Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral Refined, Reimagined, Remarkable

Beneath the glittering Venetian chandeliers of The Balmoral’s Palm Court, afternoon tea is a refined ritual. Now refreshed with lighter interiors and a gently modern touch, the space still carries all the poise of a grand hotel salon. There’s harp music in the background, fine china on the table, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savour.

A Three-Tier Centrepiece

The three-tier stand arrives like a centrepiece, layered with savoury bites, warm scones, and Parisian-level pastries. The balance is clever: heritage flavours with a contemporary edge. Red pesto, polenta and parmesan cheese, Toulouse sausage rolls with Dijon mayo, and minted pea cheesecakes open the show with flair.

Sandwiches, Perfected

The sandwiches are textbook perfect—Balmoral smoked salmon with avocado and pickled radish, Coronation chicken with butterhead lettuce, free-range Arlington egg sharpened with Japanese mayonnaise, and smoked Applewood cheese paired with pear chutney and rocket. The roast beef with tomato and mustard mayo brings it all home. Each one precisely cut, each bite engineered for satisfaction.

Scones Done Right

Scones are warm, fluffy and just structured enough. Served with clotted cream and homemade Balmoral jam crafted by Heather Hills Farm, it’s a classic moment, done exceptionally well.

Artistry in the Sweet Course

The sweet course is where the artistry truly shines: Gâteau Marjolaine, vanilla Religieuse, a passion fruit and dark chocolate Madeleine that stops you mid-sentence. A rose-kissed raspberry and mascarpone mousse rounds things off with finesse.

A Tea Menu Worth Studying

Tea is serious business here—88 loose-leaf varieties from across China, India, Japan, and beyond. You can keep it classic with Emperor’s Breakfast or Jasmine Silver Tip, or veer into more playful territory with Vanilla, Caramel or Masala Biscuit blends. Even the bubble teas hold their own here, unexpected, but perfectly pitched.

Service with Grace

Each pot is poured tableside with quiet confidence. And if it’s your birthday, let them know and the harpist will gently play you a personalised ‘Happy Birthday’ moment. So chic! And for a real celebratory lift, add a chilled glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne.

The Palm Court Touch

Led by Palm Court Manager Omar and his expert team, service is seamless. Plates vanish, cups refill, and the warmth feels genuine. It’s not just what’s served that sets this apart—it’s how it’s done. Every detail is considered. Every guest is remembered.

Priced at £67.50 per person, or £82.50 with Champagne, but this isn’t just afternoon tea. It’s theatre, tradition, and timeless hospitality wrapped into one unforgettable experience.

The Balmoral Hotel

1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ

palmcourt.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com

Foodhood mag