Discover the Best Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh : Student Guide
Looking for the best afternoon tea in Edinburgh? From elegant hotel lounges to quirky hidden cafés, the city offers something for everyone. You’ll find great value menus, stylish surroundings perfect for catching up with friends, and unique spots full of charm and surprise.
For those who love the story behind the setting, many venues are rich in local history and tradition. Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend treat, a special celebration, or a quiet moment with a pot of Earl Grey, Edinburgh’s afternoon tea scene won’t disappoint. Expect fresh bakes, fluffy scones, and views that are almost too pretty to leave.
Read on to explore where to sip, snack, and savour the city’s most delightful tea experiences.
Palm Court at The Balmoral Hotel
For a refined afternoon tea in Edinburgh, Palm Court at The Balmoral Hotel offers one of the city’s most iconic experiences. Located on Princes Street, this elegant lounge serves classic afternoon tea from £67 per person.
The menu includes a wide range of loose-leaf teas, fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, traditional finger sandwiches, and a selection of handcrafted pastries.
The service is attentive, and the setting is calm and stylish, with soft lighting creating a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a great choice for special occasions or a relaxing afternoon with friends. Palm Court is easy to reach from Edinburgh Waverley station and nearby bus and tram links.
While it’s a premium option, the attention to detail and high-quality ingredients make it worth the price. Book ahead to secure your table, as this is one of Edinburgh’s most popular spots for afternoon tea.
The Dome’s Georgian Tea Room
For a memorable afternoon tea in Edinburgh, The Dome’s Georgian Tea Room offers a charming setting right in the heart of George Street. Afternoon tea is priced at £32 per person and served in a grand, chandelier-lit room that blends elegance with comfort.
The menu features a mix of traditional and locally inspired bites. Savoury highlights include sandwiches like hot smoked salmon with lemon crème fraîche and the much-loved coronation chicken. A warm fruit or plain scone arrives with clotted cream and jam, followed by an indulgent selection of sweet treats.
Expect treats such as a delicate pistachio and lemon madeleine or a rich red velvet cake. A wide range of option for teas completes the experience. Whether you’re catching up with friends or marking a special occasion, this central spot offers quality, character, and great value.
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Ivy on the Square
The Ivy on the Square offers a stylish and modern take on afternoon tea in Edinburgh, served daily from 3pm to 5pm. Set just off St Andrew Square, it’s a great choice for a treat in the city centre.
The Spring Afternoon Tea menu includes a mix of savoury bites like the chicken Milanese brioche roll and a light egg sandwich with a subtle curry twist.
Warm scones come with clotted cream, strawberries, and strawberry preserve. The sweet selection is rich and creative, featuring options like a classic crème brûlée and The Ivy’s signature chocolate bombe.
A wide range of teas is available, from their own 1917 blends to floral and herbal infusions. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or catching up with friends, The Ivy’s afternoon tea is a relaxed and polished experience with something to suit every taste.
Colonnades at the Signet Library
Colonnades at the Signet Library offers one of the most luxurious afternoon tea experiences in Edinburgh, priced at around £69 per person. Served Wednesday to Sunday between 11am and 4.30pm, this refined experience takes place in a stunning Georgian library just off the Royal Mile.
Afternoon tea begins with an amuse bouche, followed by a creative range of savouries, such as salmon cake with cucumber and apple jelly, and chicken Balmoral. Vegetarian options like artichoke and hummus focaccia are also featured.
Freshly baked fruit and plain scones are served with clotted cream and jam, alongside an eye-catching selection of sweets, including sticky toffee cake with caramel mousse and a passion fruit and Greek yoghurt tart.
With beautifully presented dishes and a historic setting, Colonnades is perfect for special occasions or anyone looking to enjoy a memorable afternoon tea in Edinburgh.
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Tigerlily’s Afternoon Lily Tea
Tigerlily’s Afternoon Lily Tea is a bold and modern twist on the traditional experience, priced at around £30 per person. Set in a stylish, venue on George Street, it offers a mix of familiar favourites and creative bites.
The savoury selection includes smoked salmon with cucumber and dill cream cheese, honey roast ham with Arran mustard, and a standout cheddar and Branston pickle sausage roll. There’s also a manchego croquette with apple gel and a caramelised onion and goat’s cheese quiche for something a little different.
The sweet line-up is equally tempting, featuring a pistachio choux bun, lemon meringue tart, red velvet cupcake, and a rich black forest brownie.
Served with a choice of Eteaket teas, it’s a relaxed and colourful way to spend an afternoon in the city. Ideal for catching up with friends or celebrating a special moment.
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No matter your taste or budget, afternoon tea in Edinburgh offers something special. From grand dining rooms to cosy spots serving fresh bakes and bold flavours, each venue brings its own charm. Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating something big, or just taking time out for yourself, there’s a tea table waiting for you.
With options across the city centre and beyond, it’s easy to find a place that suits your style. So why not plan your next visit? A pot of tea, a scone, and a little slice of Edinburgh are just around the corner.
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