Best afternoon tea in Glasgow
Best afternoon tea in Glasgow
Afternoon tea is a favourite in Glasgow, with many places offering 3-tiers of yumminess. Check out our guide to some of the top spots for afternoon tea in the city.
Beautiful locations for afternoon tea
Mackintosh at the Willow
Mackintosh at the Willow is a world-class cultural and heritage attraction. Enjoy a yummy afternoon tea, within the beautifully-designed Charles Rennie Mackintosh tea rooms. Visit the Mackintosh at the Willow website to book and be sure to check out the Salon de Luxe option and take in the exhibition and shop.
House for an Art Lover
Another Mackintosh-designed building is House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park. Book a table in the Art Lover’s Café and enjoy taking in the Art Nouveau building and beautiful rooms, walled gardens and art exhibitions while dining on afternoon tea classics such as macarons.
Cranachan Café, Princes Square
Browse the designer shops at Princes Square before heading to Scottish café and restaurant Cranachan Café. You can pick from a selection of sandwiches, mini desserts and drinks to enjoy overlooking the impressive shopping centre atrium Visit Cranachan Café online to book a table.
The Corinthian Club
The Corinthian Club is a grade-A listed building steeped in history, with previous lives as a bank and a court. Enjoy their signature afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, sweet treats, with or without champagne, all under a stunning domed-glass ceiling. Visit The Corinthian Club website to book a table.
Cup Tea Lounge
There's not one but two Cup Tea Lounge venues in the city centre - the beautiful B-listed venue on Renfield Street and the courtyard setting of Virginia Court. With vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and children's menus available, everyone can enjoy. Go all out with their gin cocktail teapots. Visit cuptearooms.co.uk and decide which venue to visit first.
Top Glasgow hotels for afternoon tea
Credit: Carlton George Hotel
Carlton George Hotel
Located near George Square, book a table at the Carlton George Hotel for a fabulous afternoon tea, which includes a selection of homemade cakes, from choux buns to tiffin squares to strawberry tarts. What makes it special? It's served on the 7th floor with views across the city centre rooftops.
voco Grand Central Hotel
Step back in time with a glamourous afternoon at this historic hotel, which overlooks Central Station. This award-winning hotel, which has attracted celebrities to stay in over the years, is know for its pink afternoon tea, with the option for pink bellinis. Book at Grand Central's website.
Crossbasket Castle
The 17th century Crossbasket Castle is located on the outskirts of Glasgow. The restaurant is overseen by celebrity chef, Michel Roux Jr, so expect a range of delicacies. Visit Crossbasket Castle's website for dining and booking details.
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
Enjoy a day out in the southside of the city, with afternoon tea in the splendid surroundings of Sherbrooke Castle Hotel. Designed by architects Robert Sandilands and John Thomson (son of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson) in 1896, this baronial villa is perfect for a special occasion. Take a look at this unique hotel online.
Quirky places for afternoon tea in Glasgow
Red Bus Bistro
Red Bus Bistro is a totally unique dining experience. Step aboard the vintage Routemaster bus and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, whilst on a tour of Glasgow's top attractions. Take in the sights of the city over a scone (and gin!) by booking your experience at the by booking your experience at the Red Bus Bistro website.
The Tea Rooms
The Tea Rooms at The Butterfly and The Pig adds a twist to afternoon tea with mismatched crockery and shabby chic decor. The afternoon tea itself offers a hearty selection that will fill up even the hungriest diners with their excellent cake portions. Head to The Tea Rooms website to book.
Hidden Lane Tea Rooms
Patterned teapots create a perfect setting for afternoon tea in Finnieston. Miniature cakes and sandwiches are served on vintage tiered cake stands at the Hidden Lane Tea Rooms. Book early at hiddenlanetearoom.com so as to avoid disappointment at this hidden gem.
Article last updated: March 2024
