Edinburgh's Best Afternoon Teas: For Every Budget, Style, and Occasion

Afternoon tea is a lifestyle. It's all about slowing down, sipping on a hot cup of tea, and enjoying the moment. It's a leisurely pursuit that I am committed to taking part in at least a couple of times per year. Which isn't hard considering I have been to more than fifteen different places for afternoon tea in my life so far. 

With my obsession for this in-between meal (it's not quite lunch but not quite just a snack), you'd think I was British. But my home city of Boston has a strong tradition of offering fancy afternoon tea at almost every hotel in town. And I've nearly tried them all. 

Since I moved to the U.K., my love for afternoon tea has grown even more. Luckily, Edinburgh has some pretty fantastic spots for afternoon tea. And they're not all quite what you'd expect. Having experienced quite a few of them in my four years here, I thought I'd share my four favorite places for afternoon tea in Edinburgh for every budget, style, and occasion!  

A teatime twist in a timeless setting

Very few afternoon teas stand up to the gastronomic flair offered by The Collonades at the Signet Library. Despite being tucked away just off of the Royal Mile, the Collonades is far from touristy. This 19th-century building is home to a restored library that acts as the ideal setting for a slow-paced afternoon break of savories and sweets. Start your visit with a cheeky cocktail or glass of bubbly before selecting your tea. The Collonades tea is set apart by the sheer number of delicious bites included in the menu, with two separate tiered trays for savory snacks and sweet treats. But this isn't your usual cucumber sandwiches and Victoria sponge type of afternoon tea. At the Collonades, you'll be delighted to have unique bites such as hoisin duck croquettes, cauliflower pannacotta, and banana custard tart. The menu is constantly changing with the season, so be prepared to be in for a pleasant surprise! 

Afternoon tea at the Collonades at the Signet Library starts at £34/pp. You can book online and view their menu here.  

Classic British fare with a view 

There is something to be said, however, for sticking to the classics. The 1886 restaurant at the Best Western Braids Hills Hotel offers a traditional tea that's the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. For £15 per person (a steal if you ask me), or £21 with a glass of Prosecco, this afternoon tea is ideal as a not-too-pricey treat. Dubbed the Jean Brodie afternoon tea after an excerpt from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie where the hotel is mentioned, this three-tiered tea is as timeless as the novel itself. The highlight of the savories is the ham sandwich with homemade piccalilli- a fresh take on a classic that is a far cry from the jarred stuff. The two ginormous scones are enough to (almost) make you want to skip out on dessert, but you'll surely find room for a bit of cake. The best part, though? The breathtaking panoramic view from the Braids Hills. Take a seat outside on the terrace should the elusive sunshine be about. Whether you're facing the Pentland Hills or Edinburgh Castle, there's not a bad seat in the house!

Afternoon tea at the 1886 Restaurant at the Best Western Braids Hills Hotel starts at £15/pp. You can call to book and view their menu here. 

A luxurious escape for a special occasion 

Sometimes, we all need to be treated like royalty. And the Peacock Alley Lobby Lounge at the Waldorf Astoria is just the spot for a sophisticated afternoon tea fit for a queen. The Peacock Alley Lounge is not by any means stuffy, however. In fact, it epitomizes the "lounge" feel you'd expect from such a place, with cushy sofas, an airy high ceiling, and stylish fixtures striking a balance between glamorous and comfortable. The menu offers a mix of classic bites like ham and mustard, while also taking typical treats to the next level- like matcha macarons. The Peacock Alley Lounge's tea selection is also quite impressive, with a range of over 40 loose leaf teas on offer. You can even have a whiff of the teas beforehand to see which one takes your fancy. 

Afternoon tea at the Peacock Alley Lobby Lounge at the Waldorf Astoria starts at £35/pp. You can book online and view their menu here. 

A girly afternoon in a relaxed space

If you're after something a bit more casual where you can have as much or as little as you want, Eteaket is just the place. Gather up a group of friends for a girly afternoon tea at Eteaket, and choose from having the full shebang with three tiers, or go for something a little lighter- say, just a scone or a sandwich. This is the perfect no-fuss tea with all the trimmings of a fun day out- they even do tea-infused cocktails! Paired with the bright teal and pink color scheme and gorgeous floral crockery, you'll definitely find yourself snapping photos of your meal. And if you love Eteaket's tea, you can purchase a little bag of it on your way out! It makes the perfect gift for any occasion. 

Afternoon tea at Eteaket starts at £15.95/pp for three tiers, but they also offer a smaller high tea option for £8.95/pp or cream tea for £4.95/pp. You can view their menu here.