Utterly irresistible

A taste of Scotland’s most scrumptious afternoon teas

Woven into the fabric of British culture but an object of deep curiosity for those living overseas, afternoon tea is one of the country's most delicious institutions.

Finding a 'best' afternoon tea in Scotland is a daunting and, ultimately, impossible task. But we've given it our best shot. In this piece we make the case for three outstanding afternoon tea experiences that span the length and breadth of the country. 

And if we can't convince you, a short flick through the member properties on our website might reveal a few more tantalising prospects. But first, a quick look at how afternoon tea managed to become quite so ingrained into our way of life. 

A tiered history

Reputedly formalised by the Duchess of Bedford in the early 1940s, the now-ubiquitous afternoon tea made its way into the British consciousness at a saunter. As evening meals were pushed later and later into the day, the Duchess would gather fellow socialites for pots of tea, bread, butter and cakes to quell afternoon peckishness. 

As we now know, the idea caught on. By the 1880s, scores of upper class and society ladies were changing into long gowns, gloves and hats, and gliding into the drawing room for tea between 4 and 6pm – complete with delicate sandwiches, pastries, and scones with jam and cream. 

It was the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in truly upscale environments like the Ritz and Savoy in London, that saw afternoon tea grow into a formal dining experience. Which is the perfect segue into...

The Torridon

What’s the furthest you’d travel for a really, really good afternoon tea? If you opted for less than 200 miles, you may have to rethink your answer. 

With its Michelin star kitchen and atmospheric setting, The Torridon's afternoon tea is unsurprisingly masterful. From your vantage in 1887 Restaurant, Loch Torridon and the rugged Highland landscape fill the view. Gently pulling you from that reverie is a mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked scones, accompanied by tiers of sandwiches and delicate patisserie. Lashings of homemade jam and thick, Scottish clotted cream are, of course, on hand.

Choose to sip an exquisite tea from Camellia's Tea House or The Torridon’s own signature blend. And if the occasion calls for a glass of bubbles, you’ll find the Taittinger patiently chilling in the fridge. Taken together with the landscape, it is quite a spectacular experience.

Should you ever find yourself wandering the north with a rumbling stomach, it might be prudent to make haste for Wester Ross.

Glenapp Castle

As one might expect from such a picturesque castle, guests savouring the Glenapp afternoon tea are treated like royalty from first sip to final crumb. The castle’s experienced pastry chef loves the ritual of crafting afternoon tea – and it shows in the final result.

You can expect beautifully layered sandwiches, freshly baked scones, jams bursting with fruit from the hotel gardens, and a proliferation of fine desserts. Served with coffee, a selection of teas from around the globe, or a perfectly chilled glass of fizz, the experience is as serene as it is delicious. 

Choose to dine in the historic castle or, during the sunnier months, in The Azalea: the rare Victorian Glasshouse out on the grounds. Feel free to walk off those last few bites with a stroll through the castle's immersive grounds and gardens.

Greywalls

From north, to south, to the middle of the country. Our final recommendation is for Greywalls, just outside Edinburgh.

Artisan sandwiches, buttery soft scones with Albert Roux's own jam and clotted cream, hot savouries and a selection of cakes, all served with Ronnefeldt leaf teas and Lomond Coffee. What else would you expect from a dining room with Chez Roux etched above the door?

There is, of course, a champagne option, and it is, of course, a rather special one: a glass of Albert Roux's famous Blanc de Blanc. While Greywalls is closing in October until the summer of 2027, its afternoon tea experience is simply too good to ignore. And we’re certain that, come next summer, it will somehow be back better than ever before. 

While we've highlighted three particular favourites, you really can't go wrong with afternoon tea at any of our member properties. And if you're concerned about taking the bubbly option, let us remind you have Little's Chauffeur Drive can provide luxury transportation to and from your delectable détante.

All that's left to do is prepare your argument: will it be cream first, or jam first? 

First published 27 June 2019. Information correct at time of going to press.