaket

[Image credit - Eteaket]

Vibrant and quirky, Eteaket is a welcoming little tea room in Frederick Street, popular with both residents and visitors alike. Mismatched vintage china and a mindblowing selection of loose teas served with wholesome baking has firmly put this little gem firmly on the map. 

For a lighter afternoon tea experience, why not book their High Tea. It includes your choice of sandwich, a freshly locally baked scone with raspberry preserve and cream, a mini patisserie and a pot of tea of your choice.

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.

Tigerlily

[Image credit - Tigerlily]

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

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

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.

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

Mimis Bakehouse

For a delicious selection of sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes and traybakes be sure to make a bee line 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 cafe of your choice.

Red Bus Bistro

The Red Bus Bistro is one of the most unique afternoon tea places 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

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 or two of Champagne and enjoy the backdrop of exquisite Art Deco interiors and views to match.

Brewhemia

Brewhemia blend Scottish flavours with traditional staples, making for a delightfully decadent result.  Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, savouries, cakes and fresh-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 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 on the Square

Over looking 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.

It’s luxurious afternoon tea includes an array of sandwiches, including grilled chicken and truffle mayonnaise brioche, freshly baked fruit scones with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve, while 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 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 traditional Afternoon Tea.

Hungry for more? Find more delicious food and drink hotspots in our Guide to Food & Drink in Edinburgh >