5 Local Spots for Afternoon Tea

Five local spots for afternoon tea in and around the Scottish Borders - where china never chinked with such a charming chime.

A good proper afternoon tea is one of the highlights of British Summertime and a more enjoyable way to spend an afternoon in the Scottish Borders you would be hard pushed to find. In the foreground, a tiered cake stand piled with dainty cakes, great whopping scones and mouth-watering sandwiches, in the distance immaculately tended gardens filled with a froth of classic country flowers and unspoiled countryside views. When tea time enchantment meets country charm it brews a comforting and delicious combination. It has been no easy task choosing just five local afternoon tea spots, in fact we would be able to book out our diaries with a weekly afternoon tea appointment and fill our boots with delicious cakes and pots of tea for the next year.

Ochiltrees, Abbotsford, Melrose, Scottish Borders

Abbotsford, the home of 19th Century novelist Sir Walter Scott, steeped in ancient history creates the setting for a captivating afternoon tea experience. Ochiltrees, in contrast to the house, boasts a contemporary and fresh ambience. With panoramic views of the surrounding house, grounds and woodland, you could easily feel like you are outside in nature during the winter months and in the summer there is a lovely terrace to sit out on, perfect for afternoon tea alfresco. More info: Ochiltrees, Melrose, Scottish Borders

Schloss Roxburghe, Kelso, Scottish Borders

The Schloss Roxburghe Hotel is a luxurious destination nestled near the town of Kelso. With it's rich history and elegant country estate setting, the hotel offers top-tier accommodation, fine dining experiences, and a range of leisure activities including golf and an an indulgent spa. Guests are drawn to this serene haven, seeking a peaceful and sophisticated escape in the breath-taking surrounding countryside, and the afternoon tea package comes highly recommended. Described as "a revival and own interpretation of Afternoon Tea"; booking an Afternoon Tea here is a truly luxurious experience. More info: SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Kelso, Scottish Borders

Ednam House Hotel, Kelso, Scottish Borders

We are so very lucky to have this wonderful country house hotel on our doorstep. Offering not one but five afternoon tea menus, with a vegan afternoon tea for plant-based enthusiasts to a game inspired gentlemen's tea for the heartiest of appetites, there is something to suit everyone. What could be more lovely than tucking into a beautiful spread in the glorious light of the drawing room, then strolling, scone in hand down to the River Tweed as it flows through the hotel gardens, to watch the birds and insects dart through the air and skim the water. The setting is beautiful, the tea and cakes delicious and the service excellent. More info: Ednam House Hotel, Kelso, Scottish Borders

The Collingwood Arms, Cornhill-on-Tweed, Northumberland

Combining the best of old and new, classic and modern in a sensitively renovated Grade II listed Georgian house, the Collingwood Arms also mixes the best produce North and South of the nearby border. The kitchen are very proud to source freely from the magnificent produce of the Scottish Borders and Northumbria. Their afternoon tea menu includes seasonal treats such as Summer Pudding laced with local Sloe Gin. More info: The Collingwood Arms, Cornhill-on-Tweed, Scottish Borders

The Signet Library, Edinburgh

After a little jaunt into the city? You might be missing out on the rolling hills and fresh countryside air but this afternoon tea experience makes up for that. The Signet Library exudes Georgian luxury, in an elegant and sophisticated setting right at the heart of our historical capital city, providing a calming contrast to the hustle and bustle of The Royal Mile right outside. A more modern culinary experience, with cakes that look like artistic masterpieces and flavour combinations so complicated yet perfectly combined that rather than dwell on how to pronounce the ingredients we recommended just letting go of all reservations and letting your taste buds do the judging. More info: The Signet Library, Edinburgh

 

We know there will be a secret treasure hiding that we have yet to discover, so if you know of any afternoon tea spots let us know, we will never tire of exploring your recommendations…. If you enjoyed this post and know of anyone who enjoys a spot of afternoon tea, please ‘like’ and ‘share’ this post using the social buttons. Thank you.