You are here: Home /

Scotland's Top Tearooms

16th June 2010

From grand hotels in Scotland's capital, artist-designed cafes in vibrant Glasgow and quaint village tea rooms dotted around Scotland 's stunning countryside, there's a venue for every type of tea lover North of the Border. We take you on a tour of The Tea Guild's finest...

The Palm Court and Drawing Room at The Balmoral Hotel

Situated in the beating heart of Edinburgh, The Balmoral Hotel is chic and sleek. Guests can be guaranteed a five star experience throughout their stay, and the Award of Excellence-winning afternoon tea is no exception. Served in the luxurious Palm Court , the room's signature palm trees and Venetian glass chandelier set the tea -time tone as a harpist adds to the elegant atmosphere.

The menu includes a selection of sandwiches (Scottish beef with red onion marmalade on malted brown bread; Honey roast ham on oatmeal bread and Fresh salmon, cucumber and creme fraiche on brown malted bread) followed by a variety of scones (fruit, heather honey or chocolate) served with clotted cream and preserves. Next up? Cakes! Including traditional Dundee cake and a classic sponge. And of course there are fabulous tea s to accompany these tea -time treats. Earl Grey, Ceylon, Japanese Cherry and rare Silver Needles tea s are all on the menu.

And afterwards? All the attractions of the city centre are on your doorstep. Whether you're in search of history, culture or simply great shopping opportunities (our tip is to take on the world-famous Princes Street) Edinburgh has it all.

1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ / 01315562414 / www.thebalmoralhotel.com

The Grand Tea Lounge at Turnberry Resort

If you feel you deserve a totally indulgent treat (or even if you don't!) The Grand Tea Lounge at The Turnberry offers the ultimate in tea -time decadence. A new member of The Tea Guild, Turnberry was presented with a prestigious Award of Excellence following the hotel's anonymous inspection for the recent Top Tea Awards. The judges were awed by the breathtaking views across the Irish Sea and legendary Ailsa Craig as well as the exemplary dedication to tea shown by the staff. There is even a tea sommelier on hand to advise and guide your choice of tea from a menu of more than thirty blends. The classics (including Ceylon , Russian Caravan and Darjeeling ) are all available alongside more exotic varieties (such as Jasmine Pearls, Puerh and Golden Rose Heart China ). If you prefer to make your own mind up, the tea s are all fully described on the extensive tea menu.

Until the end of June, guests can partake in the Season of Summer Afternoon Tea which is run in conjunction with The Ayrshire Hospice. The mouth-watering menu includes Baked sun-dried tomato and goats cheese tart; Smoked Scottish salmon sandwiches and Double chocolate macaroons, all washed down with those delectable tea s. And, once you've had your fill of tea and cake, a round of golf on the famous links or a luxurious spa session beckons.

Turnberry Resort, Maidens Road, Turnberry, KA26 9LT / 01655 331000 / www.luxurycollection.com/turnberry

Abbey Cottage Tea Rooms

They've scooped an Award of Excellence every year since 2003 - Abbey Cottage Tearooms is a lovely place to stop for afternoon tea. Situated in ancient New Abbey, visitors to the tea room should check out the ruined Sweetheart Abbey (which dates from 1273) in the village, while walkers will enjoy climbing to the summit of Criffel to the south. If the weather is fine you can take tea in the tea room's garden and we recommend you partake in the newly introduced Afternoon Tea Experience (which comprises sandwiches, freshly-baked scones with cream and jam and home-baked cake). Served with your choice of tea from the wide variety of blends listed on the menu (including Nilgiri, Lapsang Souchong and Gunpowder Green) owner Morag McKee sources local ingredients where possible.

26 Main Street, New Abbey, Dumfries DG2 8BY / 01387 850377 / www.abbeycottagetearoom.com

Loopy Lorna's Tea House

One of The Tea Guild's newest members, Loopy Lorna's is a hugely popular neighbourhood tea room. In particular, local Morningside mothers and children flock to the tea room which serves home-made scones, decadent cakes and dainty sandwiches, all prepared by an award winning chef. Quirkily decorated by owner Gaynor Salisbury, with opulent wallpaper and bright red chairs, there is a tea menu full of information and advice on brewing times, flavour and the tea's origins. If you've found your perfect brew, teas are also available to buy in the tea room's shop.

Loopy Lorna's Tea House, 370 / 372 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 6EL / 0131 447 9217 / www.loopylornas.com

The Conservatory at Old Course Hotel

We don't think it takes much persuading, but if you do need to persuade your other half to spend the afternoon indulging in tea -time treats, perhaps a round of golf at the world famous Old Course Hotel might do the trick? Or maybe a stroll around the nearby university town of St Andrews will be the perfect after- tea entertainment. Talking of tea, it's served in the hotel's conservatory with stunning golf course and seascape views. All the obligatory foods are on the menu along with the more unusual lemon pancakes and, if you're feeling truly decadent, a glass of pink champagne. We reckon the only problem you'll encounter is choosing your tea! Flowering Silver Tip, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Lapsang Souchong, Keemun, Ceylon, Oolong and Jasmine Silver Tip are all on the menu. Which to choose?

The Conservatory at Old Course Hotel, Old Course Hotel, Old Station Road, St Andrews KY16 9SP / 01334 474371 / www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk

The Coach House Coffee Shop

Tassophiles shouldn't be put off by this venue's name - there are still plenty of lovely tea s to choose from. As well as light snacks and meals you'll want to order a slice of The Coach House's specialty fruit cakes which have been laced with malt whisky or baked with ale. Mmmm. Situated on the banks of Loch Lomond, Luss is pretty and picturesque. If you're planning a day-trip to the village, incorporate a journey on the water taxi to Balloch where you can take an onward train to Glasgow.

Loch Lomond Trading Company Limited, Luss, Loch Lomond G83 8NN / 01436 860341 / www.lochlomondtrading.com

Willow Tearooms

Combine your love of tea , art and architecture with a tour of Glasgow 's Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed Willow Tearooms. Willow Cafe and Gift Shop is set within Scotland 's Museum of Education , which was designed by celebrated architect and Art Nouveau pioneer Charles Rennie Mackintosh at the turn of the century. Although this tea room has a bright contemporary interior, home-baking is the order of the day and there are a selection of lovely loose leaf tea s on the menu. Willow Tearooms, in Buchanan Street , is one of the original tea rooms designed by Mackintosh in 1903. His striking wall murals ensure that it's still a major tourist destination today while over at the tea room on Sauciehall Street we learn how Mackintosh came upon his signature Willow pattern. 'Sauciehall' is derived from the old Scots word for a willow tree (sough) and this is believed to be the starting point for the iconic design. At each cafe there are a range of tea s available, served with sandwiches, scones and tasty cakes.

Willow Cafe and Gift Shop, Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, Glasgow G5 8QB / 0141 287 0502 / www.scotlandstreetschool.co.uk
Willow Tearooms, 97 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 3HF / 0141 204 5242 / www.willowtearooms.co.uk
Willow Tearooms, 217 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3EX / 0141 3320521 / www.willowtearooms.co.uk

Kind Kyttock's Kitchen

The tiny village of Falkland is home to the Falkland Palace (Mary Queen of Scots was a frequent visitor) and Kind Kyttock's Kitchen - a traditional tea room and member of The Tea Guild. You'll find a cosy interior and happy visitors taking tea . The set afternoon tea includes the Scottish inclusion of a pancake alongside the classic scones and cakes. But who was Kind Kyttock? According to owner Bert Dalrymple (who has run the tea rooms since 1970), Miss Kyttock was the heroine of a poem by William Dunbar. One of her attributes was serving good food and drink to weary travellers.

Cross Wynd, Falkland, Fife KY15 7BE / 01337 857 477

The Exchange at the Sheraton

Back in the city, The Exchange at The Sheraton is a modern, elegant hotel decorated with leather chairs and plump sofas, perfect for sinking into after a hard day's sightseeing. There are several set menus all offering innovative and deliciously tempting food, and guests can choose from The Grand Cream Tea (with scones, clotted cream, preserves and tea ); The Traditional Afternoon Tea (comprising a selection of finger sandwiches; Viennoise bridge rolls filled with fresh salmon or roast beef; Scones; Scottish tea cakes and a selection of pastries). You can also upgrade your tea with a glass of champagne.

During June, we recommend you order the Seasonal Floral Afternoon Tea. Start with Marigold poached salmon with chive blossom scone; Oven roast chicken with caper and aioli on rosemary focaccia; Tomato mozzarella and pesto in a saffron spiced roll; Heather honey baked ham finger sandwich with pansy and chilli jelly before moving onto freshly baked lavender or plain scones. There is also an exotic saffron scone, stuffed with golden sultanas soaked in green chartreuse. All are served with Devonshire clotted cream, home-made rose jelly and a selection of preserves. Finally an array of pastries are presented - drool over Violet tartlet; Rose scented Eton mess; Orange blossom and mimosa Turkish delight; Jasmine cup cakes with lilac frosting and Elderflower and mint pannacotta. Did we mention the tea s? A variety of loose leaf tea s, including Russian Caravan, Jasmine Pearls and Flowering are all on the menu and are brewed at your table using a traditional tea trolley and Russian-inspired samovar.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9SR / 0131 229 9131 / www.sheratonedinburgh.co.uk/exchange

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• Top places for afternoon tea in London
• Tea-time treats on offer in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent
• Tea and Hydration