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Afternoon tea is a superb British custom that additionally has deep roots in Scottish tradition. Actually, there are tons of incredible historic venues, elegant lodges, and charming tearooms to incorporate in an Edinburgh meals tour.  

What Makes Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh Particular?

Afternoon tea in Edinburgh is a cherished British custom that began as a Nineteenth-century refined social ritual and included finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The ritual of afternoon tea has since unfold to each degree of Edinburgh society. Right now it’s loved as all the pieces from a day break on a job website, to a refined afternoon event in a chic tearoom.

What units Edinburgh’s afternoon tea aside is its selection and creativity. Relying on the place you might be, you’ll be able to select from basic choices with delicate sandwiches and buttery scones to luxurious spreads that embrace champagne and Scottish delicacies like smoked salmon or haggis bonbons. Edinburgh additionally provided themed tea experiences, reminiscent of literary-inspired tea occasions, seasonal menu pairings, and tearooms with a contact of caprice. 

The Greatest Afternoon Tea Spots in Edinburgh

Right here, I record a curated number of the highest venues providing afternoon tea, from high-end lodges to charming cafés and a few of the finest eating places in Edinburgh.

The Balmoral Resort Tearoom

Picture credit score: The Balmoral Resort Tearoom

The Palm Court docket in Edinburgh’s Balmoral Resort affords a chic if not opulent afternoon tea service that’s the peak of sophistication. It’s additionally conveniently near main points of interest reminiscent of Edinburgh Fort, Calton Hill, and among the metropolis’s premier buying locations.

The award-winning Afternoon Tea, at Palm Court docket offers a serene and luxurious expertise underneath a surprising glass dome. They provide a premium number of loose-leaf teas. You’ll be able to pair them with finely lower finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and pastries. All are completely crafted by grasp cooks. The ambiance is enhanced by reside harp music, creating a complicated ambiance.

Afternoon Tea at Palm Court docket is priced at £70 per particular person, with the choice so as to add a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne for an extra £20. Reservations are extremely advisable because it’s extraordinarily in style with restricted seating.  

Balmoral Resort (£70-90) – 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom.

Prestonfield Home

Picture credit score: Prestonfield Home

Nestled throughout the luxurious Prestonfield property, this tearoom affords an opulent afternoon expertise. The tearoom is a part of the historic Seventeenth-century mansion, surrounded by lush gardens with peacocks roaming the grounds. It makes you’re feeling as should you’re stepping again in time to the Victorian age.

Prestonfield Home is thought for its lavishly curated afternoon tea expertise, which affords conventional teas with an indulgent twist. You’ll discover gourmand finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, in addition to an array of intricate pastries and desserts.

Afternoon tea at Prestonfield Home usually falls throughout the luxurious worth vary of round £35–£50 per particular person. Reservations are extremely advisable. Particularly on weekends and holidays.

Prestonfield Home (£35–£50) – Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5UT, United Kingdom.

Mimi’s Bakehouse

Picture credit score: Mimi’s Bakehouse

Mimi’s Bakehouse has a number of areas within the Edinburgh space, however their flagship café within the coronary heart of the Leith district is my favourite. It’s close to the scenic Shore offering you with close by views of the Water of Leith and the prospect to discover close by points of interest just like the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Mimi’s Bakehouse has an informal welcoming ambiance together with an indulgent number of baked items. Their afternoon tea service consists of savory sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a staggering array of desserts and pastries. The informal vibe and bountiful sweets available make it an incredible choice for introducing your youngsters to a day tea expertise.

Afternoon tea at Mimi’s Bakehouse is affordably priced, round £22–£30 per particular person, with choices so as to add a glass of Prosecco or specialty cocktails for a little bit further. Whereas walk-ins are welcome, I’d nonetheless contemplate a reservation on the weekends or vacation season.

Mimi’s Bakehouse (£10–£20) – 63 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RA, United Kingdom. 

Lovecrumbs

Picture credit score: Lovecrumbs

You’ll discover Lovecrumbs tucked away in Edinburgh’s vibrant West Port space, the place they provide a unusual and charmingly creative tackle tea service. This café is a brief stroll from Grassmarket and the enduring Edinburgh Fort, making it a simple place to take pleasure in afternoon tea.

Lovecrumbs stands out with its distinctive, no-frills strategy to afternoon tea. As a café their tea service closely options freshly baked desserts, tarts, and pastries displayed enticingly of their signature classic wardrobe. The comfy, mismatched furnishings and relaxed ambiance exude a bohemian attraction, which makes it particularly enticing for artistic minds who take pleasure in a spot of tea.

I additionally recognize that Lovecrumbs affords an inexpensive afternoon tea expertise, with most objects priced individually. Relying on what you select, you may solely spend round £15–£25 per particular person, and also you usually don’t must make reservations.

Lovecrumbs (£10–£20) – 155 West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DP, United Kingdom.

Luxurious vs. Price range-Pleasant Afternoon Tea Experiences

Edinburgh affords the total spectrum of afternoon tea experiences, from the heights of luxurious in elegant tearooms to humble budget-conscious cafes and bakeries. Excessive-end venues like The Balmoral and Prestonfield Home present opulent settings, full with nice China, reside music, and indulgent menus with elective champagne or glowing wine. These luxurious affairs can simply value as a lot as £40–£70 per particular person.

On the opposite finish of the spectrum, cozy tearooms like Mimi’s Bakehouse and Lovecrumbs provide extra inexpensive choices. They have an inclination to supply selfmade pastries in a welcoming ambiance, with modest costs starting from £15–£25 per particular person.

A few of Edinburgh’s tearooms even provide weekday reductions or particular offers, making luxurious tea extra accessible. Whether or not indulging in grandeur or having fun with a relaxed outing, there’s a day tea expertise in Edinburgh to swimsuit each price range and style.

Dietary & Themed Afternoon Tea Choices

Edinburgh’s afternoon tea experiences cater to a wide range of dietary preferences so that everybody can indulge on this beloved custom. Venues like Mimi’s Bakehouse and Lovecrumbs stand out for his or her inclusive menus, providing vegan, gluten-free, and different allergen-friendly choices.

For a extra whimsical twist, themed afternoon teas based mostly on in style franchises like Harry Potter provide magical tea experiences. Full with enchanted treats and Hogwarts-themed decor. Many family-friendly venues like Mimi’s Bakehouse and different cozy tearooms provide child-sized parts and playful menus designed for youthful friends.

Suggestions for Having fun with Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh

Timing is vital, for benefiting from your afternoon tea expertise in Edinburgh. Peak hours are usually within the early afternoon, particularly on weekends. Excessive-end venues like The Balmoral usually have a gown code and a proper ambiance. Whereas cozier spots like Lovecrumbs embrace a extra informal vibe, the place any type of garments is acceptable.  

At extra in style tearooms and luxurious lodges, reservations are clever. Reserving prematurely ensures you’ll safe a desk, significantly throughout busy seasons or particular occasions. If you arrive, anticipate a refined but welcoming expertise. 

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Greatest eating places in Edinburgh. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/best-restaurants-in-edinburgh/

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Edinburgh. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/edinburgh/

Rocco Forte Inns. (n.d.). The Balmoral Resort. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/

Prestonfield Home. (n.d.). Afternoon tea at Prestonfield. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.prestonfield.com/eat-drink/afternoon-tea/

Mimi’s Bakehouse. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from http://mimisbakehouse.com/

Lovecrumbs. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.lovecrumbs.co.uk/