Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
Afternoon teas What could be more civilised than a cup of tea in lovely surroundings? Scotland doesn’t disappoint...
Hidden Lane Tearoom
Beyond Kelvingrove under an arch at the west end of Argyle Street where there are many other coffee shops and grazing places, to the end of a backstreet lane which is pure Glasgow, a truly hidden but once found, oftrevisited tearoom. Old-style and very newstyle at the same time. A friendly wee team bake and bring you great cake miraculously from a tiny kitchen. On the tier: four sweet, four savoury and the scone with clotted cream. Too yum. Not so hidden any more! thehiddenlanetearoom.com
0141 2374391
Greywalls
The Lutyens manor house and Gertrude Jekyll gardens at this country-house hotel 40 minutes east of Edinburgh is the perfect setting for genteel afternoon tea. It’s a
Roux restaurant so expect well-thoughtout, smartly delivered niceties, with comfy lounges outside the gorgeous gardens! greywalls.co.uk 01620 842144
The Smiddy House
On A82, at Spean Bridge, nine miles north of Fort William. Guest house and hugely popular restaurant with big local reputation that does a specially made afternoon tea in a cosy parlour. Bakewell tart, whisky cake, fruit tarts and an eclectic range of teas. And the right china! Climb something, then treat yourself. smiddyhouse.com 01397 712335
Prestonfield
This superlative country-house hotel and restaurant on the edge of Edinburgh, the epitome of gracious living, is an ideal prospect for a proper tea. A number of sumptuous lounges and locations, tea options and, of course, champagne. 2-7pm. In town, another of James Thomson’s esteemed establishments, The Tower (0131 225 3003) above and adjacent to the museum, serves tea 2-6pm. prestonfield.com 0131 2257800
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99