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.
The Citizen Glasgow
Located close to George square in Glasgow city centre is a fish and meat centric bistro called The Citizen. This impressive looking listed building has one of the best designed bar areas we have seen. The mid century design and modern lighting really make this venue stand out. Afternoon tea at The Citizen Glasgow is served with an optional glass of champagne as well as having finger sandwiches and a fine selection of home baked scones, cakes and pastries.
Red bus bistro Glasgow
One of the most unique places to have afternoon tea in the whole of the UK is in a converted London red double decker bus. This is afternoon tea with a difference, whilst you enjoy the fine selection of cakes and sandwiches you will also be taking in the sights of Glasgow with your very own tour around the city. Truly a unique experience, the tour lasts around 1 hour and a half, starting at 12pm – 3pm Tuesday to Sunday.
Mharsanta
In one of the most stylish parts of Glasgow, the merchant city, sits Mharsanta translated to “Merchant” in Gaelic. This Scottish restaurant and bar specializes in upmarket traditional cuisine and cocktails. Afternoon tea at Mharsanta is a favourite with the Scottish daily record food critic Tam Cowan. The tea is served with an optional glass of prosecco and features delicious food such as Honey glazed Ayrshire ham and chocolate whisky brownie to name a few.
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
One of our only afternoon tea spots on this list that is outside of Glasgow city centre is Sherbrooke Castle. This baronial building offers luxury in the south side of Glasgow. Their afternoon “Champagne tea” is served in the cosy , lounge, library or Morrison room. A selection of loose-leaf teas and espressos are to be found here and afternoon tea is served every day from 1pm to 5pm.
How many calories in afternoon tea
If you are counting the calories on average, an afternoon tea can be anywhere between 600 – 900 calories. Although this should never put anyone off from enjoying the occasional afternoon tea there are plenty of healthier options available when going for afternoon tea.
How long does afternoon tea last
The afternoon tea itself can last anywhere from half an hour to an hour and a half, however this is just the tea itself. If you plan on doing shopping or visiting some attractions in Glasgow then you can expect to spend the whole day enjoying your surroundings and tea.
Luxury transportation to and from these venues and more in Glasgow
We are a luxury chauffeur company, our professional drivers escort VIPs like yourself and your loved ones around in comfort, safety and style. If you would like to book a luxury chauffeur driven vehicle for a special day out with afternoon tea included please contact us to find out more.
