Photo of
November 30, 2016

Here at 5pm dining, we are firm believers that afternoon tea is for life, not just for Christmas.

Having said that, afternoon tea is always a very appealing treat to look forward to when you have your Christmas shopping list gripped between your teeth and you are fighting your way, block by block, down the High Street.

In fact, we would rather skip the bricks and mortar shopping – here is one alternative – and just go for afternoon tea.

In no particular order, here are nine places in Glasgow and Edinburgh that can put some tinsel on your afternoon tea.

Söderberg Pavilion

Have afternoon tea Scandi style at Söderberg Pavilion.
Have afternoon tea Scandi style at Söderberg Pavilion.

It’s fair to say Scandi style is having a moment right now.

In particular, it’s hard to open a Sunday supplement without finding mention of the Scandinavian concept of ‘hygge’.

If you have been camping out under a rock of late, you may not know that hygge revolves around enjoying comfort and cosiness with your nearest and dearest.

If you want a slice of hygge, we recommend that you skip along to Söderberg Pavilion, the Swedish cafe, bakery and bistro on Lister Square in Edinburgh’s impressive Quartermile development.

With glass walls, beautiful hanging lights and designer furniture draped with sheep skins and blankets, it typifies the simple elegance which has made Scandinavian style so fashionable.

Afternoon tea highlights their careful sourcing with Mull of Kintyre cheddar making an appearance alongside charcuterie, Swedish crispbread, freshly baked scones and rolls plus Valrhona chocolate muffins.

£20 – 2 person offer – Scandi afternoon tea for 2 menu + a glass of Prosecco (Sat) at Söderberg Pavilion. From 5pm Dining.

The Tearooms at Butterfly and the Pig

The Tearooms at the Butterfly and the Pig have their own quirky charm.
The Tearooms at the Butterfly and the Pig have their own quirky charm.

The Tearooms at the Butterfly and the Pig offers a quirky dining experience on Glasgow’s Bath Street. The food is traditional and hearty and the Tearooms specialise in both high teas and afternoon teas.

With a decor which is a winning mix of kitsch and vintage, The Tearooms are a cute spot for swapping some goss and doing justice to their mighty fine cake selection.

The full afternoon tea is £12.50. It includes a selection of sandwiches, cake and choice of tea. £16 bags you afternoon tea with a glass of fizz.

Book into The Tearooms at Butterfly and the Pig via 5pm Dining.

Cucina

The lobby at G&V Royal Mile Hotel has its own florist and a hydroponic system for growing herbs and flowers.
The lobby at G&V Royal Mile Hotel has its own florist and a hydroponic system for growing herbs and flowers.

Located in G&V Royal Mile Hotel in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, Cucina is a vibrant, bustling, Italian restaurant, open all day from breakfast until late.

With colourful design features by Timorous Beasties, it is an eye-catching spot for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea.

Alternatively, take your tea in the recently revamped Epicurean bar or designer lobby. The latter has its own florist plus an EvoGro hydroponic system which grows herbs and flowers for use in the kitchen and the bar’s innovative cocktails.

Afternoon tea here is powered by Tanqueray No 10 gin. For instance, the opening shot of gazpacho include Tanq and cucumber while the cake selection includes a Tanqueray Negroni jelly and candied orange.

Bellisimo!

Afternoon tea from £22.50 at Cucina. Book via 5pm Dining.

Brasserie at The Pond

Afternoon tea at Pond Hotel.
Afternoon tea at Pond Hotel.

You can spend a lot of money on afternoon tea. For example, traditional afternoon tea at The Ritz in Piccadilly starts at £52 a head and rises steeply.

By contrast, afternoon tea at Glasgow Pond in the West End is a rather more easy to digest £7.95 per person.

Guests can enjoy assorted sandwich fingers, large fruit scones with butter and jam plus tasty baking served with a selection of tea, coffee or fruit infusions. The warm welcome comes as standard.

Afternoon tea is served daily in the bar and lounge areas from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Booking in advance is recommended.

Brasserie at The Pond can be booked through 5pm Dining.

One Square

Festive afternoon tea at One Square comes with a view.
Festive afternoon tea at One Square comes with a view.

Edinburgh is not short of five star hotels that do a sumptuous afternoon tea.

But when it comes to the sheer creativity put into said afternoon tea, we would humbly suggest that One Square in the Sheraton Grand Hotel takes the biscuit.

And the finger sandwich. And the clementine posset with cranberry jelly and cinnamon palmiers.

Throughout the year, they run a series of seasonally themed afternoon teas. Obviously, their festive afternoon tea is in place at the moment and it’s a belter.

We’re not going to detail it all – you can see it here – but we will pick out the scones.

These aren’t any old scones. These are Xante pear liqueur-marinated golden sultanas, spicy gingerbread and traditional scones, served with quince and port jam, a selection of preserves and Devonshire clotted cream.

The rest of the menu is just as carefully considered. And, should you need any more reason to pay a visit, the bar has its own gin concierge.

£29 per person for the festive afternoon tea at One Square. Book via 5pm Dining.

Hotel du Vin @ One Devonshire

Afternoon teas are prepared fresh to order at One Devonshire Gardens.
Afternoon teas are prepared fresh to order at One Devonshire Gardens.

Elegant surroundings are all part of a great afternoon tea.

Happily, elegance is built in with the bricks at the five star Hotel du Vin @ One Devonshire. Situated in a townhouse in a gorgeous West End Victorian terrace, it is filled with nooks, crannies and little corners – ideal for planning world domination while grazing on afternoon tea.

Hotel du Vin focuses on tradition rather than glamour. Think cosy army chairs, tartan cushions and roaring fires. Their afternoon tea is made to order (twelve hours advance notice is required) and their selection of fresh cakes changes daily.

Book through 5pm Dining and there are a number of afternoon tea offers. For example, you could book afternoon tea for two for £29; the standard rate is £18.95 per person.

Alternatively, you could book afternoon tea with a glass of Champagne for £22.95 per person instead of the standard £27.95.

Chaophraya

We have no idea if taking afternoon tea is widespread in Thailand. We do know that Glasgow’s Chaophraya restaurant lays on a beautiful version with a distinct Thai flavour.

Afternoon tea around these parts includes mini-spring rolls and chicken satay, along with freshly baked patisseries and scones served with speciality Thai-infused jam and fresh cream.

The surroundings are just as surprising. Step inside The Townhouse on Nelson Mandela Place and prepare to be dazzled by four floors of fabulousness.

You can book into Glasgow’s Chaophraya via 5pm Dining.

Peacock Alley – Waldorf Astoria

Afternoon tea in Peacock Alley is always popular.
Afternoon tea in Peacock Alley is always popular.

Once a railway hotel, The Caledonian Waldorf Astoria is one of Edinburgh’s most venerable hotels. Formerly the station concourse, Peacock Alley lounge is the historic heart of the Caley, and reflects the timeless sophistication of this former railway hotel.

Recalling the glamour of the former Caledonian and the Waldorf Astoria New York, on which it is modelled, Peacock Alley is a chic spot for a memorable afternoon tea.

Among many other treats, the festive afternoon tea includes seasonal delights such as an eggnog crumble tart, Baileys and pumpkin mousse and Edinburgh Fog, the capital’s answer to Eton mess.

The festive afternoon tea at Peacock Alley is £35 per person. You can book in via 5pm Dining.

10 Restaurant & Bar

Full marks for afternoon tea at 10 Restaurant and Bar.
Full marks for afternoon tea at 10 Restaurant and Bar.

Part of 10 Hotel on Queen’s Drive in the Southside, 10 Restaurant & Bar offers an interesting afternoon tea.

As well as sandwiches made with several varieties of bread, the canapé selection includes Scottish smoked salmon with keta caviar and vegetarian haggis bon bons with peppercorn mayo.

The freshly baked scones are served with Chantilly cream while the cake selection includes chocolate cake, mini macaroons and shortbread.

Set in a stunning location with beautiful views over Queen’s Park, the hotel dates back to the Victorian era and the interior blends contemporary design with the original Victorian features.

Tramway Theatre, Hampden and, when it re-opens, the Burrell Collection are all nearby.

Afternoon tea is £11.95. With a glass of Prosecco or a cocktail, it is £14.95. You can book in via 5pm Dining.