If you’re looking to experience a delightful and quintessentially British tradition, afternoon tea in Edinburgh offers a charming escape into a world of elegance and relaxation. Edinburgh caters to all with its wide range of exquisite venues. From the historic settings of grand hotels to cosy, quaint cafes, afternoon tea in Edinburgh provides an unforgettable experience that combines luxury with the comforting warmth of Scottish hospitality. In this blog, we’ll explore the top places where you can enjoy this beloved tradition and share insights on what makes each location unique.
Top 10 Places for Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh
Discover Edinburgh’s top 10 spots for afternoon tea, where every bite is a delightful journey through tradition and taste. From quaint cafes to majestic settings, savor the essence of Scotland’s capital in every sip and nibble.
1. The Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral Hotel, a landmark in Edinburgh located at 1 Princes Street, is famed for its luxurious afternoon tea setting. Priced at around £50 per person, guests are treated to a regal experience in the elegant Palm Court, which features a glass dome and Venetian chandelier. The afternoon tea menu includes a selection of meticulously prepared finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and Scottish preserves, and an assortment of fine pastries and cakes. This prestigious venue offers a perfect blend of tradition and opulence, making your afternoon tea in Edinburgh a memorable and sophisticated affair.
Address: 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
Price: Around £50 per person
2. The Dome
Image Source: thedomeedinburgh
Situated at 14 George Street, The Dome is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings, renowned for its stunning architectural details and grand interior. Afternoon tea here starts from £22 per person, offering a more accessible yet equally refined experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of classic sandwiches, scones, and sweets under the impressive glass dome that gives the venue its name. During the festive season, The Dome is particularly magical, decked out in elaborate decorations that enhance the atmosphere. It’s a popular spot that encapsulates the charm and elegance of afternoon tea in Edinburgh, perfect for those looking for a touch of glamour.
Address: 14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF
Price: From £22 per person
3. Prestonfield House
Located just outside the city center at Priestfield Road, Prestonfield House offers an afternoon tea experience in a luxurious and intimate setting. For about £35 per person, this boutique hotel serves afternoon tea in its opulent drawing rooms or, weather permitting, in its beautiful gardens. The tea selection includes a variety of artisan sandwiches, warm scones with cream and jam, and a selection of fine pastries and cakes. The setting is richly decorated with antique furnishings and sumptuous fabrics, providing a lavish backdrop that makes every afternoon tea in Edinburgh here feel special and indulgent.
Address: Priestfield Road, Edinburgh EH16 5UT
Price: Around £35 per person
4. Colonnades at the Signet Library
Image Source: Colonnades at the Signet Library
Set in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, the Colonnades at the Signet Library is a hidden gem where luxury meets history. Located at Parliament Square, this venue offers afternoon tea from £40 per person. Guests can indulge in a sophisticated setting with tall, fluted columns and elegant furniture. The menu features a selection of finely crafted sandwiches, freshly made scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delicate pastries and cakes, all served on silver trays and fine china. The library’s tranquil atmosphere and beautiful architecture make the afternoon tea experience in Edinburgh truly exceptional and steeped in cultural heritage.
Address: The Signet Library, Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF
Price: From £40 per person
5. The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Known as “The Caley” among locals, The Caledonian, located on Princes Street, is a historic landmark that provides a grand setting for afternoon tea in Edinburgh. With a price starting at around £45 per person, guests can enjoy their tea in the Peacock Alley, formerly the old station concourse, which combines old-world charm with elegant contemporary style. The tea includes a variety of gourmet sandwiches, warm scones, and exquisite pastries, accompanied by a selection of fine teas. This venue is perfect for those looking to indulge in a luxurious, relaxing afternoon with a view of Edinburgh Castle.
Address: Princes Street, Edinburgh EH1 2AB
Price: Around £45 per person
6. Palm Court at The Balmoral
For a more relaxed and contemporary twist on the traditional, Eteaket Tea Room, located at 41 Frederick Street, offers afternoon tea for around £20 per person. This boutique tea spot is known for its focus on quality and sustainability, offering a range of ethically sourced teas alongside a menu of innovative sandwiches, scones, and cakes. The setting is bright and modern, providing a casual yet chic atmosphere. Eteaket Tea Room is perfect for those who appreciate a modern approach to the classic afternoon tea in Edinburgh, making it a favorite among younger guests and tea enthusiasts alike.
Address: 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
Price: From £50 per person
7. Eteaket Tea Room
Situated along the scenic Shore in Leith, Mimi’s Bakehouse is a family-run café that has quickly become a beloved spot for afternoon tea in Edinburgh. For around £23 per person, you can enjoy their famed “Beforenoon Tea,” which playfully inverts the traditional afternoon tea with a delightful selection of mini rolls filled with breakfast-themed ingredients, scones, and sweet pastries. The cozy and inviting atmosphere of Mimi’s, combined with its reputation for delicious, hearty baking, makes it a must-visit for anyone looking for a homey, comforting afternoon tea experience.
Address: 41 Frederick Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EP
Price: Around £20 per person
Status: Closed
8. Mimi’s Bakehouse
Located at St Andrew Square, the Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie offers a chic and stylish setting for afternoon tea in Edinburgh. Priced from £25 per person, the venue provides a modern twist on the classic tea service with elegant savories, scones, and beautifully crafted sweets. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views over the city, adding a touch of luxury to your dining experience. This is the perfect spot for those who enjoy combining their shopping trip with a sophisticated and relaxing afternoon break.
Address: 63 Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RA
Price: Around £23 per person
9. Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie
Perched above the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, The Tower Restaurant offers a spectacular setting for afternoon tea in Edinburgh. With prices around £30 per person, guests can enjoy a traditional spread that includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries while overlooking the historic Edinburgh skyline. The restaurant’s contemporary decor and panoramic glass windows make it an ideal location for those looking to enjoy a memorable tea with breathtaking views.
Address: 30-34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD
Price: From £25 per person
10. The Tower Restaurant
Another exquisite offering at The Balmoral Hotel, The Palm Court, with its opulent surroundings, offers an iconic afternoon tea experience in Edinburgh. From £50 per person, this venue features an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas, classic sandwiches, scones, and an assortment of pastries, all served in a room adorned with huge palm trees and a Venetian chandelier. The Palm Court’s elegant and timeless atmosphere makes it the pinnacle of luxury for those wishing to indulge in a truly special afternoon tea.
Address: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
Price: Around £30 per person
Status: Closed
As we wrap up our exploration of afternoon tea in Edinburgh, it’s clear that this city is a treasure trove of delightful experiences for tea enthusiasts and those looking to indulge in this quintessentially British tradition. From the opulent settings of The Balmoral and The Dome to the cozy corners of Mimi’s Bakehouse and Eteaket, Edinburgh offers a range of venues that stand out as the best places for afternoon tea in Edinburgh.
Whether you’re seeking the grandeur of afternoon tea in Edinburgh at The Dome, with its breathtaking architectural beauty and refined menu, or the unparalleled luxury and historical ambiance of The Palm Court at The Balmoral, each location offers a unique charm that contributes to making Edinburgh a prime destination for tea lovers. The city’s blend of historical sites and contemporary spots ensures that everyone can find a setting that suits their tastes and mood.
For those intrigued by history and Scottish heritage, afternoon tea in Edinburgh Castle might sound like a dream. Though not typically known for tea service, the idea of sipping tea within the walls of this historic fortress adds a touch of imagination and royal flair to the afternoon tea experience. It encapsulates the magic that Edinburgh exudes, where every cup of tea comes with a story, surrounded by centuries of history.