Edinburgh's Most Charming Tearooms

Formal or casual, tea drinking is a social ritual that is part of the ebb and flow of everyday Scottish life. Countless cups are brewed every minute and are accompanied by all sorts of gastronomic delights. Whether a classic cuppa, builder’s tea or fancy loose leaf, indulge in our heartwarming guide to the most charming tearooms in Edinburgh.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Eteaket Tea Room

Between the colourful tea selection and inviting vivid décor, Eteaket Tea Room can turn the most dedicated coffee drinker into a tea lover! The meticulously curated leaf teas are second to none and the cakes mouthwatering. Like true Culture Trippers, the Eteaket tea troupe combines their passion for tea and travel by personally visiting each plantation, meeting with every tea master and sampling each type before it is served in the tea boutique. Cool as can be, this trendy tearoom brings tea out of the dark ages and into the now.

Clarinda’s Tearoom embodies those irreplaceable memories of staying over at granny’s. Named after Scottish poet Robert Burns’ most famous illicit lover Clarinda (her real name was Agnes Maclehose), the homemade cakes and heartwarming food compliments the good old-fashioned Scottish tea selection. The sea of vintage plates, intriguing antique knick-knacks and lace tablecloths add that extra touch of charm upon this legendary local tea institution.

Rosevear Tea

After travelling the world tasting tea as they go, owners Isabelle and Adam formed Rosevear Tea, a true tea mecca run by tea gurus. If you dream in all things tea, are guilty of hoarding specialty teas or are looking for a calming liquid remedy, this is your place. Situated in Bruntsfield, the shop stocks fancy teas of all types from across the world while wee tables invite tea fans to sit back, sip and relax. Make sure to check their website for special events like an authentic Japanese matcha experience or tea tips.

The Colonnades At The Signet Library

Through combining life’s great pleasures — books, tea, and cakes — The Colonnades At The Signet Library is a magical place to sip the day away. Glamorous fluted columns, tribes of literature and grandiose neo-classical balustrades add to the enchanting atmosphere. When the ritual of afternoon tea calls, The Colonnades is definitely worth a visit. Thanks to the Royal Warrant and award-winning caterers Heritage Portfolio, you can expect the tea and cakes to be as beautiful as the surroundings.

Mimi’s Bakehouse

Known for its irresistible cakes and pastries, Mimi’s Bakehouse has multiple locations in Edinburgh. The tearooms exude a warm and inviting atmosphere, and their sweet treats, including their famous Millionaire’s Shortbread, are not to be missed.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.