I have such a soft spot for afternoon tea. It’s an excellent excuse to sit down and talk with friends for hours, whilst enjoying cups after cups of tea – or perhaps a glass of champagne – and try various bite sized treats of savouries and sweets. Edinburgh has a plethora of options and I’ve already managed to try some of the top spots in town so let me share my thoughts and recommendations for the best afternoon teas in Edinburgh – from luxury offerings to more affordable options here in the capital of Scotland. What really is an afternoon tea, what is the difference from high tea and which venue in Edinburgh has the best scones? Those are all questions I’ll make sure to answer for you here!
This guide will be updated continuously as I discover and experience more afternoon tea experiences in Edinburgh and was last updated in July 2026.
The best Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh, Scotland: Scones, Sandwiches & City Views
I have such a soft spot for afternoon tea. If you think about it, it’s really the perfect girl dinner! Lots of fun things to taste, a mix of savoury and sweet and you can choose to add champagne. What a treat! Edinburgh is a great spot to explore an afternoon tea as the British elegance and historic setting really enhanced the experience. I have lived in Edinburgh for over ten years now and have done plenty of *ehem* research on afternoon teas, so let me share my best afternoon tea experiences in the city.
Looking for things to do in Edinburgh? Read more about it in my extensive guide here!
What is afternoon tea?
Historically afternoon tea was a social event for the upper classes involving sandwiches and pastries served with a cup of tea for Edwardian ladies who were meeting up with acquaintances in the afternoons. High tea on the other hand was a working-class meal which was served later on which consisted of a pot of tea as well as a hearty meal which is more similar to our dinners nowadays. In Scotland, you can often hear dinner begin referred to as ‘tea’ which has personally caused some confusion on more than one occasion for me as an avid tea drinker. The term “high tea” comes from these meals often being enjoyed on high chairs, and afternoon tea was also called “low tea” as it was enjoyed at lower tables.
When you see afternoon tea and high tea on menus nowadays, they tend to be very similar though. High tea is often a smaller version of afternoon tea serving perhaps only scones and tea, but in some places the terms are used interchangeably.
When you go for a traditional afternoon tea you can often expect:
- Sandwiches: cucumber and cream cheese, egg mayonnaise, salmon.
- Scones: plain and fruit scones served with clotted cream and jam.
- Pastries: this category tends to vary the most but often you can see Victoria sponge cake, carrot cake, macarons or eclairs.
The big question: cream or jam first?
This question tends to divide people. Apparently the late queen Elizabeth II enjoyed her scones with jam first and clotted cream on top. Although I really respect the late queen, I personally believe it should be the other way around as the clotted cream acts more like a butter and it’s difficult to spread on top of the jam. What do you think?
What is the best afternoon tea in Edinburgh, Scotland?
- My number one afternoon tea experience in Edinburgh: The Court at The Caledonian Hotel
- Best afternoon tea for an incredible setting: Prestonfield House
- Best afternoon tea for incredible views: Sushisamba at W Hotel Edinburgh
- Best afternoon tea for relaxed luxury: Gleneagles Townhouse
- Best afternoon tea for a luxurious experience: The Court at The Caledonian Hotel or The Palm Court at The Balmoral Hotel
- Best afternoon tea for homemade vibes: Mimi’s Bakehouse
- Best afternoon tea for affordable price & stunning venue: The Dome
- Best afternoon tea with champagne: Nor’ Loft
- Best afternoon tea in an old library: Signet Library at The Colonnades
Many of the top afternoon teas are in some of Edinburgh’s best hotels and I’ve written a full guide to the best places to stay in the city which you can find here.
Where to go for afternoon tea in Edinburgh, Scotland
Whether you are looking for a luxurious or more relaxed afternoon tea, there are plenty of choice in Edinburgh so you are bound to find one that suits you in the capital city of Scotland.
The Court at the Caledonian – my top pick for afternoon tea in Edinburgh, Scotland
I adore the afternoon tea at The Caledonian and in my opinion, this is the best one in Edinburgh. Their afternoon tea often have specific themes and the menu changes throughout the year. The savouries are served separately to the sweets that are presented on the classic tiered cake stand. The flavours are well balanced and everything feels very luxurious and elegant. I have never visited this afternoon tea and not brought a box of leftovers home as there is so much food to try. If you are looking for a luxury afternoon tea where you can sit for hours and just enjoy a break from walking around Edinburgh, this is a good one.
The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse
I was very impressed by the luxurious afternoon tea at Gleneagles Townhouse here in Edinburgh when I went for my birthday in 2026. It’s such a gorgeous setting in a big open space with ornate ceilings which tells the story of the building’s past life as a bank. The flavours are elegant and well put together and everything feels fresh. Bonus points for serving warm scones as well! This is in my top three afternoon tea experiences in Edinburgh.
♥ Read my full review of the Gleneagles Townhouse afternoon tea here!
Nor’ Loft
Nor’ Loft is set inside the Market Street Hotel and has a gorgeous views towards Princes Street. This is one of my go-to spots in town for a glass of champagne. An afternoon tea in an Edinburgh champagne bar is bound to have a luxury feel to it, but it’s also a nice spot to just enjoy a cup of tea. In the summers you can also sit outside on their terrace. The afternoon tea menu changes each season and it’s almost a must to enjoy a glass of bubbles alongside it.
♥ Read my review of Nor Loft and their Easter afternoon tea here.
Fingal
I have had the pleasure of experiencing the afternoon tea at Fingal, both for their Christmas and Summer menu. Although my first experience at the venue quite a few years ago was no the best, the last two times I’ve been here have been really enjoyable and impressive. Now I might even go so far to say that this afternoon tea now is one of my favourites in Edinburgh. Before the cake tier is brought out we got an amuse bouche which was a delicious little soup which has been delicious both times I’ve been here and a nice little touch to spark your appetite.
♥ Read my full review of the afternoon tea at Fingal here
The Dome
I think The Dome might be the most popular spot for afternoon tea in Edinburgh. It’s one of the more affordable offerings in the city at £35/pp and the venue used to be both a Physicians Hall and a bank so it’s incredibly ornate and grand in design. I went for my birthday in 2025, hence the little candle that they so kindly added for me.
Signet Library at The Colonnades
I got married in this beautiful old library building so I certainly have a soft spot for it. This library which is used by the law students is located right next to St Giles Cathedral and is considered one of the top afternoon teas in Edinburgh. The last time I was here it was during their Christmas menu and we thoroughly enjoyed all the treats that felt really fresh and were well presented. It’s such a lovely venue to spend a couple of hours!
Grand Cafe at The Scotsman Hotel
The Grand Café is located inside The Scotsman Hotel and has a lovely interior design inspired by the grand cafés of Europe. You can often find deals that combine afternoon tea and cinema tickets to the old world style movie theatre The Scotsman Picturehouse as well for an even longer experience.
♥ Read my review of The Scotsman Hotel afternoon tea here
The Palm Court at The Balmoral
One of the most elegant afternoon teas can be found at The Balmoral Hotel. A beautiful tea menu along with excellent savouries and sweets where the flavours do not disappoint. This afternoon tea really gives you one of the most luxury atmospheres in Edinburgh.
The Witchery
For gothic and magical vibes, The Witchery is just the perfect spot. Located right by Edinburgh Castle in a historic building, it is difficult to find somewhere which represents the old town in atmosphere quite like The Witchery does. Do also check out their shop across the road which has a lovely selection of products that can make little luxurious souvenirs.
The Register Club
The Register Club can be found at St Andrews Square, inside the Edinburgh Grand. It’s an elegant setting with wood panelled walls and there is also a lovely cocktail menu.
Prestonfield House
I spent my wedding night at Prestonfield House so this is another venue that I have a soft spot for. An afternoon tea here feels really elegant and I could sit for hours in this beautiful venue. It is particularly cosy for Christmas when it’s cold outside and the Christmas decorations make each corner feel even more magical. Another luxury afternoon tea just outside the city centre of Edinburgh which is an all around elegant experience.
Twenty Princes Street
Twenty Princes Street is right opposite The Balmoral and here you can choose to pair your afternoon tea with teapot cocktails made with Edinburgh Gin. If you managed to book a table by the window you have lovely views toward the Old Town.
Sushisamba
This is the afternoon tea in Edinburgh with the best view as the Sushisamba restaurant sits almost at the very top of the W hotel at St James Quarter which overlooks Edinburgh Castle. This is not your traditional luxury afternoon tea in Edinburgh but with a twist with Brazilian and Japanese flavour influences. A really fun experience where you get to explore flavour combination that you might’ve not tried before!
Willow Tea Rooms
For a long time it was only Glasgow which has the Willow Tea Rooms. The tea rooms are inspired by the works of the well know Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh from Glasgow. They also have one of the best castle views in all of Edinburgh as the grand windows are right opposite.
Book your afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms here.
Mimis Bakehouse
If you are looking for an afternoon tea with a homemade feel, then Mimi’s Bakehouse is an excellent venue. I got my cake and traybakes from Mimi’s Bakery for my wedding because I just love how rustic and homemade everything here tastes. Really wholesome feeling and you can choose between some lovely teas from Edinburgh based tea company Eteaket.
My personal favourite afternoon teas in Edinburgh, Scotland
I’ve celebrated birthdays, weddings and other festive occasions in these venues and they are also the ones where I’ve found the quality and flavours to be the absolute best.
- The Court at The Caledonian
- The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse
- The Signet Library at The Colonnades
- Fingal
- Prestonfield House
- The Palm Court at The Balmoral
FAQ – The best afternoon tea in Edinburgh
The most luxurious afternoon tea in Edinburgh, Scotland is either at The Balmoral Hotel or The Caledonian Hotel.
The quirkiest afternoon tea experience in Edinburgh is probably the Red Bus Bistro afternoon tea. Here you enjoy an afternoon tea and sightseeing at the same time as this old red double decker bus drives your around town. You can book it here if you’re curious.
There used to be an Harry Potter themed afternoon tea in Edinburgh but the venue has unfortunately shut down now. However The Witchery and Prestonfield House both have a really gothic vibe to them, so if you’re looking for venues that feel magical, I would recommend them both. Have you read my guide to all the Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh which you can find here?
The best afternoon tea in Edinburgh, Scotland is the one at The Caledonian Hotel. In my humble opinion this is the best experience, the food is lovely and the team here as also exceptional.
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- Edinburgh: A local’s guide and recommendations to things to do and see
- The best hotels in Edinburgh: 19 luxurious recommendations from a local
- Lannan Bakery: a local’s recommendations and review of the most popular bakery in Edinburgh
- Where to go for a whisky tasting in Edinburgh: Scotch whisky tours & distilleries
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- The best time to visit Edinburgh: A seasonal travel guide
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
