Best afternoon tea Glasgow
If you are looking for the best places in Glasgow for afternoon tea, you have come to the right place. We list below, in no particular order, the top spots in and around Glasgow to enjoy afternoon tea.
What is afternoon tea?
Firstly, you might be asking yourself what is afternoon tea?. Afternoon tea is a meal that is served with a selection of teas, coffees, and occasionally prosecco or champagne. The food involved in an afternoon tea is usually a selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes.
What is served at afternoon tea
At afternoon tea you will most likely enjoy a wide selection of teas from around the globe. Predominantly blends of Chinese, Indian, African and Sri Lankan teas can be enjoyed at the best afternoon tea spots.
The food served at afternoon tea will come in the form of light snacks, pastries and cakes. Most commonly being a selection of sandwiches, cream cakes, jams, scones and sweet pastries.
The ideal afternoon tea will be presented with fine china and silver food platters.
What time is afternoon tea
You can have afternoon tea whenever you feel like it!, However, it is most commonly accepted that afternoon tea should be between 3pm and 5pm. 3 to 5pm is when most of the establishments on this list will have their best selections of sandwiches and cakes.
What to wear for afternoon tea
In upper class establishments, a dress code may be enforced. The type of clothing to wear at afternoon tea is classed as “smart casual” this means shoes not trainers, collared shirts rather than t-shirts and no shorts or short skirts.
Top 10 afternoon tea in Glasgow – Our list
This list of afternoon tea spots is the most searched for eateries in Glasgow for afternoon tea. The majority of these places can be found in the city centre, however a few are located just beyond but still worth the journey if you have time.
Hotel Du Vin
Close by the Glasgow Botanic Gardens is the Hotel du Vin, this translates to the “Wine Hotel”. Hotel du Vin is a chain of 19 luxury boutique hotels that span across the UK. Their Glasgow west end location is a short car journey away from the centre of the city. Afternoon tea in the Glasgow Hotel Du Vin can be accompanied with or without alcohol, they offer a delicious selection of sweet treats and scores as well as boasting a very elegant and relaxing place in which to enjoy a peaceful spot of afternoon tea.
Cranachan
Located in the heart of Glasgow city centre is a cosy cafe that is perfect for Afternoon tea. Its central location makes it within walking distance of everything Glasgow city centre has to offer. Interestingly the Cranachan cafe in Glasgow shares its name with a traditional Scottish dessert of fresh cream, raspberries, oats and whisky. Afternoon tea at the Cranachan is served daily from 2pm. A choice of sandwiches, cakes, scones, and mini desserts are available to snack on. The drinks menu consists of coffee and loose-leaf tea, there is also the option of pink prosecco and Edinburgh Gin.
Grand Central Hotel
Another centrally located hotel is the Glasgow Grand Central hotel, standing since its construction by the Caledonian railway in 1883. The grand central hotel has seen many cultural icons pass through its doors over the years, JFK, Winston Churchill and the rolling stones to name a few. Afternoon tea is served in luxurious and historic surroundings from 12 to 4 pm each day. The food and tea served at the Grand Central Hotel are first class and sure to impress anyone seeking the more luxurious.
Chaophraya
For an afternoon tea that is unique to Glasgow head over to Chaophraya. This Thai inspired restaurant offers food that’s not found at your ordinary afternoon tea spot. Aromatic duck and sweet Thai pancakes with pandan leaf custard are just a flavour of what is on offer at Chaophraya. If you plan on spending a day out shopping in Glasgow this restaurant has the perfect location to rest your feet after a long day.
Kimpton Blythswood square hotel
A very popular afternoon tea spot in the heart of Glasgow city centre is the Kimpton Blythswood Square hotel. The Blythswood square hotel is a collection of terraced Georgian town houses with modern features. The hotel is well known for booths its amazing spa treatments and its afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is such a popular attraction at the Blythswood square hotel that they even have an afternoon tea club!. Delicacies such as smoked salmon and spiced carrot cake can be enjoyed here with a selection of world renowned teas and coffees.
House for an art lover
House for an art lover is an arts centre and cafe designed based on the work of the world renowned Scottish architect, artist and designer Charles Rennie Macintosh. The establishment is owned by a charitable organisation who want the main goal of the building to inspire love for the arts in its visitors. Afternoon tea is served in the “Art lovers cafe” and as you can imagine a fine selection of hand cut sandwiches and fresh cream scones are available. If you enjoy art, there can be no better place in Glasgow for a spot of afternoon tea.