Top Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh
Two hundred years after its creation Afternoon Tea is still a popular treat with many pastry chefs putting their own take on the traditional sandwiches, scones and cakes selection. To celebrate this Mother’s Day, read our top recommendations for the perfect gift of Afternoon Tea.
Fingal
A more unique venue would be impossible to find! Sit under a shimmering ceiling for a five-course Afternoon Tea in The Lighthouse Bar aboard Scotland’s first luxury floating hotel, Fingal. With a backdrop of exquisite Art Deco interiors, look out to the stunning views across Leith Docks through floor to ceiling windows as you enjoy Fingal's interpretation of a classic Afternoon Tea, celebrating the best of Scotland's larder, from coast to port. You’ll want to come back time and again to try the new menus, which are updated every four to six weeks.
Top tip: Following your Afternoon Tea, treat Mum, and yourself, to a cocktail inspired by Fingal’s maritime heritage.
The Balmoral
With its central location, the Balmoral hotel is a true landmark within the city of Edinburgh. Step inside to sample the award-winning Afternoon Tea, served in the Palm Court under the sparkling glass dome. From an impressive loose-leaf tea menu, choose the perfect accompaniment to the delicious savoury and sweet treats, including homemade scones with clotted cream and Balmoral jam.
Top tip: The clock atop the hotel will ensure you are always on time. Located next to Edinburgh Waverley Station, since their opening in 1902 the clock has been set three minutes fast to ensure that you still have time to catch your train.
The Dome
Previously the site of the the old Physicians' Hall, this striking building re-opened as The Dome in 1996. Take your seat within their Georgian Tea Room, where Afternoon Tea is a delightful step back in time, served on fine bone China with a silver tea service. Offering their traditional Afternoon Tea, including roast beef sandwich with beetroot and horseradish chutney as well as an egg mayonnaise vol-au-vent, they also offer a vegan version, made with the help of local artisans at the Naked Bakery.
Top tip: Return to Edinburgh to visit The Dome at Christmas where the building has a magical air, with beautiful lights adorning its Graeco-Roman façade. When the lights go up, it truly starts the countdown to Christmas for locals!
Mimi's Bakehouse
Winner of Scottish Baker of the Year for the past four years, this family run bakery has four locations throughout the city, with Afternoon Tea offered at their Corstorphine and Leith Shore cafés. Mimi's Bakehouse have put their own twist on the classic with a special weekend 'Beforenoon' Tea featuring warm Mull of Kintyre cheddar cheese and chive scones, Ayrshire bacon butties followed by sweet treats including a chocolate and caramel twist!
Updated March 2020
Image Copyright:
The Balmoral Hotel
VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
Mimi's Bakehouse
