Award Winning Afternoon Tea in Scotland

Please note, leading restaurant guides issue awards to restaurants based on dining from a full menu and will not normally consider afternoon tea when deciding how highly to rate a restaurant. Therefore the above restaurants are not ranked, although it's a safe bet that any restaurant serving award winning food in Scotland is also likely to provide some of the best afternoon tea in Scotland! Please also note that for the restaurants listed above, afternoon tea may be offered within the parent hotel/venue the restaurant resides in, rather than in the restaurant itself.

Scotland, a land of stunning highlands, vibrant cities, and dramatic coastlines, offers a delightful array of afternoon tea experiences that reflect its rich cultural heritage and cosy traditions. While many come for the breathtaking scenery, any discerning lover of tea will appreciate that Scotland is also home to numerous venues serving impeccable afternoon teas with a local twist. In Edinburgh, for instance, one cannot overlook the extravagant tea service at The Balmoral Hotel, where classic finger sandwiches and delicate pastries meet expertly brewed teas in an elegant setting. Similarly, in Glasgow, The Willow Tea Rooms, originally designed by the legendary Charles Rennie Mackintosh, offer a beautiful blend of history and taste, with gracefully presented teas and exquisite, handcrafted cakes. Venture beyond the cities and you will find particularly charming gems in more rural settings. For example, North of Edinburgh in Perthshire, the delightful Gleneagles Hotel is renowned not only for its luxury golf courses but also for its sumptuous afternoon tea service, complete with decadent scones and clotted cream sourced from local dairies. Meanwhile, those who find themselves in the scenic Highlands can stop at Inverlochy Castle, an exclusive setting where tea is served alongside panoramic views of Ben Nevis. Here, the experience is as much about the atmosphere as the tea itself, with the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape enhancing every sip and bite. Wherever you are in Scotland, the tradition of afternoon tea is alive and well, adapting local ingredients and the country's warm hospitality to create truly memorable experiences.