The Best Places For Afternoon Tea In Edinburgh

After a spot of serious shopping in Harvey Nichols, head to the Forth Floor, where the afternoon tea is as fashionable and luxurious as the clothes. Contemplate that new ‘It bag’ while sipping on some of the most delectable fine leaf teas. The miniature cakes are little works of art, the pastries melt in the mouth, and the savoury bites leave a lasting impression. From red onion and feta quiche to pea and truffle mousse and scones smothered in clotted cream, this traditional spread is the full shebang and then some.

Clarinda’s has been satisfying Edinburgh’s afternoon tea needs since 1976. After exploring the nooks and crannies of the city, visit this chintzy little gem at the bottom of the Royal Mile for a pot of specialty tea (it really is life-altering) from Edinburgh coffee and tea merchants Brodies. The selection of Scottish baked goods span from cakes and biscuits to all the top-notch things in between. ‘Clarinda’ is notorious for being romantically entwined with revered Scottish poet Robert Burns, and it is said that ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ is written in her honour. After a visit to Clarinda’s, tea lovers cannot help but fall head over heels for this quirky yet delightful little haven.

Afternoon tea at The Dome lives up to all the hype. Think opulence, decadence and indulgence as The Georgian Tea Room springs to mind. A splendid selection of loose leaf teas is served from the renowned Chardonnay Pattern Dudson Fine Bone China. The plot thickens when the Gainsborough Sheffield Silver tea service comes into view. The miniature finger sandwiches can only be described as heavenly, and the way in which the scones and pastries harmonise with the specialty teas is impeccable. It is difficult to decide which is more delightful – the afternoon tea or the chandeliers, gold panelling, and ebony furniture.

The Royal Botanic Garden is a resplendent sight and a cherished part of Edinburgh with it’s woody premises, dancing tribes of flirty flowers and soothing waterfalls dispersed throughout. Soak up the blissful atmosphere of this wonderland at The Gateway Restaurant and take the taste buds on a delightful journey with the perfectly presented afternoon tea. All food items are crafted from fresher-than-fresh produce, and the tea never fails to hit the spot.

You can’t get better than tea at Tigerlily. Think of it as a contemporary and swanky take on the traditional ritual of having afternoon tea and scones. Why not add some sparkle to the situation and order some bubbles too. Tigerlily’s top-notch Head Pastry Chef Sam Clark is a culinary wizard to say the least. The way in which the honey-roast ham and Arran mustard marries the tomato on the miniature malted loaf is utterly divine, and the tarragon and Parmesan tart is just amazing. From peppermint and white peony to Royal Earl Grey, the tea is brewed to please and the chocolate miniature delights created to entice. By Tori Chalmers