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    Palm Court

    4.4 (26 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndCoffee & Tea
    Open 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

    Palm Court Photos

    PALM COURT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for working
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Palm Court

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    Danelle B.

    Beautiful and fantastic tea service! This was the tea I picked for our family. The service was a nice selection without being too haughty. What wasn't eaten was boxed to takeaway. The setting was lovely and the service was a fantastic presentation.

    Menu.
    Tori E.

    Full Review of Afternoon Tea at Palm Court: Full Review of Afternoon Tea at Palm Court: Location: Palm Court is located in the stunning Balmoral Hotel. Vibe/Ambiance: The atmosphere is grandiose and beautifully decorated. The domed ceiling, lit-up trees, and a harpist playing in the background create a relaxing and somewhat romantic experience. Even the bathrooms are lovely! However, it does feel a little stuffy since the room isn't huge and there's minimal natural light. Food: We opted for afternoon tea with a bottle of wine. I ordered a fall drink--a gingerbread cappuccino--and it was delightful! I highly recommend it. The food and presentation were great. We started with a small cup of soup, then moved on to the "afternoon tea" selection of sandwiches and scones. The sandwiches were good but not particularly memorable. The scones were delicious! 10/10 for the scones. The final course featured a variety of desserts. By the time we got to dessert, we were all quite full from the sandwiches and scones! The desserts were good, though. Also, they easily accommodated a vegetarian diet, which is great. Service: The service was fantastic, as you'd expect from an establishment within the Balmoral Hotel. Our server, Freddy, was very attentive and courteous. Price: It's expensive--there's no other way around it--but that's to be expected at the Balmoral Hotel! There are many less expensive afternoon tea experiences in Edinburgh, but if you're looking for 5-star service and a romantic, relaxing time, Palm Court is your place. Overall: We enjoyed our time at Palm Court. They accommodated a vegetarian diet and allowed us to bring a 10-week-old baby in her pram, which was nice. They situated us so the pram was tucked away from other customers. While I'm unsure we'll rush back because it is expensive and a unique experience, I can definitely recommend it if you're looking for an upscale afternoon tea experience.

    Kate C.

    One of my Scotland bucket list items was high tea at the Palm Court. I had heard that the room was beautiful and the service was impeccable - and today I got to experience this firsthand! We had a lovely meal and tried four different teas over two hours. A harp played the entire time. It was such a nice way to relax on vacation. I definitely recommend this experience if you're in Scotland! Reservation recommended:)

    Micah D.

    We went to high tea at 4:00 on a Monday. Not super busy. We dressed nice but others were in comfortable relaxed wear. It is expensive so be prepared. Also it's a ton of food. My hubby and I each got a tea service, he got the champagne and tea service. I could not eat it all but it was so delicious. I encourage you to at least take a few bites of each thing. The tea service comes with your choice of tea. I chose hibiscus and hubby chose breakfast. The tea service comes with table side pouring show. It came with a soup, three tiers of sandwiches and pastries, and three desserts. So much food!! I ended with a butterscotch coffee. With your bill they present you with a canister of loose leaf tea. Such a fun experience.

    Chuck C.

    Honestly? Just OK. Of course, the expectations were through the roof. This is one of, if not the nicest hotels in Edinburgh, so of COURSE the tea would be stellar right? It was nice, but not great. The selections were limited compared to the Caledonian, and the bites were just alright. The salmon bite didn't blow me away (we are in Scotland, all salmon here should knock my socks off), the scone was just OK, and the desserts were almost too rich. All in all, it would have warranted a 4 star, but the service was not what I would expect from a 5 start place like the Balmoral. The person attending was simply rude and unattentive, which I found shocking for the price point of high tea here. If you're looking for luxury tea in Edinburgh, I would skip the Balmoral and go directly to the Caledonian; they are far nicer, the selections of tea are superior, and the food was flat out better.

    Tia C.

    An amazing experience for high tea - highly recommend it! I made reservations for my husband and me for a Monday afternoon. The reservation was very easy to make online. Upon arrival, we were seated on a couch area with a table. The couch was very comfortable. For the high tea, we had chosen then vegetarian option and basically had a 3 course meal. The first course included 5 types of mini sandwiches along with a quiche. Everything was amazing, especially the savory cheese sandwich and the truffle goat cheese quiche. For the second course, they gave use freshly baked scones (1 regular and 1 fruit). After that, it was the dessert option which were 3 small pieces of cheesecake, custard filled pastry and chocolate. At the end, they gave us a small tin of loose leaf tea to take. Along with that, we had the options of black, green, white or herbal tea. You can choose as many as you want. I loved the cloud tea and my husband enjoyed the white tea. The entire experience was so relaxing. There is a harpist that is playing music in the background. The entire experience lasted about 2 hours. With the amount of food they give you, this easily is a meal so I would recommend doing it around lunch time. It is well worth the

    Choose here for your high tea experience! The ambiance is beautiful. From the tables, to the harpist, even to the bathroom everything was gorgeous and made for a lovely peaceful experience. The service is impeccable. They really treat you like royalty here and make you feel so special. The food and tea is delightful. They offer over 80 different types of tea! This was such a special experience.

    Ilene E.

    Its so weird that people that came after us were served before us. But whatever, I ordered the Japanese cherry green tea and he ordered the Oolong tea. They switch our teas, but this didn't bug me, it happens. Sugar was already on the table, but you have to ask for milk. the first tri-tray came with sandwiches on the bottom, wraps in the middle and pastries on the top. The sandwiches did not "wow" me. I did like the twist pastries on the top of the tray- the taste stood out the most out of the sandwiches and wraps. The refills of teas came next. The second tri-tray comes the scones, jam, butter and the cakes & mousse on top. The mini lemon curd sponge had a tart taste to it. I did like the caramel and pecan brownie, but sadly I was too full for the scones. The "treats of the trolley" - the guy asked what I wanted and he gave me the wrong one. Never mind, I think they didn't understand me.

    Lindsay O.

    Faultless as always. I love taking afternoon tea here and I think it's brilliant that you can get a doggy bag to take home anything you can't manage. They cater for my veggie requests brilliantly.

    Amuse bouche- pea soup
    Amanda B.

    Quite simply the most spectacularly decadent, indulgent and luxurious afternoon tea imaginable. Unlimited tea and coffee served in silver pots with an unbelievably wide ranging menu of teas- fruit, herbal and specialty blends. We had a gorgeous amuse bouche of pea soup, a selection of savoury items, beautiful dainty sandwiches, cakes and confectionary we, miniature sorbet ice cream cones abs finally a cake from the trolley to take home in the most glamorous doggy bag of all time along with a tin of Balmoral tea! Fantastic understated yet perfectly efficient and friendly service in sumptuous decor. The toilets are even beautiful! Do yourself a favour and go. At £35 it isn't cheap but worth every single penny.

    The lovely space.
    Simone C.

    This was where I developed an obsession with afternoon tea. Come here for a great experience, and come hungry! There is a LOT of food in the afternoon tea service-- 1200 to 1600 calories depending on how much you opt to eat (I precisely weigh and measure everything I eat). The staff is splendid and the setting divine. This is a perfect way to spend time with a good friend (or friends) or just relax alone with awesome snacks. I cannot recommend it enough!

    Stunning
    Kathryn D.

    Here for Christmas break. I knew I wanted an experience I would remember and I have found it. Afternoon tea was wonderful. Great for a single traveler. Was seated promptly and no detail was overlooked. After shopping on Boxing Day I checked my bags and coat and had a very relaxing afternoon. The tea was beautiful and balanced. The staff was attentive and professional. Would recommend to anyone visiting.

    Kathy C.

    I think the Balmoral is getting tired. Have had afternoon tea here many times and liked it and yet this time has fallen flat. In order, tea was fine, amuse bouche creamy parsnip soup underseasoned and overly sweet tho nice texture, savory tray of sandwiches standard fare though the coronation chicken was tasty. Scones teeny but perfect with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Sweets definitely the low point with pistachio choux emitting a horrid green custard, crunchy and stale and tasting faintly of peanut butter, the raspberry muffin dry. The tasty chocolate converted caramel pastry was a high end version of millionaires shortbread (gold leaf not necessary). Small gifts at the end fun. No usual cake cart to end either. Harpist excellent. Probably have had my last tea here.

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    Wonderful harp music and setting. Good and tea were excellent. Green tea and strawberry choux pastry was amazing.

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    The Edinburgh Larder - Scottish Breakfast

    The Edinburgh Larder

    4.5(347 reviews)
    0.3 miRoyal Mile, Old Town, Newington
    ££

    Wow... this was one of the best breakfast spots on our 2-month trip! We were there in early…read moreSeptember and had to wait only about 5-10 minutes for a table. The food was absolutely delicious! My porridge was so hearty and yummy, I wanted to lick the bowl. My spouse's eggs benedict dish was also fantastic, and you can tell they use very fresh, high quality ingredients. The way they serve the meals in little stainless steel lunch boxes is adorable. My chai tea latte with oat milk was fantastically spicy and not too sweet. The server was friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and always nearby, so it was easy to ask for our check when we were ready. And the inside of the restaurant had a warm, cozy feel. I would gladly eat every breakfast here the next time we're in Edinburgh!

    This place seems to be very popular and know it. At first glance, it's a cute, cozy, and humble…read morecafe. Everyone there was very nice; service was good. When it came to ordering, I got an Iced Latte and a Buttery Bap. The menu is a bit difficult to decipher, as it was confusing how much or how little can be added to it and at what cost. The menu said I could only pick one filling, but when I asked I was informed that I could pick an unlimited amount. I'm glad I trusted my instinct and went with just two: Veggie Haggis and Tattie Scones. Both of these were truly delicious. However, there was an extra charge for the second filling. Prices for additions are listed at the bottom of the menu as if they were sides you could order separately. On the receipt, I also saw that I was charged 0.50 extra for ice. I don't understand why places charge extra to make an iced drink when overall you're actually getting less of the drink. Overall, everything tasted good and I'm glad I was able to try numerous Scottish classics.

    Photos
    The Edinburgh Larder - Table service

    Table service

    The Edinburgh Larder
    The Edinburgh Larder - Latte and a husband

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    Latte and a husband

    Southern Cross Cafe - Chicken ciabotta and chili

    Southern Cross Cafe

    4.3(120 reviews)
    0.2 miOld Town, Royal Mile
    ££

    This was such a cute little coffee shop just off the mile. Clearly they know how to attracts…read morecustomers in with the fresh baked cakes on full displays. Scotland's weather is basically all season daily. You never know what you'll get...lol... Of course the rain started and we happened to be right here. Just to get warm as well, this place seemed very cozy. Inside you feel the warm homey cottage feel. Fresh baked cakes, smell of coffee and tea. They also serve food as well. There's the main dining area along the entrance with the cakes on full display for everyone to see. A small room in the back as well as a loft and downstairs. Of course restrooms are downstairs. All the staff were amazing and very friendly. All so welcoming. The cakes were amazing and paired very well with a coffee or tea. I'm not sure if it's baked in house but the selections they offered, it was amazing. So many too chose from. It's not a crazy big place but the warm cozy feeling right when you walk in was amazing. Friendly smile and anything with fresh baked goods will bring people in.

    This cafe is just steps away from the Milkman and the royal mile. It has lots of seating options:…read moreoutdoor tables perfect for people watching, and 3 floors of indoor tables. The three of us chose a table outside, since the weather was nice. Service was attentive and friendly. As we were there, another party left but forgot one of their bags. An employee ran out after them and returned it. So nice of them! We ordered 2 cappuccinos and 1 latte. I wasn't able to finish my cappuccino because it was quite large and got cold a little quickly. Nevertheless, it was good while I was drinking it. We could see plenty of pastries in the window which looked like they could be tasty, but we didn't try any of them. Finally, there were several individual bathrooms that were clean downstairs and upstairs.

    Photos
    Southern Cross Cafe - Inside

    Inside

    Southern Cross Cafe
    Southern Cross Cafe

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    Clarinda's Tea Room - I liked the hanging teacups

    Clarinda's Tea Room

    4.3(67 reviews)
    0.5 miRoyal Mile, Old Town
    £

    **March 2024: Weekday Morning Visit**…read more A couple of things to note -No reservations -Hours: Tues-Fri: 10am-4:30pm; Mon: Closed; Sat/Sun: 9:30am-4:30pm I saw this tearoom featured on a youtubers channel and thought it would be a great breakfast option as Clarinda's is known for their scones and baked goods. I came pretty close to the opening and was able to select my choice for seats. I picked a table near the window for natural lighting. They have a table of a lot of tasty treats and while I didn't get a chance to try them all, I can attest to the scone being very tasty! I ordered the Cream Tea (I think I ordered the Lemon and Elderflower) which comes with a freshly baked homemade scone (I chose a fruit one), and a cup of tea €6.80. I decided to upgrade to a pot of tea (€7.75) and added a bowl of porridge (€5.50) with jam as I usually prefer savory breakfasts. This was more than enough to eat for one, but I just enjoy trying different items - does anyone else have this problem? lol I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here as the ambiance, food and tea were homey and intimate. This would be such a fun place to converse with girlfriends for tea time!

    If you make it down to the bottom of Royal Mile you MUST stop at Clarinda's Tea Room, a small…read morehole-in-the-wall place with so much personality. We had breakfast here on our first day in Edinburgh. It's cozy and the walls are covered with paintings, antique cups, and plates. To be honest the walls are quite chaotic but that's where the personality comes in. We ordered the eggs with toast and the full Scottish breakfast. Food was great, coffee hit the spot, and service was excellent. Even with the chaos they keep the place clean. Also, BEWARE they do not have hot sauce here LOL. I asked the server and she said "No, but it was worth a try to ask" Respect lol. We sat by the window and people watched and awed at the beautiful architecture of Edinburgh. It's a chill spot to rest and refuel. Would love to come back for their afternoon tea!

    Photos
    Clarinda's Tea Room - Treats!

    Treats!

    Clarinda's Tea Room - Inside

    Inside

    Clarinda's Tea Room - Vegetarian haggis toastie my love. And to think I thought I wouldn't find haggis I could eat in Edinburgh. LOLZ

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    Vegetarian haggis toastie my love. And to think I thought I wouldn't find haggis I could eat in Edinburgh. LOLZ

    Palm Court - coffee - Updated May 2026

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