Afternoon Tea in Glasgow -Where to go and indulge in the finer things

Glasgow is a city that offers a wide variety of options for those looking to indulge in the traditional afternoon tea experience. While there are plenty of well-known institutions that offer a classic tea service, there are also some lesser-known places that are worth exploring for a unique take on the tradition.

Best afternoon tea: Traditional and well known institutions

Willow Tea Rooms - The tea rooms, which were created by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a Glasgow-born artist and designer, are a must-see for those interested in the city's art and design heritage. Mackintosh at the Willow offer a classic afternoon tea from £28 per person for all dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan in a stunning setting. They offer a variety of teas, sandwiches, savouries, scones, and cakes to enjoy. You can further indulge with your favourite tipple for an additional cost.

The Butterfly and the Pig - Located in the heart of Glasgow's Bath Street, adds a playful touch to the traditional teahouse experience. With a focus on homemade bread, classic ingredients and creative presentations, the place adds a touch of humour to the classic afternoon ritual. The afternoon tea service includes generous portions, featuring regional salmon, sandwiches and hearty oatcakes. After savoury items, comes the sweet treats and you can even add a touch of luxury by opting for a glass of Prosecco or Champagne for an additional fee.

Cup Tea Rooms - Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea in the elegant Victorian setting of Cup Tea Lounge, located in the heart of Glasgow City Centre. Close to both Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street, this listed restaurant serves

Hotel du Vin One Devonshire Garden - Nestled in a tree-lined Victorian terrace in the fashionable West End, Hotel du Vin is a well-known and luxurious hotel in Glasgow. Guests can choose from a traditional afternoon tea which includes high-quality teas, savoury treats, sweet treats, and scones, or opt for a more extravagant experience by adding on a glass of sparkling wine. The restaurant is able to accommodate any dietary requirements with advance notice and the staff is friendly and always eager to assist. This is the perfect place to indulge in a special celebration or a catch up with friends and family.

Afternoon tea daily from 12:00 to 16:00.

Fun for all the Family: Unusual places for a unique experience

Vintage Route master bus - Indulge in a unique experience that combines visiting the Glasgow sights with the traditional British pastime of afternoon tea in the comfort of a vintage Route master bus tour.

Embark on the Red Bus Bistro for an unforgettable Glasgow afternoon tea experience. Your afternoon tea will include traditional scones with whipped cream and jam, a variety of finger sandwiches, mini rolls or wraps, mini quiches, an assortment of petit fours and cakes, and unlimited tea and coffee.

The Flavourbomb at The Glasgow Climbing Centre - This indoor climbing centre offers a unique and adventurous experience, with a wide variety of climbing walls and routes to explore. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful selection of sandwiches, soups and daily specials alongside freshly baked cakes and treats as well as hot and cold drinks. They pride themselves in using locally sourced and in-season produce to deliver great flavours in a sustainable manner.

The Café at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) or the coffee shop in the IMAX at the Glasgow Science Centre offer a selection of sandwiches, snacks and beverages which could make the base of an afternoon tea! We know, it is a little far-fetched but the gallery of Modern Art or the Glasgow Science Centre are so unique places that we thought that it could be an option for a DIY afternoon tea in Glasgow.

The tea room at the botanic gardens in Glasgow - This lovely tea room will re-open in April 2023 for the delight of the garden visitors. Enjoy your afternoon in the Victorian house, with a lovely outside terrace amid beautiful blooms, making for a truly special experience.

Off the beaten track places:

The Hidden Lane Tearoom is a great option for those who prefer a more laid-back atmosphere. Set in a charming, hidden lane in the Finnieston area of Glasgow, this cosy tearoom offers a variety of teas and homemade cakes and pastries in a relaxed setting. It is  a bit off the beaten path and can be hard to find, but locals love it for its charming atmosphere and delicious food. The tea room also allows dogs.

The art lovers Café - Experience the unique blend of art, design, and architecture at House for an Art Lover, located within the beautiful Bellahouston Park in Glasgow. Designed in the style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, this venue offers a variety of experiences, including an art gallery and exhibition space, an events venue, a café which serves a delicious afternoon tea, multipurpose artist studios, and a magnificent attraction. Afternoon Tea is available with booking required minimum 24 hours in advance.

The Burrell Collection offers a range of dining options including two coffee stops and the restaurant, all serving excellent, innovative Scottish produce. The coffee bar menu is simple and satisfying: you can choose to unwind with a hot drink and a freshly baked cake or feast on a lunchtime sandwich. Enjoy your tea and treats surrounded by the museum's impressive collection of art and artifacts in Pollok Country Park.

Fun facts about the history of the afternoon tea:

The tradition of afternoon tea in the UK dates back to the early 19th century, when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, began experiencing "a sinking feeling" in the late afternoon. To combat this, she would have a small meal of tea and light snacks in the afternoon, which she served in her private apartments.

This new ritual quickly caught on among the upper classes, and soon it became fashionable to host afternoon tea parties, complete with dainty sandwiches, cakes, and pastries. In the late 1800s, the custom of afternoon tea extended to the middle classes, and tea rooms and tearooms began popping up all over the country.

One fun fact about afternoon tea is that it was originally a meal for ladies only. Gentlemen would typically have a larger meal in the evening, and it was considered inappropriate for them to partake in afternoon tea.

To this day, afternoon tea is an enduring and beloved British tradition, steeped in history, etiquette and elegance, and it is still enjoyed by many people today, both in the UK and around the world.

Where to stay in Glasgow

Glasgow offers a wide variety of options for those looking to indulge in the traditional afternoon tea experience, from well-known institutions like the Willow Tea Rooms, to unique experiences like the Vintage Route master bus tour. Fraser Suites Glasgow is the perfect base for anyone looking to explore all of the different afternoon tea options, as it is conveniently located in the Merchant City. With its prime location in the city centre, guests can easily walk or take public transportation to any of the tea rooms, and cafes mentioned. This serviced apartment also offers comfortable accommodation, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day indulging in these delicious treats.