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The Steeped Guide to Glasgow’s Top 9 Afternoon Tea Spots
A quintessential part of any UK experience is to have some tea. Ah, the delicate clink of china, the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats, and the cosy chatter all around. My first time? I dropped my scone into my tea—a sticky mess, I’ll tell you, but I’m not ashamed to say that I still ate it regardless.
From that moment, I’ve been hooked on afternoon tea as I’d loved the experience of carefully crafted teas, finger sandwiches, and sweet delights that are worth every crumb. And lucky for you, I’ve sipped all through Glasgow and had the most tasteful tour of the city’s finest afternoon teas that I can’t wait to share.
So without further ado, here are the best places around Glasgow where each cup is like a warm hug and every treat is worth getting your fingers covered in clotted cream!
The Willow Tea Rooms
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Location: 97 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 3HF
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 5:30pm
- Saturday: 9am to 6:30pm
- Sunday: 10am to 5:30pm
Contact Information: 0141 204 5242
Price Point: ££
Menu Highlights: Plain scone, strawberry tart, cheese scone, lemon meringue, cheesecake
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Menu
What’s unique about The Willow Tea Rooms is that they’re the only surviving tea rooms designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Now, if you don’t know who that is, he’s one of the pioneers of the Art Nouveau movement. Definitely a conversation to have whilst sipping a cup.
Now speaking of, The Willow Tea Rooms offer exclusive 1903 blend pekoe tea along with traditional offerings. This includes finger sandwiches, scones, and a selection of pastries.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you’ll enjoy their sweet erosion where scones are filled with clotted cheese and jam. But if you’re in the savoury mood, then their cheese scones will be spot on.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss visiting the on-site museum detailing the tea room’s history. And while you’re there, visit the gift shop and pick out some Mackintosh-inspired souvenirs to bring home.
The Hidden Lane Tea Room
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Location: Unit 8, 1103 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10am to 4:30pm
- Saturday: 10am to 5:30pm
- Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Contact Information: +44 141 237 4391
Price Point: ££
Menu Highlights: Lemon fancy, strawberry jam tarts, coconut & strawberry blondies, chocolate brownie, ham & tomato sandwich, chocolate & mint brownie, honey roast ham with tomato chutney & leaves sandwich
What I love most about The Hidden Lane Tea Room is that their afternoon tea changes with the season, offering something fresh and thoughtfully curated to reflect the mood and flavours of the year.
When spring is in the air, you can look forward to lemon fancy and strawberry jam tarts. Come summer, their coconut and strawberry blondies are must-tries. When autumn rolls in, you can’t miss their chocolate brownie and ham and tomato sandwich.
And come the jolliest season of all, be sure to try their cosy chocolate and mint brownie as well as their honey roast ham with tomato chutney and leaves sandwich. The best part? Stepping through is like going back in time with quirky, vintage decor and mismatched china.
Pro Tip: The Hidden Lane Tea Room is a tad hard to spot at first. Since it’s not visible on the main road, and blends in with the whimsical artist studios and vintage shops nearby. The tea room itself is at the end of 1103 Argyle Street with a vintage motif by the door.
Mackintosh at the Willow
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Location: 215–217 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3EX
Operating Hours: Daily: 9am to 5pm
Contact Information: +44 141 204 1903 or [email protected]
Price Point: ££
Menu Highlights: Cherry bakewell tarts, smoked salmon & chive cream cheese sandwich, lemon meringue choux buns, Scottish cheddar & pickle sandwich
Located in the heart of Glasgow, Mackintosh at the Willow is a cultural and architectural gem, first opened in 1903 as the only surviving tea room designed by architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald. Once a social hub, especially for women, it’s still a well-cherished spot to enjoy afternoon tea.
Following a £10 million restoration, it reopened in 2018, preserving many of its original Art Nouveau interiors and bespoke furnishings, paying homage to its Scottish fare. Speaking of, a must-try is their 1903 Miss Cranston’s Curried Mince and Potatoes, a comforting blend of Scotch minced beef with vegetables.
But of course, the real highlight is their afternoon tea, a cherished tradition served daily from 12 PM to 4 PM. From finger cut sandwiches to freshly baked scones, you can indulge in a variety of pastries and cakes to complete the experience.
Pro Tip: For a more exclusive experience, try out the Salon de Luxe Afternoon Tea, which includes a guided tour and a luxurious tea service.
Red Bus Bistro
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Location: 36 Shuttle St, Glasgow G1 1QA
Operating Hours: Varies on tour schedule
Contact Information: +44 01355 229 448 / [email protected]
Price Point: ££
Menu Highlights: Gin pot-tail, traditional scone with fresh whipped cream and jam, mini quiches
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Menu
What’s more classic than a red bus and a proper afternoon tea? Quintessential UK experiences that you can enjoy at the same time while on the Red Bus Bistro as you hop aboard a vintage Routemaster to explore Glasgow’s most iconic sights while savouring delicious, locally sourced tea and goodies.
Complimenting the panoramic views of Glasgow is a delightful spread of sweet and savoury treats, featuring a curated selection of finger sandwiches, traditional scones, an assortment of rolls, pastries, and cakes.
If you’re looking for a little sparkle and some bubbles, it’s worth noting that a glass of prosecco is also included, which you can even upgrade to their signature gin pot-tail, served in a teapot and garnished with edible flowers.
Pro Tip: Because of the nature of the 1966 double-decker bus, wheelchair access is limited, so you may need to contact the team beforehand to discuss mobility concerns.
Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
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Location: 11 Blythswood Square, Glasgow G2 4AD
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
Contact Information: +44 141 248 8888
Price Point: ££
Menu Highlights: Scottish smoked salmon, scone with clotted cheese, freshly baked cakes with seasonal fruits
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Menu
If you’re seeking an extra touch of indulgence, then having afternoon tea at the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel is a must. The ambience offers a contemporary yet relaxed setting, which is a highly elevated experience and the perfect escape whilst still in Glasgow.
Their afternoon tea begins with a curated selection of sandwiches and savoury treats. Of course, it won’t be complete without freshly baked scones that are served with the finest British preserves.
And to complete the experience, a delightful selection of pastries and cakes is topped with seasonal fruits like strawberries and rhubarb.
Pro Tip: To align with the overall ambiance of the venue, smart casual attire is most appropriate.
Roots Bar & Brasserie
Location: 71 Renfield St, Glasgow G2 1LP
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday: 10:30am to 5pm
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 10:30am to 10pm
- Friday: 10:30am to 12am
- Saturday: 10:30am to 10pm
Contact Information: +44 141353 2959 / [email protected]
Price Point: ££
Menu Highlights: Tuna, cucumber & citrus mayo sandwich, mango syllabub, chocolate & cream profiterole, cheddar & vine tomato quiche
Roots boasts a stylish blend of modern designs with classic elements, refreshingly unexpected for an afternoon tea setting. That’s because Roots isn’t just a tea spot; it also serves as a modern brasserie and cocktail bar, offering a contemporary twist on a traditional afternoon tea experience.
And the best part? Each guest gets their own stand, so no need to work out who gets the last tart or divide sandwiches. On the stand, there’s a savoury spread featuring sausage rolls, scones, sausage rolls, and a mini quiche.
For their sweet treats, you can select among a variety, from fairy cakes, caramel shortcakes, strawberry tart, and more to have with your choice of tea or coffee. But if you’re feeling a little extra, you also have the option to add a glass of Prosecco.
Pro Tip: Roots is popular for its afternoon tea deals, especially on the weekends and the holiday season, so reservations fill up quickly. Be sure to book in advance to secure a table.
The Butterfly and The Pig
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Location: 151 Bath St, Glasgow G2 4SQ
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5pm
- Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Contact Information: +44 141 221 7711
Price Point: £
Menu Highlights: Plain scone with jam & cream, latte, homemade tattie scone, hot chocolate with oat milk, full Scottish breakfast
Set in a beautiful 200 hundred year old Georgian Townhouse, The Butterfly and The Pig offers an eclectic afternoon tea experience with a vintage charm. If the mismatched vintage crockery doesn’t add to its already quirky appeal, then I’m not sure what will.
Their afternoon tea spread includes your standard savoury and sweet selections, with an array of sandwiches with various fillings, mini scones filled with homemade delights, tray bake cakes, and even their signature house-made pickled cucumbers.
What’s more impressive is their selection of 42 tea flavours, so you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice. But for a fun twist, you can opt for their Whitley Neill Gin & Tonic, which features flavours like Rhubarb & Ginger or Pink Grapefruit.
Pro Tip: Go hungry as their portions are generous, so definitely come with an appetite (or maybe skip lunch!).
The Sweet Tart Tearoom
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Location: 1171 Pollokshaws Rd, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3NG
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9am to 4:30pm
Contact Information: +44 141 237 9840
Price Point: £
Menu Highlights: Empire biscuit, reindeer choux bun, pearl oyster fresh cream meringue, coronation chicken sandwich, meringue nest with fresh cream
What ensures a cracking good time at The Sweet Tart Tearoom is their ever-changing lineup of themed afternoon tea, offering a classic yet whimsical experience for all ages. From Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to a Bridgerton-inspired Afternoon Tea, there’s something imaginative to look forward to each month.
While you can count on the usual savoury selection and sweet treats, the real magic lies in the playful twists to the traditional fare, like their blue meringues and chocolate truffle tiara cakes in their Cinderella-inspired spread.
As for their teas, you can choose from a variety of loose-leaf teas or, if you’re in need of a pick-me-up, some coffee, served in charming vintage China, of course.
Pro Tip: For little ones under 10 keen to join in on the fun, there’s a Children’s Afternoon Tea available for just over £16, which is perfectly portioned and just as charming as the grown-up version.
Cranachan Café
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Location: 2nd Floor, Princes Square, 48 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 3JN
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm
- Friday to Saturday: 9am to 10pm
- Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Contact Information: +44 141 248 6257
Price Point: £
Menu Highlights: Honey and glazed pulled ham with homemade piccalilli sandwich, egg and mayo cress sandwich, Scottish mature cheddar with plum chutney sandwich, mini Cranachan desserts, lemon drizzle
Named after the classic Scottish dessert, Cranachan Café offers an afternoon tea experience that adds a contemporary flair to Scottish tradition. Their three-tiered afternoon tea is renowned for its locally sourced ingredients and is deemed a celebration of Scottish flavours.
Its savoury selection takes traditional sandwich fillings to the next level, with honey and glazed pulled ham with homemade piccalilli, egg and mayo cress, and Scottish mature cheddar with plum chutney.
Meanwhile, their sweet treats are just as indulgent with mini Cranachan desserts, lemon drizzle, and homemade carrot cake.
Pro Tip: Request a seat near the window or by the balcony for a lovely view of the Princes Square’s breathtaking atrium, especially in the evening as its decorative hanging lights cast a warm and enchanting glow.
