7 Best Afternoon Teas in Glasgow
With everything that Glasgow has to offer, you're bound to work up an appetite whether you're meeting up with friends, seeing the sights or just doing a bit of shopping.
So why not stop for an afternoon tea? Glasgow has so many places that offer this traditional British meal that it can be hard to choose.
So we've put together some strong contenders for the title of "Best Afternoon Tea in Glasgow" and as you'll see, we've come up with some fantastic options:
Mackintosh at the Willow
Book an afternoon tea with Mackintosh at the Willow and you're in for a memorable experience:
Mackintosh at the Willow's afternoon tea has a theme, such as Japanese Inspired, or British Summer, making for a unique menu, quite distinct from what you might find elsewhere.
For example, the British Summer themed afternoon tea features a Watermelon & Mint Chilled Soup and Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese savouries. The plain and fruit scones are bite-size and the cakes include Royal Twist - a delicious twist on the official Platinum Jubilee Trifle.
The themes change periodically but they're always delicious! From £28 per person.
You can also choose a Salon de Luxe afternoon tea and take in the ambience of the historic Salon de Luxe as your host tells you all about the history of the original Willow Tearooms. From £45 per person.
https://www.mackintoshatthewillow.com/tearooms/menus/
The Hidden Lane Tearoom
Unless you're a local, Hidden Lane Tearoom is easily missed among the craft studios and small businesses that populate Hidden Lane, yet it's well worth seeking out.
The tearoom serves afternoon tea with an emphasis on the tea - they have more than 30 loose leaf teas to choose from.
Their afternoon tea has been judged the second-best in the whole of Scotland according to Peter Irvine's "Scotland the Best".
Afternoon Tea at the Hidden Lane Tearooms is served using beautiful vintage teapots and mismatched crockery, adding to the charm of the occasion, and costs from £16.50 per person with vegan and gluten-free versions available.
https://www.hiddenlanetearoom.com/
Brown's Glasgow
Located in the beautiful former General Post Office building at 1 George Square, Browns Glasgow is a fabulous location to enjoy afternoon tea, in the city centre.
Savouries include Cheddar and Bramley Apple Chutney sandwiches, or Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Brioche Rolls.
Warm scones are served with clotted cream and a choice of strawberry or apricot jam.
There's also a delicious range of mini cakes and puddings like Mango and Passion Fruit Torte or Glazed Chocolate Rum Delice.
Afternoon Tea at Browns Glasgow costs from £22 per person, or you can include a glass of Champagne as well for £32.
https://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/scotlandandnorthernireland/glasgow
The Tea Rooms at The Butterfly and The Pig
On the ground floor of The Butterfly and the Pig restaurant, you'll find The Tea Rooms, decorated in a shabby-chic style that makes it the perfect place for a relaxing and informal afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea, served between 2 pm and 5 pm offers classic sandwich fillings on homemade bread and a fine selection of freshly baked homemade cakes and sweet treats.
There are more than 40 varieties of tea to choose from - so you can choose a familiar favourite brew or experiment with something more exotic and unusual.
Afternoon Tea costs from £16.95 per person, and, for a special occasion, Prosecco Afternoon Tea is £20.95 per person.
https://thebutterflyandthepig.com/
House for an Art Lover
The Mackintosh-inspired Art Lover's Cafe at the House for an Art Lover is an iconic venue for a delicious afternoon tea.
As well as a selection of sandwiches, the menu offers savouries like quiche or a homemade sausage roll.
Sweets include strawberry tart, empire biscuit or chocolate brownie - baked fresh every day.
A selection of teas and freshly brewed coffee are included.
The combination of the wonderful building with quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers makes afternoon tea at the Art Lover's Cafe extra special. From £16.95 per person.
https://www.houseforanartlover.co.uk/visit/art-lovers-cafe
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the splendid surroundings of the Scots baronial villa that is now the Sherbrooke Castle Hotel in Pollokshields.
You can enjoy afternoon tea between 1 pm and 5 pm in the comfortable lounge, the library or Morrisons Room.
Start with a selection of sandwiches, then enjoy the freshly baked plain or fruit scones before moving on to the delicious selection of homemade cakes.
Choose from a range of loose-leaf teas including Earl Grey, Assam or Green Gunpowder, or a selection of coffees.
Traditional Afternoon Tea at Sherbrooke Castle Hotel costs from £21.95 per person.
https://sherbrookecastlehotel.com/dining/
Red Sky Bar
The Red Sky Bar offers a unique afternoon tea experience that you could only enjoy in Glasgow.
Situated among the old Clydeside shipyards, with unrivalled views over the city and the River Clyde, afternoon tea at the Red Sky Bar is a spectacular and memorable occasion.
The afternoon tea menu is as distinctive as the view - you won't find a cucumber sandwich here. Savouries include dishes such as Asian Style Confit Duck & Plum Sauce in a Bao Bun, or Smoked Bacon & Sweet Maple Doughnut.
Tradition is observed with fruit scones served with strawberry jam and Chantilly cream, and sweets such as mini red velvet cake.
I hope you've enjoyed this selection of contenders for the title of best afternoon tea in Glasgow. Whether you choose grand surroundings, a character tearoom, a spectacular view or a unique Mackintosh-inspired atmosphere, you're sure of a great experience.