Afternoon Tea Week 2022: 8 of the best places for afternoon tea in Edinburgh according to Tripadvisor reviews

Here are some of the best places to go in Edinburgh as UK celebrates Afternoon Tea Week

As the nation celebrates Afternoon Tea Week, it is never too late to indulge in scrumptious scones and tea in Edinburgh to mark the event.

Afternoon Tea Week celebrates the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea, which takes place from August 8 to August 14, 2022.

According to the Afternoon Tea website, some venues throughout the UK will also offer exclusive discounts of up to 30%, giving you even more reason to celebrate the annual event.

You will definitely be spoiled for choice, pondering where to find the best scones with clotted cream and jam, as the city is filled with a variety of incredible places.

But fear not, as we have compiled a list of eight most highly rated venues in Edinburgh, according to reviews on Tripadvisor.

Where can you have afternoon tea in Edinburgh?

• Bon Tea Room (5/5)

Bon Tea Room. Photo by Tripadvisor

This venue is the top rated place in Edinburgh to get afternoon tea, according to reviews on Tripadvisor.

They have a varied menu catering to all dietary requirements from vegetarian to gluten free options and there’s also a takeaway option so you can enjoy it at any spot you desire.

One review said: I am coeliac & the afternoon tea was wonderful. Plenty sandwiches, scones & cakes beautifully present on a 3 tier cake stand. My husband had a non coeliac one & it was faultless too. The cakes are a work of art and the gluten free scones are the best I have ever had.

I would definitely recommend Bon to anyone esp those of you who are gluten free and perhaps struggle to find somewhere which is constantly excellent.

Where: 279A St. Johns Road, Edinburgh EH12 7XF Scotland

Find out more about it on Tripadvisor.

• Colonnades At The Signet Library (5/5)

Colonnades At The Signet Library

Located right in the heart of the city, Colonnades At The Signet Library serves one of the best afternoon teas, according to Tripadvisor reviews.

It also caters to vegetarians and gluten free options are available and having it in the library with your loved ones couldn’t be more perfect.

One review said: “What a delightful experience this was. A formal, traditional Afternoon Tea set in an incredible library. Everything about this visit was elegant , except us I fear, from the decor, the table layout and the presentation of the food.

“We had an ordinary tea to drink, but could have chosen from a range of teas on the menu. The food was presented on two different, three-tier racks, with the second arriving after we had finished the first and we had a truly delicious range of sandwiches and other delicacies including a very tasty beetroot drink at the start as an appetiser.

“The cakes were beautifully prepared and the chefs must have a real love for their craft.”

Where: West Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF Scotland

Find out more about it on Tripadvisor

• The Cafe at the Palace (4/5)

The Cafe at the Palace

Homemade cakes and tea will complement your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse or The Queen’s Gallery.

One review said: “From start to finish, our old fashioned experience never faltered. Everything was 1st class, including the savoury and sweet selection, showing a well balanced offering of Scottish Fayre.

“The hardworking staff were so welcoming and attentive. We’d thoroughly recommend it.”

Where: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh EH8 8DX Scotland

Find out more about it on Tripadvisor.

• Mimi’s Bakehouse (4.5/5)

Mimi’s Bakehouse

A mini chain of Edinburgh’s bakeries, Mimi’s Bakehouse is one of the top rated places for afternoon tea, according to Tripadvisor reviews.

Famous for its cakes, the bakery also serves vegetarian and gluten-free menus.

One review said: “I have visited Mimi’s Bakehouse a couple of times. The first time I had brunch I had the posh beans on toast and added the chorizo. It was absolutely amazing, one of the best brunches I have ever had.

“Once having brunch I saw they did afternoon tea so decided to come back for a second visit and have the afternoon tea and it didn’t disappoint. One of the best afternoon teas I have experienced was a great selection of savoury and sweet and all was so tasty and full of flavour. I can’t recommend this place enough.”

Where: 63 Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RA Scotland

Find out more about it on Tripadvisor.

• Cafe Portrait (4.5/5) 

Cafe Portrait

A beautiful afternoon tea can be had in the light, airy Café Portrait, which is located in the grand Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

One review said: “We booked an afternoon tea between four of us (one vegetarian) and can safely say this is one of the best cream teas we have ever had.

“The service was outstanding, the food fresh and tasty and there were nice local touches with the food itself. Fantastic experience, would definitely go again.”

Where: 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JD Scotland

Find out more about it on Tripadvisor.

• The Dome (4.5/5)

The Dome

Known for its extravagant holiday decorations, the Dome serves one of the afternoon teas, according to Tripadvisor reviews.

Their afternoon tea menu includes finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and nine different kinds of loose-leaf tea and served in the crystal-chandeliered Georgian Tea Room.

One review said: “I have been twice in the very elegant Georgian Tea Room situated on the upper floor. Gorgeous crockery and silverware and the sandwiches, scones and cakes are very good (as is tea and champagne).

“I have also drunk cocktails in the equally lovely downstairs bar and restaurant. The building itself has a very interesting history, once a medical university (I think?) definitely has a history of doctors and academia. It is expensive for drinks, but the price of the afternoon tea is very reasonable and it is a treat.”

Where: 14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF Scotland

Find out more about it on Tripadvisor.

• Eteaket (4/5)

Eteaket

One of the top rated places to get your afternoon tea this week is Eteaket, according to Tripadvisor reviews.

One review said: “I booked afternoon tea using the online system which was very efficient. We arrived for our tea at 4pm and were warmly welcomed, shown to our table outside as requested.

“The staff were so lovely and service was prompt but not rushed. We got our tea first with an explanation about optimum brew time. A short while later we got our tiered stand of sarnies, scones and cakes.

“Absolutely delicious! We had the most lovely time sitting in the sun. It was great value (esp when compared to what else was on offer in Edinburgh that day!!) I would return here for sure and definitely recommend Eateket for afternoon tea or even high tea! Great staff. Good location on a ‘not too busy’ road!”

Where: 41 Frederick Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EP Scotland.

Find out more about it on Tripadvisor

• Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie & Bar (4/5)

Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie & Bar

You may savour dishes like duck spring rolls, traditional fruit scones, and rosé champagne while having tea at the Forth Floor Brasserie, which overlooks north Edinburgh and the River Forth.

One review said: “We visited here for afternoon tea on our recent trip to Edinburgh, we booked online a few weeks before.

“We arrived and were seated quickly with a lovely view out of the large windows. The service was excellent and friendly.

“The afternoon tea was so delicious, everything was so tasty and nicely presented. We especially loved the chocolate mousse and the cheese tart.

“Would recommend and would return if ever in Edinburgh again.”

Where: 30-34 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD Scotland

Find out more about it on Tripadvisor