We tried plush Edinburgh afternoon tea that was out of…

We tried plush Edinburgh afternoon tea that was out of this world

Going out for an afternoon tea is a beautiful custom that is equally perfect for a casual catch-up with friends on any other week or for a gran family occasion worth dressing up for.

Award-winning afternoon tea at one of Edinburgh's most luxurious dining venues definitely falls under the second category. As Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh introduced their new themed afternoon tea, our reporter Iuliia Vlasova happily went over to check it out, and here's what she thought.

As a foreigner, I have only recently grasped the concept of an afternoon tea, but loved it straight away and am keen on trying it at different places.

Now, just as I thought, I know exactly what to expect when booking in for an afternoon tea treat, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh presented me with something simply out of this world - their science-themed menu.

First, I must mention the atmosphere at the venue - as you get greeted at the entrance and escorted to the marvellous Peacock Alley Lounge, where a harpist performs live on the weekends from 2pm to 5pm, you feel like the most special guest.

Set under the high glass ceiling, the Peacock Alley Lounge is bright and spacious and feels airy and refreshing. It's like sitting in a garden observatory - only better, and you get to be looked after by the most thoughtful hosts.

Science Afternoon Tea at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh was like nothing I've tried before - it was a dining experience where every piece had a story and a valid reason to end up on your plate.

Rooted in some of humanity's most outstanding scientific achievements, all the deserts resembled discoveries or inventions.

For instance, here you got the well-known Dolly the Sheep, the world's first cloned mammal - a blueberry mousse with white chocolate and coconut blondie. Next to it, there is a Penicillin capsule - the life-saving breakthrough in medicine - a no-bake cookie and the softest cream cheesecake.

There was also a tin with eatable earth for you to play an archaeologist and "unearth" a caramel-filled sweet.

There is a menu to guide you through all six of your deserts - each one being explained in an informative yet concise manner - just enough to turn your afternoon tea experience into a deliciously educational one.

The selection of sandwiches presents some fascinating combinations - from smoked duck, cherry and bitter chocolate toastie to cauliflower and cheddar tartlet. There are no repetitions, and I truly struggled to pick out my favourite as they were all too different to compare.

Also, the fantastic waitress, Melony, knew her part to perfection and helped us navigate the vast tea menu, advising what goes well with what and hitting the bullseye with every recommendation.

To sum it all up, the experience was one of a kind for me, and I loved how the exciting discovery element was integrated into an excellent dining part.

This is, however, a rather luxurious occasion dining option, as afternoon tea at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh starts from £50 per person and can hit one's budget quite a bit. So my advice would be to keep a note of the place and book yourself for a treat when the time is right.

Science Afternoon Tea at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh runs until August 25 and is available to book here.

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