Whether you're looking to treat yourself or a loved one - perhaps for Mother's Day - afternoon tea is a popular choice.
From traditional Victorian style tea rooms to more modern and unique offerings, there are plenty of excellent venues in Scotland which serve suitably indulgent afternoon teas.
No matter your taste, requirements or preferences, here are 12 of the best places for afternoon tea in Scotland.
(6 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD)
The Ivy's Chocolate Afternoon Tea.
For Spring 2024, Edinburgh's Ivy will serve a special chocolate afternoon tea, which is available every day from 3pm-5pm.
The themed afternoon tea will feature both savoury and sweet options, including smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sandwiches, grilled chicken and truffle mayonnaise brioche rolls and scones with clotted cream and fresh strawberries. Chocolate treats include chocolate pots, milkshakes, sticky caramel slices and madeleines served with a chocolate sauce.
Price: £29.95 per person. Upgrades: Champagne Afternoon Tea, £39.95 per person.
(20 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1TR)
The Scotsman Hotel, which is set in the former newspaper building, offers luxury afternoon teas from their Grand Cafe.
Crafted by their in-house pastry chef, a selection of treats from hand-cut finger sandwiches and savoury bites to sweet miniature desserts and home made scones.
There are three various afternoon teas which can be booked, from the classic offering to those of a more boozy variety. In addition, every Saturday the Grand Cafe will play host to a live pianist from 2pm-5.30pm for the ultimate afternoon experience.
Price: £37.95 per person. Upgrades: Gin & Tonic Afternoon Tea, £42.95 per person or the Moet & Chandon Afternoon Tea, £47.95 per person.
(The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL)
Picture: The Scottish Cafe
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant in Edinburgh is an ideal spot in the capital for afternoon tea.
Located in the city centre, there are traditional and vegetarian Afternoon Tea options, both of which include a freshly made selection of sandwiches, Isle of Mull Cheese scones and a selection of petit fours served with tea or coffee.
Available from noon until 3.45pm, there is also a children's afternoon tea perfect for those looking to pair their meal with an exploration of Scotland's National Gallery.
Price: £32 per person or £15 for the children's afternoon tea.
(217 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3EX)
Indulge in afternoon tea at one of Glasgow's iconic tearooms, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and originally opened in 1903.
Located on Sauchiehall Street, Mackintosh at the Willow showcases some of the famous designer and architect's work, which can be enjoyed alongside a traditional afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, cakes and scones.
Or if you're interesting in something a little more bespoke, perhaps the salon deluxe afternoon tea will be more to your liking. In addition to finger sandwiches, nibbles include Arran Oat Cakes served with various toppings, miniature steak pies, beetroot wellingtons and more.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available for both afternoon teas, and afterwards a tour of the exhibition is a must to find out more about Charles Rennie Mackintosh's lasting relationship with pioneer, Miss Cranston, and their work on her famed tearooms in the city.
Price: £29.95 per person. Upgrades: Prosecco afternoon tea, £35.95; Champagne afternoon tea, £37.95; Gin afternoon tea, £35.95; Whisky afternoon tea, £35.95; Salon deluxe afternoon tea, £39 per person; Salon deluxe afternoon tea with champagne, £45 per person.
(71 Renfield St, Glasgow G2 1LP)
Picture: Cup Tea rooms
With two venues in Glasgow, those looking to enjoy an afternoon treat can visit Cup on Renfield Street or Merchant City.
There are afternoon tea menus to suit all dietary requirements, from vegan and vegetarian to gluten free, with sweet and savoury treats on offer.
Price: £26 per person. Upgrades: Afternoon tea with Hendrick's Gin Cocktail Teapot, £46 per person.
(Unit 8, 1103 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND)
If you're looking for a unique afternoon tea experience, then why not try the Hidden Lane Tea Room in Finnieston?
Served from 12pm, here the afternoon tea selection includes delicate finger sandwiches, savoury bakes and home made scones as well as seasonal mini bakes. In addition, there is gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free options available upon request.
Price: £21.99 per person. Upgrades: Gluten-free afternoon tea, £23.99 per person.
(Auchterarder PH3 1NF)
Picture: Gleneagles Facebook
Probably one of the best know Scottish hotels, Gleneagles is an ideal location for a decadent afternoon tea.
Theirs is served in the Glendevon Room, a peaceful oasis where diners can indulge in the great British tradition while enjoying views over the gardens and toward the Ochil hills.
The menu features a selection of sweet and savoury items that can be enjoyed alongside a selection of teas.
Price: £65 per person. Upgrades: Champagne afternoon tea, £85 per person.
(202 High St, Perth PH1 5PA)
This traditional tea room and restaurant operates with a firm focus on tea, with their menu offering more than 30 blends.
The afternoon tea on offer from the Victorian tea room is sure to be authentic, with produce sourced locally and foods including finger sandwiches, scones and cakes served on Royal Albert China.
Price: £14.95
(484 Perth Rd, Dundee DD2 1LR)
Served daily, the afternoon tea menu at Taypark House in Dundee is indulgent.
Savoury finger sandwich offerings include smoked salmon with sliced cucumber and dill crème fraîche, while the sweet treats include macaroons and chocolate cremaux with honeycomb.
A selection of Brodies loose-leaf tea is also available, with guests able to upgrade their tea to include bubbly.
For those looking for an extra special treat, the hotel's special Laurent Perrier Rose Afternoon Tea is sure to delight.
Price: £20 per person. Upgrades: Prosecco or gin & tonic afternoon tea, £25 per person; Champagne afternoon tea, £35 per person; Laurent Perrier Rose afternoon tea, £120 for two.
(Turnberry, Girvan KA26 9LT)
Picture: Turnberry
Indulge in afternoon tea while overlooking Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran from Grand Tea Lounge & Bar at Turnberry.
Tea connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice with over 20 types of tea available to choose from on the Sommeliers Trolley, including the Turnberry special blend, selected from Fairtrade certified farms in Kenya, Assam and Sri Lanka, with a smooth, mellow character.
Afternoon tea options include the traditional afternoon tea offering, a vegetarian menu or an elevated experience with either sparkling champagne or Hendrick's Gin.
All include a selection of handmade sandwiches, pastries and freshly baked scones with cream and preserves, served on a traditional tea stand, with the hotel also offering a Little Angels afternoon tea for younger guests.
Price: £45 per person or £25 for children. Upgrades: Sparkling afternoon tea, £65 per person; Hendrick's Gin afternoon tea, £60 per person.
(55-63 Queen's Rd, Aberdeen AB15 4YP)
Picture: The Chester Hotel
Just outside of Aberdeen city centre lies The Chester Hotel, where guests can enjoy the restaurant's delightful afternoon tea.
Available from Wednesday to Sunday, food is served on traditional fine china and accompanied by a pot of tea - perhaps the hotel's exclusive blend - and almost overflowing cake stand.
With a menu curated by the Chester's pastry chefs, each afternoon tea can be enjoyed sober or with a glass of bubbly.
Price: £28.50 per person. Upgrades: Afternoon tea with a glass of champagne, £42.50.
(12 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5SQ)
This 5-star hotel in Inverness allows guests to enjoy afternoon tea in their Torrish restaurant with serene views over the River Ness.
With seasonal menu offerings and an extensive selection of specialty Dammann teas, there are also vegan and gluten free afternoon tea options available at Ness Walk.
Price: £29.95, per person. Upgrades: Guy De Chassey Grand Cru Champagne afternoon tea, £41.95 per person.
