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April 12, 2018

Afternoon tea Afternoon tea has long been a favourite at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian has just introduced an Around the World afternoon tea featuring Irn Bru scones.

At first, it might seem like an unusual pairing. The West End hotel is known for its elegance and five star luxury.

Irn Bru is perhaps best known for its cheeky and sometime controversial advertising campaigns. And, of course, it's almost legendary powers to cure a hangover.

However, delve a little deeper and there is method behind the incongruity.

Afternoon tea from around the world

Dale MacPhee, General Manager of the hotel, says the idea behind the afternoon tea is to have something from every region where the Waldorf Astoria has a hotel:

'We wanted to give our guests the opportunity to taste some internationally themed food alongside the finest Scottish fare. Irn Bru is just as much an institution in Scotland as afternoon tea is in Britain, so it made sense to bring the two together.’

As well as the freshly baked Irn Bru-flavoured scones there will be a range of savoury bites. these include shakshuka, a spiced stew from Israel and Po Boys, crispy spiced chicken from Louisiana.

A Pina Colada surprise continues the drink theme in the pastries section of the menu.

Other sweet treats include Key Lime pie from Florida; a tiramisu macaron from Italy; a white chocolate and mint Religeuse from France plus, from Germany, a Black Forest gateau.

Railway romance

The afternoon tea will be served in the hotel's Peacock Alley lounge.

The Caledonian started life as a railway hotel. Peacock Alley was originally the station concourse.

The steam trains are long gone but steaming cups of tea and coffee - or indeed something stronger - keep today's travellers smiling.

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh’s Around the World afternoon tea will be served Monday to Friday from 12pm to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm until the end of April.

Prices start at £35 per person. You can book Peacock Alley via 5pm Dining.

Of course, 5pm Dining has lots of afternoon offers which can be browsed here and Big Deals which can be explored here.

Afternoon tea Irn Bru: adding sparkle to the scones at Peacock Alley.