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The 15 Best Tea Spots in Glasgow
We know there’s nothing quite like the perfect cuppa, whether you’re kick-starting your day or unwinding in the afternoon. And let’s face it, Glasgow’s love affair with tea is real and strong.
From traditional high tea experiences to funky bubble tea bars, Glasgow is brewing up a storm. So grab a cup and read on because we’re spilling the tea (pun absolutely intended!) about the top tea spots you must visit in Glasgow.
The Willow Tea Rooms
Website: http://www.willowtearooms.co.uk/
Address: 97 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 3HF, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 204 5242
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 6:30 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
The renowned Willow Tea Rooms is a landmark spot for an authentic Glasgow high tea experience. Their tea menu boasts both classic and contemporary infusions, so you can nibble on a cucumber sandwich paired with brisk Earl Grey or a Chilli Rooibos.
The Willow also brings you specialty infusions, ranging from delicate white teas to bold fruity explosions. And, oh, their delectable pastries and cakes are utterly irresistible.
Pro tip:
Be sure to check their website for special events and promotional offers. With off-peak discounts and themed events, you can make the most out of your visit.
Cup Tea Lounge Glasgow
Website: http://www.cuptearooms.co.uk/
Address: 71 Renfield St, Glasgow G2 1LP, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 353 2959
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
The Cup Tea Lounge is probably Glasgow’s best-kept secret. The aroma of freshly brewed teas spills across the picture-perfect space; each blends a testimony of their commitment to quality.
Their extensive variety of teas from around the world includes classic blends and exotic fusions. Their menu also serves up a delightful array of light bites—we’re talking fresh-baked scones, flaky pastries, and an assortment of delicious sandwiches.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to sign up for the Cup’s loyalty program. Every sip you take could bring you closer to a free pot of your favourite brew or a charming piece of tableware!
Mackintosh at the Willow
Website: https://www.mackintoshatthewillow.com/
Address: 215 217 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3EX, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 204 1903
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
If you want a cup of tea while surrounded by the legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, then Mackintosh at the Willow is the spot for you. Their tea selection pays homage to its rich history, with classic Scottish blends like smoked tea from the Celtic fringes.
This place captivates you with specialty brews, a stuffed salmon sandwich, or a finger-licking slice of Victoria sponge. And you must not miss their signature Mackintosh rose scone.
Pro tip:
Be sure to explore the gift shop on your way out, where you can pick up Mackintosh merchandise and unique blends to take the tea room experience home.
The Hidden Tea Lane
Website: http://hiddenlanetearoom.com/
Address: Unit 8, 1103 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 237 4391
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
A small and charming venue, Hidden Tea Lane gets its name from the physical lane on which it resides, a little off the main road. This quaint tea room offers over 40 varieties of tea for Puritan tea lovers to adventurous souls looking for unusual infusions.
Their menu is no less impressive, with a selection of light food that captures British culinary charm. Fresh, crisp sandwiches, flaky pastries, and warm, buttery scones are just the beginning.
| Pro tip: Parking can be a bit tricky around here, so consider taking public transit or hailing a cab to this hidden treasure. Also, avoid the noon rush to enjoy a more leisurely visit. |
H2: Cup Merchant City
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Media credit: hezzyj87
Website: http://www.cuptearooms.co.uk/
Address: Unit 4, 43 Virginia St, Virginia Ct, Glasgow G1 1TN, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 553 2326
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
The Cup Merchant City spotlights Glasgow’s vibrant mix of history and modernity. The tea selection engages you with classics, such as Builders’ Brew and Darjeeling, and treats you with an assortment of specialty infusions.
Alongside the quality teas, this place is loved for its fabulous array of light bites. Meat-stuffed sandwiches, moist cakes, and lovely scones are all freshly prepared, so make sure to try their signature red velvet cake paired with a strong black tea blend.
Pro tip:
Their weekday afternoon tea deal is a steal! Catch up with friends over discounted brews and delicious eats. And remember, they’re busiest during lunch hours, so plan your visit accordingly!
The Wild Olive Tree
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Website: https://www.thewildolivetree.co.uk/
Address: St George’s Tron Church of Scotland, 163 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 2JX, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 248 2049
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Situated in the heart of Glasgow, The Wild Olive Tree is an exceptional cafe that doubles as a social enterprise. Here, you can pick out your poison from the line-up of herbal infusions and classic blends.
Pastries, sandwiches, soups, cakes—everything here is locally sourced and comforting. So, you better give those cinnamon apple scones a go with your favourite brew and thank me later.
Pro tip:
They’ve also got an excellent lunch deal: a sandwich, a drink, and a bag of crisps or fruit for a bargain price. Plus, their Scottish Breakfast Tea is a must-try—it’ll put a good old-fashioned kick into your day!
Tea-Riffic
Website: https://tea-riffictreats.co.uk/
Address: 95 Kilmarnock Rd, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3YR, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 673 3528
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Aye, Tea-Riffic is as amazing as its punny name suggests. This modern and minimalist tea house caters to literally every tea preference, with floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with a mind-boggling variety of teas from around the world.
Along with your gorgeous cuppa, Tea-Riffic serves a selection of light bites, handmade cakes, and even platters of cheese. They also offer deliciously imaginative sandwiches that go beyond the usual ham and cheese.
Pro tip:
They host tea-tasting events on occasion, so keep an eye out! Additionally, parking can be found at the nearby multi-story car park.
Cafe Swiss
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/cafeswissglasgow/
Address: 311 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8UQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 357 2525
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Nestled among the trendy spots in Finnieston, Cafe Swiss is a place that could easily stand out for its delicious range of teas alone. They offer an array of classic blends, wellness teas, and even Swiss specialty teas, such as the Alpine evening blend.
And with an extensive menu of sandwiches, scones, pastries, and cakes, they’ve got you covered, however hungry you are. This place promises a Swiss experience right here in Glasgow, and they totally aced it!
Pro tip:
They have a cosy outdoor sitting area in the back, perfect when the sun’s out. They’re open all week, but it’s good to get there earlier on a Saturday as it can get pretty busy.
The Tea Bay
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Tea-Bay-100063522820821/
Address: Cambuslang, Glasgow G72 7EG, United Kingdom
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 4 PM
The Tea Bay is more than just a tea room; it’s Glasgow’s haven for tea lovers. You’ll have a lot of options here, from classic English breakfast and aromatic Earl Grey to exotic, special brews like Moroccan Mint.
Your appetite is also catered to with a wide spread of sandwiches, pastries, scones, and more. The raspberry and almond slice is the crowd favourite— a scrumptious teammate for their potent Darjeeling brew.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to visit their Facebook page for updates on special tea blends and yummy additions to the menu.
Cranachan
Website: https://www.cranachancafe.co.uk/
Address: 2nd Floor, Princes Square, 48 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 3JN, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 248 6257
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Named after a traditional Scottish dessert, Cranachan is an elegant yet comfy tea room in the bustling city centre. Their selection of teas boasts both popular classics and intriguing new blends, such as the blackcurrant beauty—a delight for tea enthusiasts!
The food menu, with sandwiches, scones, and divine pastries, only enhances the tea experience. Their trademark Cranachan dessert also makes for a delectable, foolproof pairing with a bold tea blend.
Pro tip:
Currently offering takeaway and sit-in service, Cranachan tends to get crowded, and the parking can be tricky, so consider public transport or arriving early.
Cup Tea Garden
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Website: https://cuptearooms.co.uk/
Address: 5 Virginia Ct, Glasgow G1 1TE, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 553 2326
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Cup Tea Garden, nestled in Glasgow’s west end, has classy yet relaxed vibes that complement the garden theme with its infusion of botanical inspirations. This place has mastered tea, with options spanning all your favourites and some rare specialties.
Not to be outdone by the beverages, the food too is truly delicious, like their sandwiches, scones, and pastries. And wean, you cannot leave without trying the garden vanilla cupcake that melts in your mouth.
Pro tip:
Tea enthusiasts take note: Cup Tea Garden offers an extensive herbal tea range not to be missed. Plus, they’ve got a plethora of seating to accommodate during busier times, but early afternoons are the quietest if you want some solitude.
MacChai
Website: http://www.instagram.com/macchaiofficial
Address: 484 Cathcart Rd, Glasgow G42 7BY, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 423 2425
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10:30 AM to 10 PM
MacChai blends Scottish roots with Eastern tea traditions, presenting you with a parade of flavours from classic brews to bubble teas. Here, you’re also spoiled for choice with the accompanying light fare.
From mountainous sandwiches to melt-in-your-mouth pastries and handcrafted scones, each bite will leave you yearning for more. And if you fancy something uniquely Glaswegian, pair their signature chai latte with a buttery Empire biscuit.
Pro tip:
There’s complimentary WiFi available in the café, perfect if you need to catch up on work or just want to surf the ‘net. As it’s in a busy area, public transport could be your best bet.
Art Lovers Cafe
Website: https://www.houseforanartlover.co.uk/visit/art-lovers-cafe
Address: House for an Art Lover, 10 Dumbreck Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G41 5BW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 353 4779
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Located within the House for an Art Lover, the Art Lovers Cafe nails the glamour of the classic café with a dash of modern Glasgow. The tea selection is akin to a well-curated exhibition, including all your beloved classics, elegant infusions, and seasonal specials.
The elegance is not just in the décor but also comes to life in the food. Expect sandwiches, scones, and pastries that you can combine with a pot of Scottish blend, and there you have your masterpiece.
Pro tip:
Be sure to check the cafe’s website for its current opening hours before making the trip. Also, there is parking available on-site, so you won’t need to fret about finding a spot.
Broken Clock Cafe & Patisserie
Website: https://www.brokenclockcafe.co.uk/
Address: 10 Park Rd, Glasgow G4 9JG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 7380 220272
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
The Broken Clock Cafe & Patisserie is a true hidden gem nestled in Glasgow’s vibrant west end. The tea variety here goes beyond just classic brews, as they offer a stellar range of specialty infusions like their vanilla mint!
But caffeine isn’t the only thing that makes waves here. Their freshly made sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and scones are all part of their delicious spread.
Pro tip:
Given its popularity and limited seating, it’s advisable to book ahead, especially on weekends. Parking is a little dicey in the area, so consider hopping on a bus or grabbing a cab.
The Sweet Tart Tearoom
Website: http://www.sweettarttearoom.co.uk/
Address: 1171 Pollokshaws Rd, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3NG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 237 9840
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Meet our last stop: The Sweet Tart Tearoom. With an inclusive vibe, this place is great for afternoon tea, date mornings, or simply to soak up the city’s charm. Their tea offerings are classic brews, comforting infusions, and novelties, all satisfyingly warm.
Their Ceylon with citrus zest is an absolute triumph that you can pair with either their sandwiches, scones, pastries, or even cakes! Also, kudos to their exceptional gluten-free options.
Pro tip:
Make sure to look out for their rotating tea offerings and food specials that add a tasty twist to your visits. And yes, they’ve got free WiFi and a friendly neighbourhood vibe that’ll make you feel right at home!
