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| Afternoon tea at Edinburgh's Prestonfield |
Prestonfield House, a luxury hotel and restaurant, is a short drive from downtown Edinburgh, but feels miles away from the clamor and congestion of the city. A sumptuous and elegant oasis that offers not only posh accommodations, but an incredible afternoon tea experience.
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| Afternoon tea fare included haggis croquets and pumpkin cheesecake |
We - my husband, Chris, and I, along with our favorite NYC couple, Matt and Jenna - enjoyed afternoon tea at Prestonfield this past October. From the moment we entered the front door to our final walk around the grounds, we loved every minute of this grand venue: the rich interiors, excellent customer service, tasty and artfully created tea fare and the well-manicured gardens, along with the resident kitty who charms and oversees all.
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| Afternoon tea sweets included chocolate tarts and carrot cake and citrus marscapone |
After a somewhat harrowing and daunting public parking search near Edinburgh Castle, our frazzled state was quickly put to rest by the Prestonfield staff. We were escorted to the second level for our tea and seated in crimson-colored, velvety sofas in a room accented in golds and reds. The ceilings are high and trimmed with sculpted designs. Even before the tea was served, we were enjoying dining like royals. Which is not surprising, considering past guests. Queen Elizabeth visited Prestonfield as part of her 80th birthday celebration.
And the royal connection doesn't end there. The Prestonfield home, designed by the King's architect, Sir William Bruce, was originally built for the Provost of Edinburgh, Sir James Dick, in 1687. Bruce who also designed Holyrood Palace. Prestonfield remained in the family until 1958 when it became a hotel. Forty-five years later, in 2003, it was purchased by Edinburgh restauranteur, James Thomson, who spent two decades restoring it to is current rich and sumptuous decor.
Our waiter told us that James Thomson worked at Prestonfield early in his restaurant career and fulfilled his dream of owning this beautiful estate.
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| Beautiful presentation on 3-tiered tray |
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| Tea served in silver teapots |
Because we were in town in the fall, Prestonfield's seasonal tea was "Autumn Harvest". The three-tiered trays were filled with savories such as haggis croquets and "savory pumpkin cheesecake" and sweets that included carrot cake and citrus mascarpone along with a clementine chocolate tart. In addition, four different finger-sandwiches were served as well as plain and fruit buttermilk scones, accompanied by clotted cream and raspberry jam.
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| High celings with sculpted patters |
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| Queen Elizabeth here for her 80th |
The tea was finely brewed (I ordered the Earl Grey Blue Flower which was delicious) and served in silver teapots. Appropriate of the setting and service, we indulged in a "royal afternoon tea", adding a glass of champagne to our sweets and savories.
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| A moment on the fainting couch, taking it all in |
After my brief recline on the fainting couch nearby, our party walked the grounds for a bit of exercise and to soak in the picturesque gardens.
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| On the grounds, Jenna, Chris and kitty |
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| Prestonfield's entrance, instantly welcoming |
We hope to be back soon! In the meantime, please enjoy our short video, taken "live" during afternoon tea at Prestonfield. Click the link and see our most recent "short":
Barb's Tea Service - YouTube
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