What’s the vibe?
The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse is an all-day restaurant based within a luxury five-star hotel offering (yes, it’s the sister hotel of that famous Gleneagles). The property was a bank for over 200 years so the interiors are quite the thing to behold – think glass domed ceilings, ornate cornicing, stone columns, ornamental gold details, original vaults and floor tiles, all encompassed by gorgeous soft pastels.
And the afternoon tea?
Forget your boring run of the mill wee finger sandwiches when it comes to this seriously decadent line-up. Curated by Head Pastry Chef Renato Blinder, this tiered offering boasts inventive savoury delights like wild mushroom cappuccino and west coast crab crumpets. For those of you with a sweet tooth, there's also bitter chocolate and apricot gateaux and scones with Cornish clotted cream and Glen & Co strawberry and champagne jam (because what is an afternoon tea without scones after all?). All of this and more comes paired with loose-leaf teas, coffee, or a glass of Veuve Clicquot, darling.
How much is it?
Afternoon tea at The Spence starts at £60pp – but with ten intricate items on your stand, we're not arguing. Upgrade it with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label NV and you're looking at £75pp.
Should I book in advance?
Afternoon tea at The Spence can only be enjoyed if you book in advance – perfection takes time after all. All bookings require 48 hours notice.
What is there to do nearby?
Satiated now that you’ve had the city’s most luxurious afternoon tea? Fortunately Gleneagles Townhouse is slap bang in the middle of Edinburgh’s city centre. Walk it off exploring the capital’s main shopping strip Princes Street (with a visit to its gardens for perfect views of the castle) or continue your afternoon of food and drink by heading to nearby Queen Street for a visit to some of the city's best cocktail bars.
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