Where to go for afternoon tea in Edinburgh

Choose Prestonfield for an indulgent and deeply romantic experience. This theatrically decorated five-star hotel is set within sweeping grounds and is the most impressive place to celebrate an occasion over afternoon tea. You have many options in terms of setting — beside a roaring log fire (in winter) in the hotel’s Rhubarb restaurant, Tapestry Room, Leather Room or the Yellow Room; al fresco in the pretty rose-filled gardens with peacocks strolling by; or in the gothic Tea House. Prestonfield’s Traditional Afternoon Tea, Vegan Afternoon Tea and Afternoon Tea with Billecart-Salmon Champagne are available throughout the week. As the restaurant produces its very own brand of jam and tea, you won’t experience anything like it elsewhere.

A relatively new arrival to Leith’s hotel and dining scene, this is a truly unique venue. An actual vessel, Fingal floats on the docks, hosting overnight and dining guests, who can enjoy the glamorous surroundings that recall the golden age of ocean travel. Sit outside on the deck or in the art deco dining room and amuse your bouche with delicacies including smoked salmon mousse on buckwheat blini, lamb and harissa pinwheel, buttermilk scones with strawberry and Champagne jam from Perthshire Preserves and clotted cream, and dulce de leche chocolate and hazelnut tart. Complement your food with a bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial, a Pekoe single-estate leaf tea, or a cup of Brodies coffee.

Fingal serves afternoon tea every day from 12.30pm to 3.30Widely regarded as one of the most elegant spaces in the city centre, this venue specialises in afternoon tea specifically. Just off the Royal Mile, it’s a spacious and calm place to be, perfect for when you need a change in gear from the hectic pace of life. Served Wednesday through to Sunday from 11am to 4.30pm, the food and drink is provided by the award-winning Heritage Portfolio, who hold a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen (which should give you an idea of the standard in catering). Soak in these grand 19th-century surroundings as you sample savouries and sweets like pea brûlée and prawn tartar, cottage pie and Vienna dumpling, green tea and lemon tart, and cardamom and pistachio choux and is a must for anyone who loves ships and marine life.

Another option if you’re looking for something that little bit out of the ordinary, is The Cauldron. This one also proves to be a huge hit with kids, thanks to its wizarding theme. But you don’t need to be underage to enjoy its charm and indeed, you’ll be able to indulge in some of the molecular alcoholic accompaniments to your afternoon tea. Here, your sarnies and cakes will be presented in accordance with the venue’s theme, ideal if you just love a gimmick. While the experience is self-guided, there will be a resident potion master on hand in case you need anything. And your ticket will include a magic wand and relevant equipment, two interactive teas that you “brew” yourself, plus a scone, sandwitches (note the difference in spelling here) and magical desserts. You’ll need to set aside one hour and 45 minutes for the whole interactive shebang.