The Hidden Lane Tearoom, Glasgow
Beyond Kelvingrove under an arch at the west end of Argyle Street to the end of a backstreet lane that is pure Glasgow, a truly hidden but once found, oft-revisited tearoom. Old-style and new-style at the same time. Kirsty Webb and team bake and bring you great cake from a tiny kitchen. On the tier: four sweet, four savoury and the scone with clotted cream. Too yum.
Prestonfield, Edinburgh
This superlative country-house hotel and restaurant on the edge of the Scottish capital is the epitome of gracious living. And it is an ideal prospect for a proper tea. An art piece of knitted cakes in the hallway may also put you in the mood. There are a number of sumptuous lounges and locations, various tea options and, of course, champagne; 12-7pm.
Smiddy House, Spean Bridge
Guesthouse and hugely popular restaurant with a big local reputation that does a specially made afternoon tea in a cosy afternoon tea-type parlour (but make sure you book ahead). Bakewell tart, whisky cake, fruit tarts and an eclectic range of teas. And the right china! Climb something, then treat yourself (possibly with champagne).
Greywalls, Gullane
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 thought-out, smartly delivered niceties, with comfy lounges. Outside you can wander in the gorgeous gardens and perhaps play a game of croquet.
Palm Court, Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
The grande dame of afternoon tea in the Palm Court beyond the foyer of Edinburgh’s landmark hotel. Urbane and soothing (a harpist on the balcony). A cake stand with all you would expect, though not cheap (from £45). Noon-5pm (you get two hours). Book!
Taken from Scotland the Best by Peter Irvine (£15.99, HarperCollins)
