Afternoon tea is no unfamiliar concept in the United Kingdom. A traditional pastime that traces back centuries ago, many visitors and locals of the UK alike love to enjoy some pastries paired with tea in the afternoons. One place that has plenty of options for afternoon tea is Edinburgh, Scotland. Experience what it’s like to sip on a hot chai latte or earl grey while munching on some delicious Scottish scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, muffins, or brownies on the side. In many of these locations, you’d even get to enjoy the tasty treat with a view too. There’s no better place than the home of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town to enjoy this traditional meal so use the list to find out the best places for afternoon tea in Edinburgh, Scotland.
1. Colonnades at the Signet Library
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Colonnades at the Signet Library is located in Edinburgh’s Old Town on the Royal Mile, a location that already makes it perfect for some afternoon tea. The restaurant is airy and spacious with a tall ceiling and decorated in a classical style. Enjoy the most scrumptious afternoon tea next to the historical Signet Library. Popular dishes include the soup amuse-bouche as well as the scones that are of the highest quality. Wash it all down with a delicious apple sorbet for a nice fizzy ending to your tea. The space is also hugely popular for weddings, events, and other events as well.
Colonnades at the Signet Library
Address: The Signet Library, Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom
Website: Colonnades at the Signet Library
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
2. Cafe Portrait
Cafe Portrait is said to have some of the best scones found in Scotland. Located within the National Portrait Gallery, this cafe is a fan-favourite among both tourists and locals alike. The atmosphere and surroundings are ideal as the artsy, historical vibes pair perfectly with a hot, toasty pastry or some coffee. Using seasonal, fresh ingredients, they also serve delicious salads, soups, and cakes too. A cranberry and walnut croissant together with some fresh pumpkin soup never tasted better.
Cafe Portrait
Address: 1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD, United Kingdom
Website: Cafe Portrait
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
3. Georgian Tea Room - The Dome
The Dome is a stunning building and is one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. Built all the way back in 1847, this building was once the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. The Georgian Tea Room in The Dome keeps the vintage, classical decor to give a traditional ambience for all patrons. You feel like you’re travelling through time as you sip on some tea paired with a side of shortbread biscuits. Try their turkey club sandwich or some monkfish cheeks if you’re looking for a heavier meal.
Georgian Tea Room - The Dome
Address: 14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF Scotland
Website: Georgian Tea Room - The Dome
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. eteaket
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The people behind the eteaket Tea Room are leaf tea experts, providing a wide range of high-quality tea leaves and tea bags in Scotland. Hence, rest assured that your afternoon tea will be a treat. Located on Frederick Street, the servers at the store know exactly how to brew the perfect tea, down to the gram and the exact temperature it needs to be brewed at. Asides from this carefully sourced drink, patrons can also enjoy the light bites such as sandwiches, cakes, and more. Pair and earl grey latte with some brownies for an enjoyable afternoon.
eteaket
Address: 41 Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1EP, United Kingdom
Website: eteaket
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 6pm
5. Palm Court - The Balmoral
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Palm Court at The Balmoral gives patrons fabulous afternoon tea at a gorgeous setting. Feel fancier and more elegant than ever with a crystal chandelier hanging above your head as you munch on some scones and sip on some tea. There’s even going to be a gentle harp playing in the background from the gallery that’s going to make the ambience even better. The menu selections are wide and varied, including a haggis puff with red onion and neep relish, homemade scones with clotted cream, and Balmoral jam as well as a pear and caramel choux.
Palm Court - The Balmoral
Address: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom
Website: Palm Court - The Balmoral
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm
6. The Ivy On The Square
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Ivy On The Square is situated in the centre of Edinburgh and is a must-visit for those visiting the city. The huge glass front makes the space feel open and airy, a perfect way to enjoy some afternoon treats. The staff there are dedicated to making your experience as perfect as possible and will cater to your requests to the best that they can. You can get some freshly baked fruit scones, clotted cream, and strawberry preserve off their menu. For a heartier meal, get some truffled chicken brioche rolls or a smoked Scottish salmon before washing it all down with a glass of champagne. Note that afternoon tea at The Ivy On The Square is from 3pm to 5pm daily.
The Ivy On The Square
Address: 6 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD, United Kingdom
Website: The Ivy On The Square
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 12:30am; Sun: 9am - 12am
7. Casa Angelina
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Casa Angelina is considered a hidden gem in Edinburgh, with a fantastic selection of afternoon tea treats that not many know about. All cakes and pastries are freshly made and the portions are huge as well, ensuring that you’ll leave with a full belly. Better yet, all the options are vegan, so all our vegan and vegetarian friends out there can choose anything they want off of the menu without having to worry. Cupcakes, brownies, scones, sandwiches - they have it all.
Casa Angelina
Address: 42 London St, Edinburgh EH3 6LX, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 11am - 5:30pm (closed from Tue - Thu)
8. Tigerlily
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tigerlily is a boutique hotel established in 2006 and has a restaurant and bar serving excellent afternoon tea for its guests and other patrons alike. The decor is stylish and chic, giving you a different experience from other afternoon tea places. The atmosphere is not the only thing that’s funky, the menu is too. Enjoy some unique red pepper and parmesan tarts, lemon meringue tartlets, smoked Scottish salmon, or cucumber and cream cheese on white bread. Note that afternoon tea at Tigerlily is only available from 3pm onwards.
Tigerlily
Address: 125 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN, United Kingdom
Website: Tigerlily
Opening hours: 7am - 1am (daily)
9. Hotel du Vin
Hotel du Vin is a luxury boutique hotel in Edinburgh, and of course, it has a restaurant serving delicious afternoon tea. If you need a pick-me-up in the afternoon, the pastries and drinks at Hotel du Vin are going to perk you right up. There’s a perfect mix of sweet and savoury on their menu, with classic scones with clotted cream along with a coronation chicken on rustic onion leaf sandwich. Not to mention the wide range of teas, including the classic earl grey along with the more unique gingerbread chai or dozy girl.
Hotel du Vin
Address: 11 Bristo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 1EZ, United Kingdom
Website: Hotel du Vin
Opening hours: 12pm - 5pm (daily)
10. Scott's on Princes Street
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Scott’s on Princes Street is elegant, classic, traditional but also modern. You’re going to get a wonderful ambience while you and your partner or friends munch on some delicious scones. You even get views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town from the restaurant. In the afternoon tea bundle, you’ll get delicious Scottish scones with jam, a wide variety of sandwiches, choices of tea or coffee, and you can even top it up with a fresh glass of champagne if you’d like.
Scott's on Princes Street
Address: Mercure Edinburgh, Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2DG, United Kingdom
Website: Scott’s on Princes Street
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Enjoy your next afternoon tea in Edinburgh, Scotland
What else are you waiting for? Better start booking those tables now lest the reservations run out. Feel elegant and classy as you and your friends, family, or partner sip on some tea with a side of scones. Don’t forget to savour the moment as well. We hope the list will help you find the best places for afternoon tea in Edinburgh, Scotland.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to