The best places to enjoy Afternoon Tea during the Edinburgh Festival

We pick out some of the best places to grab afternoon tea during this year's Edinburgh Festival.

Published 31st Jul 2017
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

Some people dream of holidays to far flung destinations, others of exotic food in a bustling city.

Us? We just want to inhale scones while watching some culture.

So, what better way to do that than indulging in afternoon tea at the Edinburgh Festival.

Best of all 14-20th August is Afternoon Tea Week and we can’t think of a better place to celebrate all things cake-based than at one of the most famous festivals in the world.

To help you out with choosing where best to head for afternoon tea, we’ve put together a list of our top spots that are also great for catching some culture.

Mimi’s Bakehouse Leith

(63 Shore, Edinburgh, EH6 6RA)

Afternoon Tea Edinburgh Festival

Picture: Mimi's Bakehouse

Just a short walk away from the epicentre of the festival, Mimi’s Bakehouse is a little oasis of calm in the hustle of the city in August.

It’s a family run bakery with two branches in the city and everything is homemade on the day.

Go for classic or get a little merry with the champagne version and enjoy one of the best afternoon teas in Edinburgh.

Reservations:
Book with ResDiary

Cup Tea Lounge

(9 South Charlotte Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4AS)

Picture: Cup Tea Lounge

If you’ve been researching where to head for afternoon tea week, you’ll definitely have come across Cup Tea Room.

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An early adopter of this food trend, Cup have been serving up some of the best spreads in Edinburgh for years.

If you’re not a tea fan, they even serve some sumptuous hot chocolate with their sandwiches and tasty sweet treats.

Just a stone’s throw away from Princess Street Gardens, it’s the perfect stop off during the Edinburgh Festival.

Reservations:
Book with ResDiary

Tigerlily

(125 George St, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN)

Afternoon Tea

Picture: Tigerlily

Relax and unwind in one of Edinburgh’s trendiest spots, Tigerlily.

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Their afternoon tea is famed through the city and includes dark chocolate eclairs and a macaroon of the day.

Of course it wouldn’t be afternoon tea without the option of fizz which you can add on for a small sum.

It’s another spot that’s right in the centre of the Edinburgh Festival and if you feel like spending the night, there are some gorgeous boutique bedrooms where you can lay your head.

Reservations: www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk

The Lantern Room

(1-3 Baxter's Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AF)

Afternoon tea

Picture: The Lantern Room

Were The Lantern Room any closer to The Edinburgh Playhouse, it would be inside it.

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Ideally located for some pre-show refreshments, The Lantern Room is a great spot to celebrate afternoon tea week while taking in the delights of the Edinburgh Festival.

Made with all-Scottish ingredients, their savoury treats steal the show. Think smoked salmon and pulled pork sliders for a wee twist on the traditional sandwich.

Reservations:
Book with ResDiary

Bonham: Consulting Room

(35 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, EH3 7RN)

Picture: The Bonham Hotel

If you’re looking for a classic Edinburgh afternoon tea experience, this is the place for you.

Located in The Bonham Hotel, The Consulting Room is old-school glamour at its finest.

Although you have the choice of tea or champagne alongside scones and finger sandwiches, The Consulting Room also offers some classic cocktails if you’re starting your Festival revelry early.

Reservations:
Book with ResDiary

• Read more: The best afternoon teas in Scotland

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