Though the Scottish capital city is brimming with all manner of things to see and do, after a lengthy day of exploring, there’s sometimes nothing better than savouring a cup of tea and a scone with your feet up! Whether cute and cosy or luxurious and decadent, these tried and tested afternoon tea offerings have topped our list of recommendations.
The G&V Hotel
Set in the super trendy bar area of the G&V Hotel, this afternoon tea offers the unique opportunity to team classic bites with a side serving of indulgent cocktails. The venue is perfectly positioned just steps from Edinburgh Castle, making it the ideal pitstop for delicious deluxe finger sandwiches, dainty pastries and a martini (or three) before continuing to drink in the city’s top tourist hot spots.
Eteaket
When it comes to afternoon tea, Eteaket is Edinburgh’s best kept secret. Tucked away on Frederick Street, this café is ideal for those looking for something a little more casual but no less luxurious. And for those in search of a quirky aperitif, eteaket has worked with expert mixologists to develop a delicious menu of tea cocktails, featuring the must-try Royal Earl Grey G&T and the sweet Iced Chai White Russian.
Café Hub
Situated directly in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, the Café Hub has recently launched a brand new afternoon tea experience for two. This family friendly café and restaurant offers a continental twist on the classic British afternoon tea, combining traditional sandwiches and scones with delicate French macarons and lemon meringue pies. A wide selection of artisan loose teas are available to accompany these sweet treats, or, for those seeking a little indulgence after a long day of exploring the busy streets of the capital, a glass of fizz could be a welcome addition.
The Colonnades
Aptly named on the venue’s website as ‘Edinburgh’s Finest Afternoon Tea’, the mid day dining experience at the Colonnades meets both culinary and atmospheric expectations. The stunning 19th century surroundings are the perfect setting in which to enjoy the decadent selection of cakes and savouries on offer, all served on beautiful, bespoke silver tea stands. For those struggling to make up their mind on which tea to pick from the extensive list, the Colonnades offers an unlimited tea and coffee option, perfect for sampling everything on the menu.
Prestonfield House
For even the most experienced afternoon tea aficionados, the Prestonfield House offering is a real, luxurious daytime treat. Served by a roaring log fire in the colder months, or in the rose-filled gardens or Gothic tea house in the summer, this afternoon tea oozes atmosphere. Though Prestonfield is situated a little outside of Edinburgh city centre, it is certainly worth the trip.
With a selection as varied as this, Edinburgh has all the ingredients for the perfect brew. The only problem you’ll have is being spoiled for choice.
Douglas Walker is Chair of Unique Venues of Edinburgh.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Douglas Walker is Chair of Unique Venues of Edinburgh, which provides a ‘one stop shop’ for booking a unique event venue in Scotland’s beautiful capital.
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2 Comments
I love an afternoon tea even though I live in a village that is famous for tea rooms they never get old for me. These afternoon teas sound so good as well I love the balanced variation from martinis to tea there’s something for everyone. I have been planning a trip with my mama and I always like to spoil her so Edinburgh sounds fantastic to go and indulge a little. I think from all of these the one I most want to visit is prestonfield house I think the fire is a big seller especially as ‘spring’ is still so cold!
The civilised ritual of Afternoon Tea really seems to be back with a vengeance. I recently enjoyed afternoon tea at Betty’s in Harrogate which is celebrating its 100th birthday. Certainly the best pot of Darjeeling that I’ve had for many a year. That was this year’s Northern Pilgrimage. Next year we hope to progress further north and I will most definitely call in on some of these stylish venues around Edinburgh for afternoon tea.
Eteaket
When it comes to afternoon tea, Eteaket is Edinburgh’s best kept secret. Tucked away on Frederick Street, this café is ideal for those looking for something a little more casual but no less luxurious. And for those in search of a quirky aperitif, eteaket has worked with expert mixologists to develop a delicious menu of tea cocktails, featuring the must-try Royal Earl Grey G&T and the sweet Iced Chai White Russian.
Eteaket
When it comes to afternoon tea, Eteaket is Edinburgh’s best kept secret. Tucked away on Frederick Street, this café is ideal for those looking for something a little more casual but no less luxurious. And for those in search of a quirky aperitif, eteaket has worked with expert mixologists to develop a delicious menu of tea cocktails, featuring the must-try Royal Earl Grey G&T and the sweet Iced Chai White Russian.
Café Hub
Situated directly in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, the Café Hub has recently launched a brand new afternoon tea experience for two. This family friendly café and restaurant offers a continental twist on the classic British afternoon tea, combining traditional sandwiches and scones with delicate French macarons and lemon meringue pies. A wide selection of artisan loose teas are available to accompany these sweet treats, or, for those seeking a little indulgence after a long day of exploring the busy streets of the capital, a glass of fizz could be a welcome addition.
The Colonnades
Aptly named on the venue’s website as ‘Edinburgh’s Finest Afternoon Tea’, the mid day dining experience at the Colonnades meets both culinary and atmospheric expectations. The stunning 19th century surroundings are the perfect setting in which to enjoy the decadent selection of cakes and savouries on offer, all served on beautiful, bespoke silver tea stands. For those struggling to make up their mind on which tea to pick from the extensive list, the Colonnades offers an unlimited tea and coffee option, perfect for sampling everything on the menu.
Prestonfield House
For even the most experienced afternoon tea aficionados, the Prestonfield House offering is a real, luxurious daytime treat. Served by a roaring log fire in the colder months, or in the rose-filled gardens or Gothic tea house in the summer, this afternoon tea oozes atmosphere. Though Prestonfield is situated a little outside of Edinburgh city centre, it is certainly worth the trip.
With a selection as varied as this, Edinburgh has all the ingredients for the perfect brew. The only problem you’ll have is being spoiled for choice.
Douglas Walker is Chair of Unique Venues of Edinburgh.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
I love an afternoon tea even though I live in a village that is famous for tea rooms they never get old for me. These afternoon teas sound so good as well I love the balanced variation from martinis to tea there’s something for everyone. I have been planning a trip with my mama and I always like to spoil her so Edinburgh sounds fantastic to go and indulge a little. I think from all of these the one I most want to visit is prestonfield house I think the fire is a big seller especially as ‘spring’ is still so cold!
The civilised ritual of Afternoon Tea really seems to be back with a vengeance. I recently enjoyed afternoon tea at Betty’s in Harrogate which is celebrating its 100th birthday. Certainly the best pot of Darjeeling that I’ve had for many a year. That was this year’s Northern Pilgrimage. Next year we hope to progress further north and I will most definitely call in on some of these stylish venues around Edinburgh for afternoon tea.