Edinburgh Afternoon Teas to Try
If you know me at all, you know I LOVE going to afternoon tea.
I haven’t been on a trip to the UK or Ireland without going to at least one afternoon tea. Honestly, I’m not too fussed about the overall fanciness of the occasion. There’s just something about an outing where you down an entire pot of tea and eat three plates worth of sweets that really appeals to me.
On my most recent trip to Scotland, I went to two different afternoon teas and had a great time! I thought I’d share a few different teas I’ve been to and enjoyed in Edinburgh over the last couple of years. Three options: 2 slightly fancier, and one more affordable and casual.
Tea #1: The Colonnades at the Signet Library
Afternoon Tea (2020 and 2021) Cost: £50
I’ve been to tea at the Colonnades twice now, and plan to make it a “must” for every visit to Edinburgh from now on. Both times I’ve been have been in November, it’s a great way to get inside and warm from the chilly Edinburgh air. Located on the Royal Mile, this tea room is on the fancier end of the spectrum in a beautiful old library.
In terms of cost, this is pretty pricey. The two times I went, it was £40 and £45 per person (2020 and 2021, respectively), but it has recently increased to £50 per person. Not something I could afford on a regular basis, but definitely worth splurging for on a special occasion or trip. The tea selection is fantastic, and you actually get two three-tiered stands of goodies: one for savories and one for sweets.
Tea #2: The Balmoral Hotel - Palm Court
Festive Afternoon Tea (2020) Cost: £50
While spending the month visiting Edinburgh in November 2020, I decided to splurge on a fancy holiday afternoon tea at The Balmoral Hotel as my last hurrah before flying home.
It seemed fancier than The Colonnades, though the price is comparable and the dress code is smart casual. I went in wearing Doc Martens, black jeans, and a sweater and felt only mildly underdressed. The experience was wonderful! Since it was the festive tea, there were some seasonal flavors and drinks as well, like the insane hot chocolate below.
If you’re looking for that “I’m feeling bougie” type of tea, this is a great option. There was less food volume-wise than The Colonnades, but it was still plenty for me! With over 88 loose leaf teas to choose from, the Balmoral also had the biggest tea selection I’ve ever seen. The only hard part is picking one!
Tea #3: Tigerlily Edinburgh
Afternoon Tea (2021) Cost £17.50
On my most recent trip, I had some time solo after my friend flew home and decided to try out Tigerlily, a boutique hotel with a popular bar and restaurant. I had seen a post on Instagram that inspired me to make a booking and I’m glad I did.
First off, the price! For £17.50, I got my own personal teapot (I drank two of them), and the three-tiered stand of yum that’s featured in the photos here. The atmosphere was definitely buzzing, the tea room is RIGHT off the bar area, and since I went around 4:30 pm, it was starting to get a little lively. The food was great, the tea was wonderful of course, and the service was excellent. Also, it was just so stinking cute!
Looking for a cute and casual tea with a casual price tag? Definitely check out Tigerlily!
I hope this post is helpful for any of you who are planning a trip to Edinburgh and considering an afternoon tea! I love going to tea, alone or with a friend, and highly recommend everyone try the experience at least once. If you have any recommendations for tea in Edinburgh, please leave a comment - I’m going back later this year and would love to try out some new places to feature :)
As always… stay safe, drink some water, and book the flight.