When Edinburgh’s The Printing Press opened late last year it was surely only a matter of time before it starting hosting afternoon tea.
The restaurant’s dazzling surroundings, original Georgian features and esteemed history (the George Street building was home of acclaimed writer Susan Ferrier and artist John Oliphant, and Robert Burns was known to pay a visit) make it the perfect location for hosting that most traditional of British ceremonies.
Modern slant
The Printing Press afternoon tea has a modern slant and attention to detail you won’t find in most places elsewhere; it is their own in house smoked salmon in the salmon finger sandwiches and the jam presented alongside the scones and clotted cream is made in the restaurant too.
Before the actual tea arrives, guests are presented with a trio of small savoury dishes to prepare the palate: hand-picked crab with avocado and sieved egg, red onion, thyme and goat’s cheese tart, and pumpkin and parmesan scone with cream cheese.
The top (always the most exciting) layer of the tea includes chocolate and orange choux bun, whisky and heather honey slice, passion fruit macaroon, Ecclefechan tart, Dundee marmalade cake and Lemon meringue pie.
Tea menu
The tea menu itself boasts an exciting selection of teas and herbal infusions, including Jasmine Silver Tip from China and Sri Lankan Lemongrass, as well as a traditional English Breakfast tea from Malawi.
When The Printing Press invited the 5pm Blog along to sample their afternoon tea we were also prevented with a glass of fizz, making it quite possibly the most enjoyable way to spend a Monday evening.
Big names
The Printing Press opened in October last year with a well justified flurry of excitement and some big names behind it.
The concept, design and menu were developed by Des McDonald, ex-Head chef at The Ivy in London and former CEO of Caprice Holdings.
Head Chef Colin Fleming previously worked at the Road Hole restaurant at The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Restaurant Martin Wishart in Edinburgh and the Kailyard Restaurant by Nick Nairn in Dunblane.
On The Printing Press afternoon tea Colin Fleming said: “We thought that a few months after officially opening our doors was the ideal time to introduce Afternoon Tea to The Printing Press menu: it has once again become an institution and perfectly fits the stylish surroundings of the restaurant.
“The menu is simple yet modern and offers something to meet everyone’s tastes – we’ve even included a special afternoon tea for children to enjoy, which is packed with sweet and savoury favourites. We look forward to welcoming our guests to take tea with us here on George Street.”