• Home
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Scottish Destinations
    • Aberdeen and Grampian
    • Argyll
    • Dumfries and Galloway
    • Dundee and Angus
    • Edinburgh and the Lothians
    • Fife
    • Glasgow and The Clyde Valley
    • The Scottish Highlands
    • The Scottish Islands
    • Perthshire
    • The Scottish Borders
    • Stirling and The Trossachs
  • More goodies
    • Outlander
    • North Coast 500
    • Fife Coastal Path
    • Best bits of Scotland
  • Beyond Scotland
  • Etsy Store
FunkyEllas Travel
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Scottish Destinations
    • Aberdeen and Grampian
    • Argyll
    • Dumfries and Galloway
    • Dundee and Angus
    • Edinburgh and the Lothians
    • Fife
    • Glasgow and The Clyde Valley
    • The Scottish Highlands
    • The Scottish Islands
    • Perthshire
    • The Scottish Borders
    • Stirling and The Trossachs
  • More goodies
    • Outlander
    • North Coast 500
    • Fife Coastal Path
    • Best bits of Scotland
  • Beyond Scotland
  • Etsy Store

18 Amazing Afternoon Teas in Edinburgh

12/2/2019

1 Comment

 
Blog about Scotland
While visiting Edinburgh it would be criminal to miss out on a traditional afternoon tea, especially as Edinburgh has some of the most amazing venues to enjoy it in. Afternoon teas in Edinburgh are a luxurious and indulgent way to relax after a few hours pounding the cobbled streets of this beautiful city. It's an experience, one to be savoured with friends, one to enjoy with loved ones, where you can sink into a comfy seat, sit back and chat while relishing the pretty, dainty treats on offer.
Splashing out on afternoon tea dates back to the 1880's when Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, fancied a light snack during the long afternoon gap between her lunch and evening meal. What began as some tea, bread and butter served in her room with a few friends quickly caught the attention of high society and the light snack became a glamorous affair enjoyed by ladies dolled up in dresses, long gloves and posh hats. 
This post contains affiliate links, which I may make a commission from.
Example of Afternoon teas in Edinburgh
Afternoon tea usually consists of a selection of sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and a few cakes and pastries, and, of course, tea, like the sample menu here.

However, with everywhere from high end restaurants to quaint country tearooms competing for custom chefs are aiming high, creating masterpieces, albeit tiny ones. Sandwich fillings are becoming more and more inventive and the range of teas available can be extraordinary.

Traditionally served on a three-tier cake stand with the sandwiches on the bottom, so you 'make your way up', afternoon teas are pretty as a picture. A beautiful china teapot and teensy cups and saucers often accompany the main affair.

Edinburgh has some amazing options for afternoon teas so read on for some of the best, whether you want to go all out on a 5 star experience or get cosy in a cute little cafe. 

The Dome

High end luxury
The Dome, Edinburgh Afternoon tea is one of the best dining experiences in the city. If you want to splash out this is a fantastic option. The huge, elegant Georgian Tearoom is lined with black and gold wall panels, with grand chandeliers and beautiful warm wall lights. The menu is created by chef Sue Snider. There are 9 flavours of loose leaf tea including a traditional Scottish brew and the meal is served on bespoke Fine Boned China. There is also a children's afternoon tea menu.
  • Address | 14 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PF
  • Price | £26pp with champagne or £18.50 without, Children £10
  • Book | Book online here 
Stand out item - Savoury Choux Bun filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese
The Dome, Edinburgh afternoon tea

Mimi's Bakehouse

Cute, vintage bakery
This small chain of bakeries in Edinburgh are most famous for their amazing cakes but also serve a pretty delicious afternoon tea. With funky wallpaper and decor, and a cosy, comfortable atmosphere Mimi's is a lovely place to spend time. Leave some room for the cakes, made fresh every day they are to die for. They also do a... wait for it.... a beforenoon tea, with cheddar scones, cinnamon rolls, bacon rolls and granola pots. 
  • Address | Leith - 63 Shore Road, Edinburgh, EH6 6RA |
  • Price | £25 with Champagne or £17 without
  • Book | Book online here
Stand out item - Hot pork and apple sausage rolls (award winning!)
You may also be interested in My Ultimate Guide to Edinburgh with Kids here
mimi bakehouse afternoon tea

Eteaket

Mid-priced, trendy, modern
If you want a classy place for afternoon tea but not somewhere too, shall we say, stuffy, this is the place to go. You may have guessed from the name but Eteaket is famous for its tea and many of the other places in this list serve Eteaket tea with their offerings. Not only can you choose from the massive range of exciting and often unheard of whole leaf teas, including black teas, green teas, Oolong teas, tea lattes and fruit and herbal teas you can also enjoy the new range of tea cocktails! 
  • Address | 41 Frederick Street, EH2 1EP | 277 St John's Road,  EH12 7XD
  • Price | £19.95 with bubbles, £15.95 without
  • Book | No need to book during the week, at weekends book by emailing here
Stand out item - Minty Mohito Tea Cocktail
Eteaket, Afternoon tea in Edinburgh
You may also be interested in: One day in Edinburgh? A 24 hour Edinburgh Itinerary

Harvey Nichols

High end luxury
Harvey Nichols is a luxurious British department store which is famous world wide for its outstanding collection of designer clothes, beauty products and food department, so, of course, the restaurant would have to be pretty fantastic too and it certainly is. For one of the most upmarket afternoon teas in Edinburgh head to the Forth Floor restaurant which has amazing views over the city and across to the Firth of Forth. If the weather isn't being typically Scottish you can even sit outside on the balcony. Food-wise, the afternoon tea is traditional with an original twist, with quiche, tarts and miniature salads replacing the sandwiches.
  • Address | 30-34 St Andrew Square, EH2 2AD
  • Price | £30 with Champagne, £22 without
  • Book | Book online here
Stand out item - Serrano ham, courgette and feta quiche
Afternoon teas in Edinburgh, Harvey Nichols

The Cafe at the Palace of Holyrood House

Top attraction
After your visit to the wonderful Palace of Holyroodhouse or the Queen's Gallery you can relax in the cafe in the historic mews. This Edinburgh afternoon tea gets good reviews and deservedly so. With views over to Arthur's seat enjoy a great selection of teas with your afternoon tea in Edinburgh, which is made using the best locally sourced products. A little difficult to find but worth the hunt! 
  • Address | Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, The Royal Mile, EH8 8DX
  • Price | £27.00 with Champagne, £18.95 without
  • Book | Book online here 
Stand out item - Whisky-soaked raisin and cherry scone
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, best afternoon teas in Edinburgh

Tigerlily

Mid-priced, trendy, modern
  • This funky yet classy boutique hotel is hugely popular, it's a fantastic place and the decor is pretty unique. The rooms are fab, the restaurant is fab, the food is brilliant and the service is top class. It's not traditional so if you are after something a bit different this is where to go, you can even enjoy a teapot cocktail! 
  • Address | 125 George Street, EH2 4JN
  • Price | £25.00 with Champagne, £20 without
  • Book | Book online here
Stand out item - Teapot cocktails
Tigerlily Afternoon Tea

Palm Court at the Balmoral

Ultimate Edinburgh experience
For the ultimate Edinburgh afternoon tea it has to be a Balmoral afternoon tea. The building is a landmark in the city, with Edinburgh's most prestigious address, Number 1 Princes Street. The Balmoral is over 100 years old and is home to luxurious suites, an award-winning spa, the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant and the elegant Palm Court, where the award-winning afternoon tea is served. Enjoy delicate treats created by executive pastry chef Ross Sneddon under the exquisite glass dome and grand chandelier. 
  • Address | 1 Princes Street, EH2 2EQ
  • Prices | £40.00 per person
  • Book | Book online here
Stand out item - A surprise Amuse Bouche
The Balmoral, Edinburgh, Scotland
Flickr @ byronv2

Prestonfield

High end luxury
What was once the baroque home of Edinburgh's Lord Provost is now a multi award winning 5 star hotel. The decor is rich, colourful and extravagant and by enjoying one of Edinburgh's best afternoon teas here you'll be dining where none other than the Dali Lama, Elton John and Sean Connery have dined before you. In the winter eat by the roaring log fire in the Rhubarb Restaurant, named as owner Sir Alexander Dick was the first person to successfully introduce rhubarb to Scotland. In the summer you can enjoy your meal outside in the beautiful rose gardens or in the whimsical Gothic tea house. The menu changes seasonally so in the winter you can sample toasted brioche with chicken liver pâte, mulled apple cider and sultana chutney and in the summer enjoy goats cheese and red onion Palmiers and haggis bonbons. 
  • Address | Priestfield Road, EH16 5UT
  • Price | £35 with Champagne, £25 without
  • Book | Book online here 
Stand out item - Prestonfield own blend tea
Scotland Travel Blog

Looking for somewhere to stay in Edinburgh? Search below and find the perfect place!
Booking.com

The Grand Cafe at the Scotsman

High end luxury
Once home to the advertising department of the national newspaper, The Scotsman, the Grand Cafe has been lovingly restored with plush teal blues, wood panelled walls and intricate detailing lining the bar, ceiling and furniture. The cafe is stunning and not only do they serve a beautiful handmade afternoon tea and a children's afternoon tea ,with hot chocolate and chocolate dipped marshmallows and strawberries, they also serve a Gentlemen's 'Club 43' afternoon tea with four different types of whisky and miniature dishes such as beef burger on brioche and pork pie with piccalilli. 
  • Address | 20 North Bridge, EH1 1TR
  • Prices | £27.95 with Champayne, £19.95 without. Club 43 Tea - £39.95
  • Book | Book online here
Stand out item - Raspberry Financier
The Grand Cafe at the Scotsman
food in edinburgh

Clarinda's

Cute vintage cafe
A cute and cosy vintage tearoom in the Canongate with classical music playing and a wonderful atmosphere, it's like sitting in a posh living room! Very nice and comfortable. If you are looking for a quirky afternoon tea in Edinburgh, something a little different, then you will love Clarinda's. The wooden sideboard is laden with all sorts of sweet cakes and scones, service is quick and thoughtful and this place is a wee hidden gem. There isn't a set afternoon tea menu here so you can pick and choose your sandwich fillings, scones and cakes. 
  • Address | 69 Canongate, EH8 8BS
  • Price | From 3.50
  • Book | No need to book, just turn up
Picture
Picture

The Vintage Red Bistro Bus

A tour and tea in one
If you fancy something completely different why not kill two birds with one stone and combine your afternoon tea and your sightseeing? Board this lovely vintage bus at Stance ZF on Waterloo Place and explore the gorgeous streets of Edinburgh while indulging in miniature treats. You can also have a Gin pot-tail!
  • Address | Stance ZF, Waterloo Place, EH1 3BH
  • Price | 
  • Book | book online here
Scottish travel blogger, Vintage red bistro bus

Tower Restaurant

Top attraction
The Tower Restaurant is situated on top floor of the National Museum of Scotland and has huge floor to ceiling windows and a wrap around terrace giving amazing views of the castle and the rooftops of Edinburgh's Old Town. This museum is fantastic, free to enter and it's super easy to lose yourself exploring the different exhibitions. From standing in the spectacular Grand Gallery, marvelling at the high, glass curved ceiling to learning more about Mary Queen of Scots and Dolly the sheep this museum is a perfect way spend the morning before indulging in a glass of Champagne and some . dainty treats. 
  • Address | Chambers Street, EH1 1JF
  • Price | £35 with Champagne, £26 without
  • Book | Book online here
The Tower Restaurant in the National Museum of Scotland
Flickr @ David Phan

Casa Angelina

Cute vintage tearoom
This cute, vintage little tearoom and patisserie could almost be missed, tucked underneath an interior design shop on London Street, but keep your eyes peeled because you don't want to miss out on the delights this talented team serve up. For a vegan afternoon tea that's creative, unique and utterly delicious this is the place to book. The menu varies daily but you won't be disappointed and it means you can go back over and over. With gorgeous little treats such as mini pretzels and mini bagels, samosas, avocado melba toast and amazing fluffy scones Casa Angelina is a must. They also do a brilliant vegan option. 
  • Address |42 London Street, EH3 6LX
  • Price | 
  • Book|
Stand out item - Mini Greek spanakopita
Casa Angelina, Edinburgh

The Gateway Restaurant at the Botanical

Top Attraction
Edinburgh's pretty Botanical Gardens cover 70 acres and is free to enter, with over 100,000 plants to see. There is a small charge to enter the 10 glasshouses (£7 for adults and £6 for children). After you have finished exploring the rock gardens, alpine houses, the woodland gardens and the Chinese Hillside (among many other displays) head to the award winning John Hope Gateway and enjoy afternoon tea at the Gateway Restaurant. If it's sunny outside dine alfresco on the outdoor decking area and soak up the wonderful surroundings.
  • Address | Arboretum Place, EH3 5NZ
  • Price | £26 for two people
  • Book  | Book online here
Stand out item - Farmhouse bread
The Gateway restaurant
Flickr @ kaysgeog

The Witchery

Ultimate Edinburgh experience
This legendary restaurant is often at the top of people's culinary bucket list and deservedly so. Named after the thousands of witches that were burned at the stake on Castlehill this romantic and opulent restaurant is a delight for the eyes. Tapestries line the walls with oak panelling saved from a fire at St Giles Cathedral, deep red leather seats, gilded ceiling and antique church candles complete the scene. Choose to have your afternoon tea in the lavish Witchery dining room or the magical Secret Garden, hidden down a close in a historic courtyard. One of the top afternoon teas in Edinburgh and also one of the best afternoon teas in Scotland.
  • Address | 352 Castlehill, EH1 2NF
  • Price | £40 with Champagne, £30 without
  • Book | Book online here
Stand out item- The Edinburgh Gin cured salmon
Scottish travel blog - The witchery
Flickr @ Patrick Down

The Tea Rooms at Edinburgh Castle

Top attraction
If you have been dreaming of a trip to Scotland and are including Edinburgh in your Scotland travel itinerary then how about adding this amazing Edinburgh afternoon tea experience? A traditional Queen Anne afternoon tea served in the tearooms at the very top of Edinburgh Castle! Combine a visit to Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's top attraction. and tea fit for royalty, in a beautiful restaurant with outstanding views over the city.
Address | Castlehill, EH1 2NG
Price | £32 with Prosecco, £27 without
Book | Just turn up
Stand out item - Struan Apiares Strwberry jam
Edinburgh Castle

Brewhemia

Mid-priced, trendy, modern
There is a lovely story behind this venue, of a gentleman who read about Elizabeth Stuart's love of Bohemia and decided to visit himself. He fell in love with Bohemia and the hedonistic lifestyle. He met people throughout his life, heard their stories of places they loved and travelled there to experience it himself. He fell in love with beer in Bavaria, Prosecco in Venice and was taught everything he could learn about coffee. He brought the knowledge back to the Highlands of Scotland and it got passed down the generations to his last great, great grandson who opened Brewhemia, a fantastic mixture of everything learnt. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea in the modern Caffe or a Gentleman's tea with house baked sausage rolls, quiche and scotch egg, served in the stunning wood-lined Bothy. 
Address | 1A Market Street, EH1 1DE
Price |£24 per person for two people with Prosecco, £18 without. Gentleman's tea £30 per person for 2 people
Book | Book via email here
Stand out item - Beer Brownie
Afternoon teas in Edinburgh, Brewmania

Roseleaf

The Roseleaf is a quirky, crazy little family pub in Leith that's extremely popular with locals for it's delicious food, big portions and value for money. This place needs to be seen to be believed, it's wonderful. With all types of miscellaneous and creative items on the walls, including an extraordinary amount of hats this pub/cafe is cute and has a great vibe. While they don't offer afternoon teas as such if there is a group of you (6 or more) you can book a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, where you can wear that hats or bring your own. Yeah, bonkers, but brilliant fun. One of the quirkiest afternoon teas in Edinburgh.
Address | 23/24 Sandport Place, Leith, EH6 6EW
Price | Varies
​Book | Book via email here
Stand out item - Pot-tails
Roseleaf Edinburgh
Inside of Roseleaf, Edinburgh
Have you had a chance to sample an amazing afternoon tea in Edinburgh? The perfect addition to add to your itinerary. 
Like this post? Sign up to my free monthly newsletter to keep up with my latest blogs and Scottish travel inspiration​
Sign up for the newsletter
Pin it
18 amazing afternoon teas in Edinburgh, from vegan and quirky to classic and traditional
18 the the top afternoon teas in Edinburgh, Scotland
18 Amazing Afternoon Teas in Edinburgh
1 Comment
Universal India Tours link
10/4/2019 09:50:52 am

Amazing post keep very much all the most conventional. Edinburgh is capital of Scotland . Edinburgh city is the so Overpowering in the world. Edinburgh city is the so UNESCO heritage in the world. I'm so regard in light of the manner or fact that I have a doublet or newlyweds or twosome or duo or couplet or couple.

Visit here : http://universalindiatours.com/

Thanking you !

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014

    Categories

    All
    Aberdeen And Grampian
    Accommodation In Scotland
    Best Of Scotland
    Beyond Scotland
    Castles
    Dumfries-and-galloway
    Dundee
    Edinburgh
    Edinburgh-and-the-lothians
    Edinburgh-and-the-lothians
    Fife
    Glasgow
    Inverness
    North Coast 500
    Outlander
    Perthshire
    Scottish Borders
    Scottish Food And Drink
    Scottish Highlands
    Scottish Islands
    Train Travel
    Travel In Scotland

    RSS Feed

WORK WITH ME
PRIVACY POLICY
CONTACT ME
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Scottish Destinations
    • Aberdeen and Grampian
    • Argyll
    • Dumfries and Galloway
    • Dundee and Angus
    • Edinburgh and the Lothians
    • Fife
    • Glasgow and The Clyde Valley
    • The Scottish Highlands
    • The Scottish Islands
    • Perthshire
    • The Scottish Borders
    • Stirling and The Trossachs
  • More goodies
    • Outlander
    • North Coast 500
    • Fife Coastal Path
    • Best bits of Scotland
  • Beyond Scotland
  • Etsy Store