Where is good for high tea - Edinburgh City centre

[Mamabear04]

A colleague is retiring and she had been really kind to me over the years. I'd really love to get her a voucher for high tea but it's needs to be close to a bus stop and in Edinburgh City centre. Is the Dome still good? Any other suggestions?

The Cygnet library on the Royal Mile is fantastic.

Yes, agree - Signet Library is fab.

The Dome in George St.

https://www.thedomeedinburgh.com/georgiantearoom

Can't go wrong with the Balmoral as well.

As others have said, the Signet Library.

Another vote for the Balmoral

Do you mean a traditional high tea or afternoon tea @Mamabear04 ?

High tea is a light, hot meal. Do you mean afternoon tea ie sandwiches and cake? The Balmoral, the Caledonian or Signet library all rank highly but it might depend what you’re planning to spend. I wasn’t impressed by The Dome. The queen Charlotte rooms is also meant to be good for something a bit different.

A couple of weeks ago I was with a group of friends for a celebration and we had the most delightful afternoon tea at the gorgeous Prestonfield House Hotel (it’s just outside the city centre but a taxi ride for a short journey won’t cost much). Your friend would be so impressed :)

The rooms are just stunning and the service is superb:

www.Prestonfield.com

Edinburgh castle does a lovely tea too, as does Holyrood palace if they like history

Not near bus but tram goes past-Lighthouse restaurant on Britannia's sister ship Fingal (also docked near Ocean Terminal)

This. To me high tea is a hot meal like fish and chips, served with bread and butter and a pot of tea. Served early evening.

Afternoon tea is dainty sandwiches, tiny cakes and scones, served mid afternoon on an elaborate cake stand.

A cream tea is a large scone, clotted cream, jam and a pot of tea.

Harvey Nicks, right next to the bus station with great views over the city skyline.

Signet library is gorgeous

Another one seeking clarification on whether you are seeking a High Tea versus an Afternoon Tea.

A traditional Scottish high tea is a rare beast now. Not what was asked, but the Royal George Hotel in Perth does a brilliant High Tea. Menu here https://theroyalgeorgehotel.co.uk/high-tea-menu.html

One word

Meringues

If you mean afternoon tea then the Balmoral or the Signet Library. I was very disappointed with the Dome.

High Tea is something completely different.

The Red Bus Bistro is supposed to be fun. I haven't tried it yet (From Waterloo Place I think so near bus stops).

If it’s afternoon tea then I highly recommend the Balmoral. Had a bad experience at Prestonfield with very poor service which spoiled the occasion.

I would have recommend Prestonfield House Hotel. I’ve been there many times but they recently hosted the vile Janey Godley at the Edinburgh festival so it will be a cold day in hell before I go back there again!

Another vote for the Signet Library. Very special. Lovely staff and the food is out of this world. (and loads of it - the leftovers were nicely packaged up for us)

The dome is very over rated.

Assuming you mean afternoon tea, I've only ever had it at the Sheraton, was nice but many years ago. Now I'm wishing I'd tried some of the other places mentioned!

@Muddyfeetgood Why is Janey Godley vile?

Agree the afternoon tea at the dome is very overrated, it’s beautiful at Christmas but I’d just go for a cocktail and look at the decorations the aft tea wasn’t great. I can recommend Prestonfield too, have been a couple of times both for afternoon tea and lunch. I haven’t been yet but Waldorf Astoria is meant to be v good.