Best afternoon tea in Glasgow: 13 places to scoff scones, tea and cake

The tale goes that afternoon tea was created by the 7th Duchess of Bedford as an antidote to the ‘sinking feeling’ she used to experience in the late afternoon. A statement we never thought we’d utter: the Duchess of Bedford and the team at SquareMeal HQ have something in common. We know all too well the perils of the afternoon slump and we can’t thank her royal highness enough for introducing the world to one of the greatest British traditions to date.  

Afternoon tea is now a widely loved and practiced affair, with the ritual of enjoying dainty sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and miniature cakes served everywhere from independent cafes to high-class hotels all over the UK. One particular perpetuator of the tradition is Scotland’s largest city, which is why we’ve rounded up all the best afternoon teas in Glasgow in one sweet list. 

A rule that’s true for afternoon teas up and down the country: some of the fanciest and most fabulous afternoon teas are often found in hotels. For that reason, you’ll find an entire section of this guide dedicated to afternoon teas served in hotels in Glasgow, many of which boast some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. 

If you’re after something a little more chill, not to worry, because Glasgow’s very best afternoon teas include something for everyone, from fancy teas to traditional offerings served in quaint and cosy vintage tea rooms. Whatever tickles your fancy, you can find all the best afternoon teas in Glasgow right here in this complete guide. Browse them all, then go ahead and book one as a foodie gift for a friend, or simply just for yourself – we don’t judge.

Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar at Malmaison Glasgow

What: Chez Mal Brasserie and Bar - the stylish main restaurant at Malmaison Glasgow Hotel - is all about big flavours and surprising twists, and its unique afternoon tea offering is no different. From fresh crab tacos to sticky toffee scones, there's plenty of quirky snacks to tuck into. Pair with a speciality tea, a glass of bubbles or a delicious cocktail for the full experience. Chez Mal also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea menus - all of which are seasonal, on trend and indulgent.
When: Friday to Sunday, 12-4pm
How much: From £29.50 per person
Where: 278 West George Street, G2 4LL
Booking for a special occasion? Check out Malmaison’s private and group dining options.
Book now: Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar at Malmaison Glasgow

Windows at The Carlton George Hotel 

What: Windows restaurant is located on the 7th floor of The Carlton George Hotel, meaning you can enjoy its afternoon tea with a view over Glasgow’s rooftops. Served seven days a week, guests are treated to unlimited refills of tea and coffee alongside classic sandwiches, think egg mayo, and cheese savoury, as well as scones with Chantilly cream and jam. British sweet treats include such miniature strawberry tarts with whipped cream and glazed berries, carrot cake with butter icing and bite-sized lemon drizzle cake and tiffin bites.
When: Available daily
How much: From £19.95 per person
Where: 44 West George Street, G2 1DH 
Book now: Windows at The Carlton George Hotel 

Kimpton Blythswood Square

What: Found right in the heart of Glasgow city centre, Kimpton Blythswood Square provides a suitably polished setting for a leisurely afternoon tea. Menus shift with the seasons, showcasing the best of local Scottish produce. Expect sandwiches filled with smoked salmon, and dainty tartlets that change throughout the year, followed by freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and a selection of preserves. Sweet treats make the most of seasonal fruits - think fresh rhubarb and sweet strawberries-topped pastries.
When: Available daily, 12-5pm
How much: £49 per person
Where: 11 Blythswood Square, G2 4AD
Book now: Kimpton Blythswood Square

Mackintosh at the Willow

What: This tea room is over a century old, and it's still buzzing every week with locals and visitors alike dropping in for classic afternoon and cream teas. All teas come with your choice of loose leaf tea or freshly brewed coffee, as well as classic finger sandwiches, warm scones and a lovely collection of sweets. Expect the likes of mini croissants with cheddar, tomato chutney and rocket, or roast chicken with sage mayo and apple chutney in a puff pastry nest, followed by a muscovado entremet with pear compote, and banana, chocolate and salted caramel macarons.
When: Available daily
How much: From £34 per person
Where: 215 217 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3EX
Book now: Mackintosh at the Willow

Art Lover's Café

What: What do you get when you combine a Mackintosh-inspired house with the very best of fresh ingredients? An afternoon to remember, obviously. Located on the outskirts of the city, in the aptly named ‘House for an Art Lover’, afternoon tea can be enjoyed within the cafe itself, or on the sprawling al fresco terrace in the warmer months. You can enjoy a selection of sandwiches, alongside homemade sausage rolls and pinwheel pastries, followed by scones, and sweet treats, including chocolate brownies, macarons and passionfruit pavlova. You definitely won't be going home disappointed.
When: Available daily, from 1.30pm
How much: £19.25 per person
Where: 10 Dumbreck Road, G41 5BW
Book now: Art Lover's Cafe

Sherbrooke Castle Hotel 

What: Afternoon tea is served within the lounge, Library or Morrisons Room at Sherborne Castle, a four-star baronial hotel located on the south side of Glasgow. Artfully-crated cakes rotate all the time, but you can expect them to be served on a beautiful tiered cake stand alongside sandwiches and freshly baked plain and fruit scones with cream and preserves. While loose leaf teas available include everything from English breakfast to green gunpowder and assam.  
When: Served daily, 1-5pm
How much: £24.95 per person
Where: 11 Sherbrooke Avenue, G41 4PG 
Book now: Sherbrooke Castle Hotel 

Champagne Central at Voco Hotel

What: Overlooking Glasgow’s Central Station, this glamorous spot delivers an afternoon tea that celebrates ‘all things pink’. Expect tiered stands laden with pastel-hued treats, all served on vibrant pink plates. Tuck into prawn cocktail tarts, traditional and fruit scones with strawberry preserve, and matcha and raspberry Battenberg or white chocolate ganache tart. Whilst Champagne is not a requirement of this afternoon tea, it is encouraged, with options to add a glass of fizz, or a sparkling cocktail to go alongside your scones and sarnies.
When: Sunday to Friday, 12-4pm, Saturday, 12-2pm
How much: From £35 per person
Where: 99 Gordon Street, G1 3SF
Book now: Champagne Central

The Willow Tea Rooms  

What: The Willow Tea Rooms first opened in 1983, with this particular Buchanan Street branch opening in 1997, and has since become one of the best places in Glasgow for everything from a light lunch to a slice of cake. Perhaps its most famous offering though, is afternoon tea served in its kooky tearoom. Guests can opt for a traditional or a savoury afternoon tea, with the latter including a selection of sandwiches, cheese scones with butter and savoury treats. Both are presented on a three-tier cake stand for maximum impact, and you can always choose to add a glass of prosecco, Champagne or a G&T for an extra cost.
When: Available daily
How much: £19.50 per person
Where: 97 Buchanan Street, G1 3HF 
Book now: The Willow Tea Rooms 

Red Bus Bistro 

What: Is there a better way to spend an afternoon than riding around the city on a vintage red bus, enjoying all your classic afternoon tea favourites? Probably not. Not only does Red Bus Bistro take you on a site seeing tour of the city, but you can delve into tiered stands of home-baked scones, sandwiches, quiche and cakes. All afternoon teas are a bit boozy here, so you’ll get a glass of bubbles or a gin pot-tail included in the price. The perfect option for those looking to celebrate.
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm and 3pm departure (times and dates may vary)
How much: From £44.50 per person
Where: 36 Shuttle Street, G1 1QA
Book now: Red Bus Bistro Glasgow

Crossbasket Castle

What: Located a little way south from Glasgow city centre, the restaurant at Crossbasket Castle hotel is overseen by Michel Roux Jr, so you can guarantee the afternoon tea here is going to be extra special. It's also extra pricey, but we think that the 'chef's artisan sandwiches' and 'afternoon tea delicacies' will make the price tag worth it, especially if you’re planning something special. Enjoy in the exquisite Baillie Room which is decorated with gold leaf and opulent antiques.
When: Available daily, 12-4.30pm
How much: From £39 per person
Where: Stoneymeadow Road, G72 9UE
Book now: Crossbasket Castle

The Hidden Lane Tea Room 

What: With over 30 loose leaf teas to choose from and a host of freshly-made cakes all baked in house, afternoon tea at the Hidden Lane Tea Room certainly doesn’t do things by halves. Guests receive a selection of finger sandwiches, mini cakes and a mini scone with a pot of tea or coffee, all delivered to the table on a vintage cake stand. And at the delightfully modest price of just over 20 quid! Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available. Plus, for just £4 corkage, you can BYOB!
When: Available daily
How much: From £21.99 per person
Where: 1103 Argyle Street, G3 8ND 
Book now: The Hidden Lane Tea Room

The Butterfly and The Pig 

What: The Butterfly and The Pig comprises a restaurant and a tea room, and naturally it’s the latter where guests can enjoy its afternoon tea offering. Step back in time via its vintage, shabby-chic interiors and tuck into a selection of canapés, sandwiches, scones, cakes and a choice of tea. They proudly state on the menu that they ‘believe in hearty portions and our afternoon tea is no exception’, so make sure to arrive with an appetite. Standard afternoon tea is available, or you can upgrade to make it a slightly boozier affair.
When: Available daily
How much: From £18.95 per person
Where: 153 Bath Street, G2 4SQ 
Book now: The Butterfly and The Pig 

Cranachan Cafe

What: This modern all-day café is a celebration of all things Scottish, with its eclectic dining room featuring tartan wallpaper, landscapes by local artists and a What: This modern all-day café is a celebration of all things Scottish. Despite its relaxed backdrop, you’ll find an eye-catching selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones and miniature desserts, all plated up on a traditional afternoon tea stand. Choose from a selection of loose-leaf tea, and freshly brewed coffees to wash everything down, or make it boozy and add a glass of pink Prosecco, an Edinburgh gin goblet or a Hendricks gin goblet teapot.
When: Served daily, from 2pm
How much: From £19.95 per person
Where: 48 Buchanan Street, G1 3JN  
Book now: Cranachan Cafe

 Keen to explore Glasgow's foodie scene but need to do it on a budget? These are the best cheap eats in Glasgow that won't break the bank.