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)
An Afternoon Tea at The Ivy.
Our first afternoon tea suggestion for Mother’s Day comes from The Ivy on the Square in Edinburgh.
Their Spring afternoon tea menu is available each day from 3 to 5pm, with savoury offerings including The Ivy 1917 smoked salmon and cream cheese choux bun. Meanwhile, there’s also warm fruit scones with clotted cream and fresh strawberries and a selection of sweet treats including The Ivy chocolate bombe with milk foam and gold flake.
A range of teas and coffees are also included, however for a more indulgent option you can upgrade your afternoon tea to include a glass of champagne.
Outside of afternoon tea on March 29 and 30, The Ivy are also offering a dedicated Mother’s Day menu with four courses for under £30 and three courses for £35.
Price: £35.75 per person. Upgrades: Champagne afternoon tea, £45.75 per person.
(20 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1TR)
If you’re hoping to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea for Mother’s Day in a luxurious setting look no further than The Scotsman Hotel’s Grand Cafe. Set in the former newspaper building, their selection of hand cut finger sandwiches, savoury bites, mini desserts and homemade scones are all crafted by their in-house pastry chef.
In addition, every Saturday and Sunday in the Grand Cafe you can enjoy live music from 1pm.
With three afternoon tea menus available – as well as a separate menu for children under the age of 12 – guests can select either the classic menu, the Gin & Tonic edition or the ultimate Moet & Chandon afternoon tea.
The Grand Cafe is also offering the Mother’s Day Boozy Brunch on March 30, which includes three cocktails for under £40 per person.
Price: £37.95 per person (classic) or £9.95 for children under 12. 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
Also located in the heart of Edinburgh is The Scottish Cafe and Restaurant which can be found at the Gardens Entrance of the Scottish National Gallery.
With both traditional and vegetarian afternoon tea Menus – and another for children – you can expect sandwiches with Scottish produce as well as a selection of petit fours served with tea or coffee.
Afternoon tea at The Scottish Cafe and Restaurant is served from 12pm to 4pm, and if you quote “Mother’s Day” when booking a special cocktail and petit four plate will be included for your mum.
Price: £35 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 savoury options and sandwiches alongside sweets from tarts to roulade as well as scones with homemade ham and clotted cream.
Or if you're interested in something a little more bespoke, there’s the salon deluxe afternoon tea which includes a selection of entrees as well as petit fours to finish and a selection of recommended teas.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available for both afternoon teas, and if you’re hoping to enjoy a full day out afterwards you can explore the exhibition on Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his work with Miss Cranston on Glasgow’s famed tea rooms.
Price: £32 per person (classic). Upgrades: Prosecco/whisky/gin afternoon tea, £38; Champagne afternoon tea, £40; Salon deluxe afternoon tea, £39 per person; Salon deluxe afternoon tea without champagne, £43 per person; Salon deluxe afternoon tea with champagne, £49 per person.
(Unit 8, 1103 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND)
Established in 2005, The Butterfly and The Pig offer afternoon tea from their quirky Georgian townhouse. Having previously been named among Scotland’s top five afternoon teas, their tearoom could be the perfect mother’s day option for you.
The Butterfly and The Pig’s classic afternoon tea includes canapes, sandwiches, homemade scones and a choice of more than 40 teas. There’s also their “famous” pickled cucumbers and homemade crisps, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options available. If you’re after a wee tipple with your afternoon tea instead, the venue also offers bubbly, boozy and gin menus.
Price: £18.95 per person (classic). Upgrades: Bubbly afternoon tea, £22.95 per person; Boozy afternoon tea, £26.95 per person; Gin afternoon tea, £25.95 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, from blueberry swirl cheesecake to lavender or lemon fondant fancies. Served with either tea or coffee, you could also ask for chai or hot chocolate with corkage offered from £4 per bottle.
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 known 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.
Served from 12.30pm until 3.30pm, the menu features a selection of sweet and savoury items that can be enjoyed alongside a selection of teas, with highlights including mid-century dessert the Queen of Puddings, treacle tart and apple and a seasonal tea cake.
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: £15.95
(484 Perth Rd, Dundee DD2 1LR)
Served daily, the afternoon tea menu at Taypark House in Dundee is indulgent - including chef specialty scones, savoury finger sandwiches from mulled cheddar and fruit chutney to roasted ham with wholegrain mustard, and sweet treats including macarons, sticky toffee pudding and more.
And for Mother's Day 2025, the boutique hotel is offering a champagne tasting afternoon tea option.
Price: £22.50 per person or £45 for two people. Upgrades: Champagne afternoon tea, prices tbc.
(Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae, Girvan KA26 0NZ)
For a relaxing time for all on Mother's Day, booking an afternoon tea at Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire could be the way to go.
You can explore the castle grounds and the unique Victorian Walled Garden, before settling in for food with views over the Ailsa Craig. Served from 12.30pm until 3.30pm daily, the luxury hotel's menu includes all the standard fare with some exclusive treats made with Glenapp's bespoke chocolate.
Price: £45 per person. Upgrades: Champagne afternoon tea, £59.50
(55-63 Queen's Rd, Aberdeen AB15 4YP)
Picture: The Chester Hotel
Located in the West End of Aberdeen is 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.
Outside of afternoon tea, you could also treat your mum to the Chester's special Mother's Day menu which includes everything from a Sunday roast to halibut with chorizo jam.
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 their "heavenly" afternoon tea in the 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.
And available only on March 30, guests can book a Mother's Day afternoon tea which will include savoury options including buckwheat blini and honey roast ham finger sandwiches, as well as buttermilk scones and desserts from Persian love cake to a chocolate and raspberry torte.
Gluten-free and vegan afternoon tea menus are also available.
Price: £31.50, per person. Upgrades: Champagne afternoon tea, £47.50 per person.
