Edinburgh is steeped in tradition, and high tea is a beloved ritual that brings together elegance, relaxation, and indulgence. Whether you’re after an opulent setting, a hidden gem, or a casual spot, we’ve scoured the city to bring you the very best places to enjoy high tea. Here are Edinburgh’s top 10 high tea experiences, each with its own flair to make your tea time truly unforgettable.
Top 10 High Tea Spots in Edinburgh
- The Colonnades at the Signet Library
- The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh
- The Dome
- Tigerlily
- The Court
- Clarinda's Tearoom
- Grand Café
- Palm Court
- Afternoon Tea at Prestonfield
- Prestonfield House
1. The Colonnades at the Signet Library
Contact Details
Phone: 0131 226 1064
Website: www.thesignetlibrary.co.uk
Address: The Signet Library, Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Atmosphere: Historic, genteel setting with majestic fluted columns
- Price: Very Expensive
- Menu Highlights: Afternoon tea, light fare, cocktails
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Nestled within the stunning Signet Library, The Colonnades offers a high tea experience that's as grand as its surroundings. With towering columns and a refined ambiance, this place brings a sense of timeless elegance to every teacup. Their traditional high tea features classic finger sandwiches, scones, and creative pastries. This spot is on the pricier side, but the luxurious experience is worth every penny.
2. The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh
Contact Details
Website: ivycollection.com
Address: 6 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD, UK
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:45 PM
- Atmosphere: Refined, art-filled brasserie with an outdoor terrace
- Price: Expensive
- Menu Highlights: Modern British menu with afternoon tea options
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
The Ivy mixes modern vibes with traditional elegance, creating a chic and relaxing atmosphere. With plush seating, lovely decor, and an expansive terrace, it's perfect for afternoon tea lovers who appreciate an upscale, casual setting. Their selection includes classic tea items alongside unique twists, and the outdoor terrace is a big hit when the sun is out!
3. The Dome
Contact Details
Phone: 0131 624 8624
Website: www.thedomeedinburgh.com
Address: 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, UK
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Atmosphere: Corinthian columns, marble bars, and grand palms
- Price: Expensive
- Menu Highlights: Fine dining, teas, and light lunches
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Famed for its grand architecture, The Dome is one of Edinburgh’s most stunning spots to indulge in high tea. Every corner boasts luxurious details, from marble bars to the iconic Corinthian columns. The Dome’s high tea is as lavish as the surroundings, with a blend of traditional and unique selections. This is a must-visit for anyone looking for a full-on fancy tea experience.
4. Tigerlily
Contact Details
Phone: 0131 225 5005
Website: www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk
Address: 125 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN, UK
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Atmosphere: Trendy, luxe hotel with a modern vibe and pavement dining
- Price: Moderate
- Menu Highlights: Trendy seafood options and light bites
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Tigerlily combines sophistication with a splash of modern style. This chic boutique hotel is a fabulous spot for a mid-afternoon treat, especially if you’re into trendy vibes with excellent service. Their afternoon tea includes some seafood items, which adds a fun twist to the usual tea-time spread. Plus, the outdoor seating is ideal for people-watching on George Street.
5. The Court
Contact Details
Phone: 0131 222 8832
Website: www.hilton.com
Address: Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 2AB, UK
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Warm and genteel within a historic hotel
- Price: Moderate to Expensive
- Menu Highlights: Breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Part of the Caledonian Edinburgh hotel, The Court is a warm, welcoming space perfect for an elegant afternoon tea. They offer traditional high tea fare with a focus on fresh ingredients and quality presentation. The atmosphere feels luxurious yet comfortable, making it a perfect spot to unwind with a scone in one hand and a teacup in the other.
6. Clarinda's Tearoom
Contact Details
Phone: 0131 557 1888
Website: www.instagram.com
Address: 69 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BS, UK
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Atmosphere: Chintzy, old-fashioned tearoom with cozy vibes
- Price: Inexpensive
- Menu Highlights: Homemade treats, light bites, specialty teas
- Accessibility: Limited
For a more laid-back, quaint tea experience, Clarinda’s Tearoom is the place to go. The decor has a charming, old-world feel, and the homemade cakes and pastries are a hit. This spot doesn’t require reservations and is also wallet-friendly, which is great for anyone wanting to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea without the frills.
7. Grand Café
Contact Details
Phone: 0131 622 2999
Website: grandcafeedinburgh.co.uk
Address: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1TR, UK
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Elegant with European charm
- Price: Moderate
- Menu Highlights: Traditional European plates, brunch, cocktails
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Housed in a historic 1905 building, Grand Café offers a stylish setting for high tea with an old-world European feel. Their menu is full of tasty traditional items, and the atmosphere feels both grand and welcoming. A mix of locals and visitors frequent this spot, making it an ideal spot to settle in for a leisurely afternoon with tea and snacks.
8. Palm Court
Contact Details
Phone: 0131 556 2414
Website: www.roccofortehotels.com
Address: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, UK
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Luxurious champagne bar with a glass dome and palm trees
- Price: Very Expensive
- Menu Highlights: Afternoon tea with a high-end champagne selection
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Palm Court takes afternoon tea to a whole new level of luxury. Set under a magnificent glass dome with elegant palms, this spot inside The Balmoral hotel is known for its lavish presentation. They serve afternoon tea with a range of champagne options, adding a celebratory vibe to the experience. This is definitely a place to treat yourself.
9. Afternoon Tea at Prestonfield
Contact Details
Phone: 0131 225 7800
Website: www.prestonfield.com
Address: Prestonfield House Hotel Priestfield House, Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5UT, UK
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 6:45 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 6:45 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:45 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 6:45 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 6:45 PM
- Atmosphere: Elegant, luxurious, and historic
- Price: Expensive
- Menu Highlights: Traditional high tea in a lush garden setting
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
For a high tea in a lush, scenic setting, Prestonfield offers a beautifully refined experience. Located in a historic hotel with picturesque grounds, this place serves a classic high tea that’s hard to beat. The tea selection is extensive, and the presentation is absolutely beautiful. Plus, you can stroll around the gardens afterward for a perfect end to your visit.
10. Prestonfield House
Contact Details
Phone: 0131 225 7800
Website: www.prestonfield.com
Address: Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5UT, UK
Directions: Open on Map
- Atmosphere: Opulent, antique-filled hotel with rich decor
- Price: Expensive
- Menu Highlights: High-end dining and traditional afternoon tea
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Located on the same grounds as the Prestonfield tea house, this luxury hotel offers high tea experiences with an opulent twist. Rich with antiques and plush decor, the hotel’s atmosphere feels like a step back in time. Afternoon tea here is an event, with everything from fine china to exquisite desserts. It's perfect for those who want to indulge in a more private, elegant setting.
Choosing the Right Tea Room for You
With 10 excellent tea rooms, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Tea Room | Seating | Takeout | Delivery | Wheelchair | Reservation | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Colonnades at the Signet Library | Yes | No | No | Accessible | Yes | Very Expensive |
| The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh | Yes | No | No | Accessible | Yes | Expensive |
| The Dome | Yes | No | No | Accessible | Yes | Expensive |
| Tigerlily | Yes | No | No | Accessible | Yes | Moderate |
| The Court | Yes | No | No | Accessible | Yes | - |
| Clarinda's Tearoom | Yes | Yes | No | Inaccessible | - | Inexpensive |
| Grand Café | Yes | No | No | - | Yes | - |
| Palm Court | Yes | No | No | Accessible | Yes | - |
| Afternoon Tea at Prestonfield | Yes | No | No | Accessible | Yes | - |
| Prestonfield House | - | - | - | Accessible | - | Expensive |
FAQs
What should I wear to high tea in Edinburgh?
Most places are smart casual, but a few upscale spots may expect dressier attire.
Can I bring kids to high tea?
Absolutely! Many tea spots in Edinburgh welcome families.
Do I need reservations?
Yes, reservations are recommended for most places, especially popular spots like The Dome and The Balmoral’s Palm Court.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, most places offer dietary options, but it’s always good to call ahead.
Which high tea spot has the best views?
The Palm Court at The Balmoral and Prestonfield House offer stunning settings, with scenic views or luxurious gardens.
These ten Edinburgh tea spots each bring their own unique twist, from grandeur to cozy vibes.
