Do I need to book for afternoon tea?

Yes, we strongly recommend booking in advance for afternoon tea, particularly at weekends, during summer, and over the festive period. Many venues offer afternoon tea on selected days only, so it is always worth checking ahead before you visit.

Can afternoon tea be catered for dietary requirements?

Most venues are happy to accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options with advance notice. It is always worth mentioning any requirements at the time of booking.

Is afternoon tea dog friendly?

Some venues welcome well-behaved dogs, particularly those with outdoor seating or a more relaxed setting. Forest Café and The Black Faced Sheep in Aboyne are both popular dog-friendly options. Check individual listings for details before your visit.

Are afternoon tea venues accessible?

Accessibility varies by venue. Many of the city centre and hotel options offer good wheelchair access and facilities, while some older country house properties may have limited access due to the nature of the buildings. It is worth checking with the venue directly before your visit. Our accessibility guide has further information to help you plan.

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Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea

Delicate treats, fresh bakes and timeless charm

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Few things feel quite as indulgent as a proper afternoon tea, and Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire deliver in style.

From grand country house hotels and elegant city venues to cosy countryside cafes and family-run bakeries, the region has a wealth of options for those looking to slow down, indulge in a leisurely afternoon tea, and enjoy the pleasure of a beautifully laid table.

Grand settings

For afternoon tea in a truly special setting, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have no shortage of options. Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course in Oldmeldrum offers a gracious and unhurried experience within a beautiful Georgian country house, and Douneside House in Tarland serves afternoon tea in its stunning conservatory dining room, light pouring through the glass ceiling and the Aberdeenshire countryside stretching out beyond the windows.

On Royal Deeside, The Fife Arms in Braemar is one of the most celebrated hotels in Scotland, a Victorian shooting lodge transformed into a world-class destination with an extraordinary art collection and a reputation for exceptional hospitality. Afternoon tea here is a genuine occasion. Candacraig near Strathdon offers a similarly luxurious Highland estate experience in a more intimate and personal setting, and Castle Fraser provides the remarkable opportunity to take afternoon tea within the grounds of one of Aberdeenshire's finest National Trust for Scotland castles.

Image: Meldrum House

Royal Deeside

The Deeside region is particularly well suited to an afternoon tea outing, with a cluster of excellent venues set against some of the finest scenery in the North-east.

Rothesay Rooms in Ballater is one of the most talked-about afternoon tea destinations in the region, a beautifully designed venue with a seasonal menu and a strong focus on local produce. Milton Brasserie at Milton of Crathes is a lovely restaurant set within the charming collection of independent businesses on the banks of the River Dee. Finzean Farm Shop and Tea Room near Banchory is a countryside gem, with home-baked scones, freshly made sandwiches, and afternoon tea boxes available to enjoy in a peaceful Deeside valley setting.

Lys-Na-Greyne offers a warm and welcoming afternoon tea in a lovely Deeside setting, and The Black Faced Sheep in Aboyne is a popular and dog-friendly option combining a charming cafe with homeware and gifts.

Image: Rothesay Rooms

The Countryside

The Aberdeenshire countryside has a variety of excellent afternoon tea destinations well worth seeking out. Dean's near Huntly is a well-loved destination combining a bistro and café with the famous Dean's of Huntly shortbread range, a natural and indulgent stop for anyone exploring the wider region. Forest Cafe offers a relaxed and dog-friendly afternoon tea in a scenic woodland setting, accompanied by a great home store that makes it easy to extend the visit.

Tor na Coille Hotel and Restaurant in Banchory is a handsome Victorian country house hotel set within mature woodland grounds, with afternoon tea served in an elegant and unhurried setting that feels a world away from the everyday. Saplinbrae Hotel and Lodges near Old Deer in the heart of Buchan offers a warm and welcoming afternoon tea experience in a charming rural hotel, a lovely option for those exploring the quieter corners of Aberdeenshire.

The Coast

For afternoon tea with a seaside feel, the stretch of coast north of Aberdeen has a bunch of excellent options. The Cock and Bull near Balmedie is a well-regarded restaurant and bar with a strong reputation for generous, well-presented afternoon tea in a warm and welcoming setting. Udny Arms in Newburgh is a characterful coastal hotel with beautiful views over the Ythan estuary. Further north, Down on the Farm near Fraserburgh offers a unique rural twist on afternoon tea in a working farm setting, a lovely option for families and those exploring the Buchan coast and Nooks and Crannies in Fraserburgh is a charming and popular stop for a more relaxed afternoon tea experience.

Image: Nooks and Crannies

In and around Aberdeen

Aberdeen city has a varied and growing afternoon tea scene to suit different tastes and budgets. Cup on Belmont Street is a well-loved city centre café with a warm and welcoming atmosphere inspired by Alice in Wonderland. 210 Bistro takes things in a different direction entirely, with afternoon tea served on the third floor overlooking Aberdeen harbour, the floor-to-ceiling windows making for one of the most distinctive settings in the city.

The Albyn on Albyn Place is a much-loved West End institution, recently reimagined with a modern and welcoming interior that still feels rooted in its neighbourhood. The light-filled Garden Room is a particularly lovely setting for afternoon tea, with plush seating, hand-picked artwork, and a menu that combines local ingredients with contemporary flavours. Corner Tree Cafe is a popular and well-regarded choice in the west end, with freshly baked goods and a warm atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back.

Image: 210 Bistro

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Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course

Meldrum House is a luxury, award-winning 13th century baronial country house, set in 240 acres of stunning Aberdeenshire countryside.

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