The 7 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh

Afternoon tea has been a British tradition and staple since the 1800s. The tradition involves small plates of sweet and savoury foods like mini sandwiches, scones and pastries, and of course tea, which is normally served in a teapot. You can also get afternoon teas that include champagne or alternative hot drinks, but the typical and most common way to enjoy this famous British pastime is with a pot of either classic English Breakfast Tea, or fruity/herbal teas. 

Afternoon teas can be customisable too, with set menus or options that you can pick from to make your experience more personalised. You’ll usually find afternoon tea being served in high-end establishments like hotel restaurants, chain restaurants or more upmarket cafes, but it can be served anywhere, and is enjoyed by people all over the world. Edinburgh is certainly well-versed in the art of afternoon tea, with a number of establishments putting their own signature twists on the classic. Let’s take a look at 7 of the best places in Edinburgh to enjoy afternoon tea.

Scones, pastries and endless pots of tea

7. Fingal Hotel

Afternoon Tea Price: £65-£80 pp

The 5-star Fingal Hotel is one of the more curious hotels in Edinburgh, set aboard a floating ship in the Port of Leith. The interior is modern and art deco, which serves as the background for the luxury afternoon tea that you can experience. Complete with all the classics, plus alcoholic tipples both signature and classic, the afternoon tea is certainly worth the price. Fingal Hotel’s afternoon tea is inclusive and welcoming, with alternatives to accommodate a number of dietary requirements. When you’re looking for a unique afternoon tea experience, you won’t want to give Fingal Hotel a miss. 

6. The Spence 

Afternoon Tea Price: £60 pp

Located inside the 5-star Gleneagles Townhouse, The Spence restaurant is a sophisticated and elegant affair that is mirrored in what the restaurant serves– including its afternoon tea. Arriving on a stack of chic rustic-style wooden boards, The Spence’s version of afternoon tea includes a perfectly presented selection of both savoury and sweet offerings, as well as a range of loose-leaf teas, or if you’d prefer, there’s an option to purchase a glass of premium champagne if you’re in the mood to celebrate. And, after tasting The Spence’s afternoon tea, you definitely will be in a toasting and champagne-drinking mood.

5. The Witchery

Afternoon Tea Price: £50-£75 pp

The Witchery is often cited as Edinburgh’s best hotel, with a gothic medieval-style interior and a fascinating rich history dating back to the 1500s. The hotel’s award winning restaurant serves up afternoon tea that is fit for a prince, with stacks of plates crammed with unique sweet and savoury treats that you won’t be able to get enough of– quintessential Scottish delicacies like haggis, classic British cakes and sweet treats; you name it, it’s here. One of the more curious hotels and dining venues in the city, you won’t be able to stop raving about the Witchery’s accommodation, restaurant or afternoon tea. 

4. Grand Cafe 

Afternoon Tea Price: £37-£47 pp

This cafe’s chic, modern design combines perfectly with the intricate plates of delights that accompany your favourite hot tipple in Grand Cafe’s version of the classic British tradition. Enjoy miniature desserts, savoury and sweet accompaniments and a wide range of teas or a glass of fizz– plus, to add to the experience, Grand Cafe also hosts live music performances every Saturday afternoon. Grand Cafe also offers gin and tonic afternoon teas, so if you need a mid-afternoon pick me up or want to celebrate an event in style, this is the perfect place to do so! 

3. The Dome

Afternoon Tea Price: £32-£60 pp

Served on the classic and easily recognisable silver domes, you’ll find an array of British classics that you’ll want to savour each bite of. We are, of course, talking about The Dome’s afternoon tea, which has garnered high praise from diners for the delicious amuse bouche, drinks and the incredible value for money and reasonable price.

The Dome certainly stands out among tough competition in Edinburgh’s luxury restaurant scene, and the food and fine-dining experience it offers makes it worthy of being ranked highly. As soon as you step inside The Dome, you know you’re about to experience a place like no other, which is reflected in its food and afternoon teas. 

2. Browns Brasserie

Afternoon Tea Price: £25-£40 pp

With restaurants across the country, all of which have been hailed for their afternoon teas and Sunday Roasts in particular, Browns Brasserie offers a simple yet excellent afternoon tea experience that rivals most of its competitors. Browns’ Edinburgh restaurant is one of the best, with a prime location and excellent service that makes it a favourite among foodies in the city. 

Here, the afternoon tea is stacked with the best savoury and sweet tastes around – finger sandwiches, mini sponge cakes, scones with jam and cream, you name it. Wash these down with either hot teas, champagne, or if you’re feeling extra fancy, a selection of the best seasonal cocktails. Afternoon tea really is an experience from start to finish at Browns, and one that you certainly won’t want to miss. 

1. Willow Tea Rooms

Afternoon Tea Price: Starting at £19.95 pp

With tea in its name, you know that the afternoon tea served at Willow Tea Rooms will be nothing short of perfection, and the elaborate window design and stunning views make the experience all the more memorable. Tuck into the quintessential 3-tier stack of savoury and sweet bites, or spice up your experience and add a glass of your favourite alcoholic tipple for an extra charge. Choose from either classic afternoon tea or a full savoury one if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, and wash them down with tea, champagne, prosecco or gin and tonic if you want to make a full experience out of it. 

It’s safe to say that Edinburgh is one of the best places to enjoy a classic afternoon tea, and Willow Tea Rooms' cheaper than average starting price and what you get for it is what makes it so worthy of being at the top of our rankings.