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February 26, 2015

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the ceremony known as afternoon tea,” said Henry James.

We couldn’t agree more. There is something indulgent about spending an afternoon feasting on a tiered tray filled with cakes and fingers sandwiches, accompanied by a piping hot pot of tea or coffee (gossip optional).

As all afternoon tea aficionados know, a successful “ceremony” relies on three important factors: food, surroundings and details.

Here we have listed five afternoon teas in Glasgow who we believe have nailed all three.

Chaophraya

Afternoon tea with scones, cakes and… satay sticks? Chaophraya serves afternoon tea with a difference, presenting a Thai take on the British tradition. The surroundings aren’t bad either; with over four floors of spectacular surroundings within Nelson Mandela Place’s The Townhouse. See Chaophraya’s afternoon tea in action.

£15.95 for Thai afternoon tea at Chaophraya.

Blythswood Square Restaurant

With pendant chandeliers, red velvet booths and the highest expenditure of Harris tweed since the QE2, the aesthetic of the five star Blythswood Hotel is modern Scottish luxury. Their afternoon tea is named after the Duchess of Bedford who apparently introduced the tradition when she requested to be served tea and cakes to tide her over to dinner. Blythswood Square Restaurant’s afternoon tea includes eclairs, cheesecake, macaroons, sandwiches and smoked salmon served with oatcakes.

£28 Blythswood Square afternoon tea at the Blythswood Square Restaurant on 5pm.

October Cafe and Late Bar

For a sleek, city centre afternoon tea experience, October Cafe and Late Bar is the place to be. Situated on the top floor of the stylish Princes Square shopping mall, the balcony has a view of all the goings on underneath. The afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones with cream and jam and a glass of Prosecco can be added for an extra £3.

£8.95 afternoon tea at October Cafe and Late Bar on 5pm.

Ardnamurchan

Named after the most westerly point of the British mainland, Ardnamurchan combines the rugged Highlands with urban contemporary Glasgow, with decor featuring exposed stonework and Highland fabrics. Their aim is to source unique and artisan products from the Highlands and Islands and serve them up in an elegant and inviting ambience. Their afternoon tea features sandwich fillings of whipped goat’s cheese with blackberry, roast chicken with tarragon mayo, and Tobermory smoked trout with cucumber and lemon mayo. The cake tier offers mini raspberry cranachan, Victoria sponge and chocolate Delice, while fresh-baked plain and fruit scones come with raspberry jam and clotted cream.

£13.95 for afternoon tea at Ardnamurchan on 5pm Dining.

La Bonne Auberge

Ooh la la! The French inspired afternoon tea at La Bonne Auberge features Croque Monsieur and Quiche Lorraine instead of sandwiches and sweet treats of gateau millefeuille, chocolate bavarois mousse, lemon macaron and red fruit bavarois. Mon dieu!

£10 for French afternoon tea at La Bonne Auberge on 5pm Dining.

For more afternoon teas in Glasgow check our Afternoon tea offers page.