The best afternoon tea in Edinburgh
Afternoon tea has had a modern day revival and it seems we can’t get enough of those delicate savouries, dainty scones and delicious sweet fancies. Sandwiched in between lunch and dinner, afternoon tea or 'high tea' is an excuse for sheer indulgence (and by ‘sandwiched’ we mean ‘light and fluffy bread, crusts cut off, lashings of fillings, finger sandwiched’).
So without further ado, here are some of the best places we've enjoyed afternoon tea in Edinburgh...
One Square Afternoon tea
With views across Festival Square to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, afternoon tea at One Square is the perfect way to spend an indulgent afternoon. The traditional menu, served daily from 2.30pm - 5.30pm, features a delicious assortment of sandwiches, freshly baked scones and sweet treats – all perfectly paired with your choice of loose-leafed teas or an indulgent chilled glass of Moët Impérial Champagne.
£28 per person or £40 with Champagne.
One Square, 1 Festival Sq, Edinburgh, EH3 9SR, Tel: 0131 221 6422, onesquare-edinburgh.com
Bistro du Vin Afternoon tea
Featuring a delectable selection of mini sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats, the afternoon tea at Hotel du Vin offers something for everyone but really stands out for its dessert options where diners are treated to mini Tutti Frutti macaron, black forest gateau, pistachio pin wheel, rhubarb and custard tarts. This is defintiely one for those with a sweet tooth.
From £40 for two.
Hotel du Vin, 11 Bristo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 1EZ, Tel: 0131 285 1479, hotelduvin.com
Tigerlily Afternoon tea
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This contemporary boutique hotel offers three afternoon tea options - Tigerlily Tea, Deluxe Tea and Champagne Tea. Highlights include the moreish smoked Scottish salmon and cream cheese finger sandwiches and the devilishly good chocolate brownie.
£15 per person, £20 with a glass of Santi Nello Prosecco or £30 with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.
Tigerlily, 125 George St, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN, Tel: 0131 225 5005, www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian Afternoon tea
Peacock Alley represents the historic heart of the hotel with its A-listed walls and the original station clock from 1890. This luxurious West End lounge offers afternoon tea in the centre of the capital. Indulge in a freshly-made selection of finger sandwiches and delicate pastries, each created by the talented in-house pastry team, along with a range of Edinburgh’s PekoeTea loose leaf teas, Perrier Jouët Champagne and signatures Waldorf Astoria cocktails.
£35 per person or £45 with Champagne.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, Princes St, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB, Tel: 0131 222 8888, www.thecaledonian.waldorfastoria.com
The Balmoral Afternoon tea in the Palm Court.
Palm Court, set in the heart of the hotel, is an Edinburgh institution that’s as glittering as its glass dome and Venetian chandelier. The place to sample modern Scottish Afternoon Tea and a wide selection of loose leaf teas, coffee and pastries. Sip vintage champagne as a harpist provides the perfect accompaniment.
£40 per person or £55 with Champagne.
The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes St, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ, Tel: 0131 556 2414,
www.roccofortehotels.com
Prestonfield Afternoon tea
Served in the gothic tea house or by the log fire, afternoon tea oozes atmosphere and luxury at Prestonfield House. Upgrade to the Champagne option for a glass of Billecart Salmon Champagne to compliment the sumptuous sandwiches and cakes.
£30 per person or £40 with Champagne.
Prestonfield House, Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 5UT, Tel: 0131 225 7800, www.prestonfield.com
Colonnades Afternoon tea at the Signet Library
When it comes to afternoon tea, the team at Colonnades at the Signet Library set the bar spectacularly high. Expect five star dainty sandwiches, pastries fit for royalty, and scones served with only the most lip-smackingly sweet jam and lashings of clotted creamy goodness. Not only do the delicacies hit the spot, the silver tiered cake stands and crisp linen add to the overall sense of occasion.
£35 per person.
Colonnades at the Signet Library, Parliament Sq, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF, Tel: 0131 226 1064, www.thesignetlibrary.co.uk/colonnades
Fingal Afternoon tea
Harboured at Alexandra docks in Leith, Fingal, Edinburgh's luxury floating hotel, offers an Afternoon Tea with a difference. With floor-to-ceiling windows and sumptuous Art Deco interiors, The Lighthouse Bar affords a sensational view of Leith Docks and is a stunning spot to enjoy five decadent courses of delicious sandwiches and sweet delicacies accompanied with a range of the finest teas. Truly first class.
From £52 per person with a glass of Champagne or £40 without.
Fingal, Alexandra Dock, Historic Port of Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7DX, Tel: 0131 357 5000, www.fingal.co.uk