Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh - Edinburgh's Best Afternoon Tea
Edinburgh Afternoon Teas
Invented by Anna Maria, the seventh Duchess of Bedford in the 1800’s and once the preserve of twee little old ladies, afternoon tea is fast becoming the ultimate decadent experience for all age groups. As you’d expect, Edinburgh does not disappoint!
Hotels and Restaurants offering Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh
Palm Court at The Balmoral – 1 Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
You simply can’t beat the Edinburgh Balmoral for unashamed luxury and elegance. In the timeless refinement of the Palm Court, indulge yourself with a selection of fine teas and delicate finger sandwiches including fresh salmon, cucumber and crème fraiche; egg mayonnaise with chive and piqullo pepper and Scottish beef with a tangy red onion marmalade. Round that off with tempting little French pastries from the Balmoral’s own bakery or fragrant home-made scones with rich clotted cream and a flavourful strawberry preserve. Why not order champagne for the ultimate in afternoon delight? You know you want to!
The Balmoral Tea - £21 per person. With a glass of Bollinger - £33.
Served 2.30 pm – 5.30 pm. To make a reservation call - 0131 556 2414
The Edinburgh Residence - Rothesay Terrace . Edinburgh . EH3 7RY
Savour an elegant ambience from bygone days at the Edinburgh Residence. Enjoy traditional Afternoon Tea in the plush comfort and tranquil splendour of the Drawing Room. Drink in the magnificent views while you choose from an inspiring selection of delicious sweets and savouries. Sandwich selection includes honey glazed ham with mango salsa; spiced Cajun chicken with sour cream; brie, apple and celeriac mayonnaise; smoked salmon with a lemon and caper butter. To satisfy that sweet tooth try moist, home baked scones with clotted cream and a selection of preserves; fruit tartlets, meringues and chocolate éclairs as well as home baked fruit loaf. The traditional ‘tea’ is served with a selection of teas or freshly ground coffee. In the spirit of ultimate decadence, why not add a glass of Antonin Truffer?
And if fortune truly smiles and the day is sunny, why not devour your veritable feast in the leafy surroundings of the Rothesay Terrace. The perfect pamper-fest!
Served from 12 pm-6pm. Traditional afternoon tea - £13.95 per person. Antonin Truffer £18.95, Louis Roederer Champagne £21.95 per person. To make a reservation call 0131 226 3380
The Howard - 34 Great King Street . Edinburgh . EH3 6QH
Have your designated butler serve you and your valued companions full,traditional Afternoon Tea and savour the refined New Town gentility of the Howard’s elegant dining room. Follow up a selection of fine finger sandwiches with a truly mouth-watering patisserie selection including warm dark chocolate muffins with white chocolate centres, fruit fools with chantilly cream, home made honey and chocolate truffles, strawberry tarts and – of course – home made scones with clotted cream and a selection of preserves. All served with a selection of fine, loose leaf teas or freshly ground coffee.
Price £15.95 per person (or £23.95 if you include a decadent glass of champagne!).
Served between 2pm and 5pm daily. Advance booking recommended - 0131 557 3500
Tigerlily - 125 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JN
Join the smart urban set in the imposing New Town surroundings of George Street. The décor in this striking boutique-style interior just oozes contemporary class. Opt for the ‘Tigerlily Tea’ and enjoy a selection of finely cut smoked salmon and cream cheese and egg and cress sandwiches. Then round off with fresh fruit tart, scones and cream and chocolate profiteroles. Yum! Choose from Earl Grey, ginger, green, berry, English breakfast, camomile or mint tea. And for the ultimate in afternoon pampering why not include a glass of Mercier Rose Champagne? (£12.95 pp or £17.95 with champagne)
Or get right in the pink with Tigerlily’s signature ‘Strawberry Tea’. Includes smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, strawberry Victoria sponge, and strawberry tartlette. Same tea selection but instead of champagne – a large pink Strawberry Dacquiri of course! (£11.95 pp or £16.95 with Dacquiri)
Served 3pm to 6pm. To book call 0131 225 5005
The Prestonfield Hotel – Priestfield Road, Edinburgh EH16 5UT
Style-mag Tatler gave the Prestonfield ‘Triple A-rated spoil me factor’. Formal afternoon tea at the Prestonfield has been a tradition since the 1680’s – when neighbour King Charles II made it fashionable through the court at Holyrood! In winter chill out by a roaring log fire in the Yellow, Tapestry or Leather rooms. In summer sip the fragrant beverage in the gothic Tea Pavilion, on the lawns amidst hundreds of fragrant old-fashioned roses or on the topiary-filled terrace. The choice is yours!
To accompany the traditional fine finger sandwiches, scones, delicate pastries and speciality teas, why not toast those fabulous surroundings (and your esteemed companions) with a glass of fine champagne?
Available 3-6pm daily. £15.95 per person or £24.95 pp with a glass of champagne. To book call 0131 225 1333
Centotre – 103 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3ES
The ultimate fashionista destination! In their review of ‘best places to have afternoon tea’ the Scotsman said of Centotre ‘If your mum liked Ab Fab, knows who Christian Dior is and wears Manolo Blahnik heels, then this is the afternoon tea location for her’. Centotre is a bright, airy contemporary space within an elaborately pillared 18th Century Georgian Town House. The décor is chic and sparse, the artworks impressive. And – says the Scotsman – ‘it also has very good cakes’.
For reservations call 0131 225 1550
Forth Floor Restaurant - Harvey Nichols, 30-34 St. Andrews Sq. EH2 2AD
The interior of this stunning restaurant is just what you’d expect from Harvey Nicks. It’s cutting-edge contemporary with a funky retro feel and the lighting’s tranquil and moody. But the real stars of this show are undoubtedly the floor-to-ceiling windows which run the restaurant’s full length and offer a spectacular panoramic tableau which includes the castle, the New Town skyline and the Firth of Forth.
And as befits Harvey Nicks Luxury Afternoon Tea is a truly splendid affair. Start with a little finger buffet of scallop and ginger samosas, lemon chicken wraps, smoked salmon and brioche and little leek and cheddar mini quiches. Follow up with a selection of mouth-watering cakes, fruit tartlets and – as ever – scones with clotted cream and preserves. Leaf teas include Jasmine and Earl Grey and other teas include Assam, Darjeeling, Lemon Verbena, Camomile and Peppermint. An exclusive offer to accompany your feast is a bottle of Harvey Nichols champagne for £25. Or sip a champagne cocktail. Choose from a Forth Floor Smash, Bellini, Kir Royale or a Classic Champagne Cocktail. All £8.50
Luxury Afternoon Tea - £15 per person.
Tuesday to Friday 3pm-4pm. Saturdays 4pm Booking essential. Call 0131 524 8388
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