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Afternoon tea, light fare & cocktails served in a genteel, historic setting with fluted columns.

At a glance

#4 of 116 Restaurants in Edinburgh #1 of 23 Tea houses in Edinburgh

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.78

0.3 km from the center of Edinburgh

Rating breakdown

  • 5 ★86%
  • 4 ★10%
  • 3 ★2%
  • 2 ★1%
  • 1 ★1%
The Signet Library, Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 1
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 2
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 3
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 4
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 5
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 6
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 7
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 8
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 9
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 10
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 11
The Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of The Colonnades at the Signet Library?
The Colonnades at the Signet Library is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 617 reviews.
How does The Colonnades at the Signet Library rank in Edinburgh?
The Colonnades at the Signet Library is #4 of 116 Restaurants in Edinburgh by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is The Colonnades at the Signet Library located?
The Signet Library, Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom — 0.3 km from the center of Edinburgh.
How can I contact The Colonnades at the Signet Library?
Phone: +44 131 226 1064 · Website: thesignetlibrary.co.uk
Jeremy Yowell
While i'm not the biggest tea fan, this tea experience was a great way to start the day. The library is gorgeous inside, and the service during our tea breakfast was a highlight. Not each food entry we tried was to my taste, but everything was prepared and presented well.
Adam Wood
Absolutely beautiful afternoon tea, very contemporary take in such a traditional setting. It's a wonderful and beautiful place to visit. The food, the presentation, and the selection are all impeccable. I'd recommend it to anybody
Janet Smith
This was the most amazing afternoon tea in the most beautiful venue. Highly recommend if you are looking for lovely service, delectable savories and sweets and the most amazing presentation that will be a feast for your eyes. Our waiter (young Scottish man) was wonderful and full of history (including his own father's piloting stories). He was truly a wonderful ambassador for the city/country as well as the perfect host for our tea.
The surrounding venue was as gorgeous as the savories and sweets (which were so meticulously created and plated!). We have been disappointed with some of the gastro experiences in Edinburgh but this was such a gem -- it truly exceeded our expectations!
Bianca Gomez
Had my first afternoon tea ever here, and it was such a lovely and memorable experience. They were so kind and clearly tale pride in what they do. I high recommend making reservations if you're thinking of a nice tea while in Edinburgh.
Chelsea M
I heard from more than one person and more than one guide article that the Colonnades tea was a "must do" activity I am happy to verify this claim and to further encourage others to do the same.

The food is elevated fare: Unique, thoughtful and delectable. The service is impeccable. The atmosphere...what a respite from the bustle of the Royal Mile. Such a peaceful atmosphere to recharge and relax. Beautiful shelves of books along the colonnades and tasteful decor.

A true highlight of my trip.
Kaitlan Bell
My husband and I had a lovely afternoon tea here. It is absolutely beautiful inside and the tea and food were delicious. Service was excellent as well. We will definitely be back. It was such a wonderful experience.
Charmaine
Calm peaceful atmosphere, the food is absolutely beautiful like small works of art and yet tasty. There's both savoury and sweet selections and it made us very full. The tea selections were also very interesting! A nice place for occasions.
Sarah Flynn
Magical experience and worth the price tag!
The food was adventurous, inventive and delicious, also beautifully presented by staff and on tray. You think the little mouthfuls aren’t going to fill you up but my husband and I could not finish it all, we felt guilty for leaving anything.
The atmosphere is calm and sophisticated. We went between Christmas and new years and they decor was wonderfully festive.
100% will return again.

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