Where do I go for a delicious afternoon tea in Edinburgh?

[MrsHelenBee]

I've posted on here previously regarding the surprise trip to Edinburgh I was planning for my husband to mark our anniversary. I had LOADS of great tips for places to go, where to eat and where to stay, so I've got so many recommendations to go by, which is amazing, and I'm getting excited now - thank you lovely people!!!
I'm hoping to have a yummy afternoon tea somewhere on the day of our anniversary (Friday 30th October). Anyone had a delicious experience with sandwiches and cakes?
I've never done a proper afternoon tea but have heard people rave about tiered cake stands of the most scrummy food. I don't mind paying out a bit, and the menu at The Caledonian in the city sounded A-mazing, but at £32 a head, that's a bit beyond much for my budget!!
Can anyone out there help with some suggestions?

Check out Prestonfield house, a little out of the centre but very easy by bus.

Tigerlilys?

Look at love crumbs on Westport and also Mimis bakehouse in leith or cowgate - both delicious!

Or try the roseleaf for a boost alternative!

The Bonham is nice. Have a look at 5pm.com or Itison - they both regulatory have deals for afternoon teas (and lunches, dinners too!)

The museum of Scotland does fab cakes and I think does an afternoon tea as do the art museums.

I've never been but was assured by a friend who lived in Edinburgh that Jenner's is the best place for afternoon tea and there is nowhere like it.

Mimis Bakehouse

this - it's £50 for two which is a pretty good deal and probably the best you'll get for the full, five star, silver cakestand and uniformed staff type of afternoon tea.

If that's too much then somewhere like Mimi's bakehouse does an equally good tea, just in much more casual surroundings.

The afternoon teas at the Waldorf Astoria (at the bottom of Lothian Road) alway look lovely.

We had afternoon tea at the balmoral and it was lovely - I think it was £25 a head.

I would second Prestonfield, was taken there for tea by a couple of friends to celebrate the end of chemo and it was lovely!

Colonnades at the signet library is wonderful www.thesignetlibrary.co.uk/colonnades/ . I went with a friend during the festival and it was so special. It's right in the centre of Edinburgh, just tucked behind St Giles cathedral.

The Balmoral Hotel is very central - right by Waverley station, and I have had some delicious food there. I haven't had afternoon tea there, but I can't imagine it falls below their very high standards.

God, not mimi's if you are looking for romance . Colonnades is meant to be amazing.

The Caledonian is over priced imo.

Tigerlily and Le Monde do nice ones.

My favourite is Norton House near the airport.

Harvey nicks is pricey but great location

The Balmoral is great!

The Balmoral, definitely. Great afternoon tea and gorgeous surroundings. You can add bubbly if you want to start celebrating early.

You could try the National Gallery afternoon tea £29.95 for 2 , there is an option to add a glass of fizz. The National Portrait Gallery also does this but I think the surroundings are better in the National Gallery, both are in the city centre.

The Roxburghe is lovely :-)

You should look at the Howard Hotel in Great King Street.

Just saw this and thought it might whet your appetite for your trip :)

www.buzzfeed.com/hilarywardle/8-glorious-pub-walks-that-every-edinburgher-needs-to-try#.uu5gwy4gV

Balmoral. Have done loads in Edinburgh from Sheraton to Caledonian and balmoral always comes out on top.

Prestonfield or Casa Angelina