Afternoon teas have satisfied the taste buds of foodies for centuries.
Everything from the freshly-made scones slathered in jam and clotted clean, to the light and fluffy sandwiches, sweet pastries and cakes, and, of course, tea, they are perfect for celebrations and catch-ups with friends and loved ones.
The tradition of afternoon tea began in the early 19th Century, when the Duchess of Bedford, experiencing a ‘sinking feeling’, requested that a light afternoon tea be served in her private room.
The Duchess adored the experience so much that she soon invited her friends to join her. And this led to afternoon tea becoming a regular indulgence.
We salute her.
With Afternoon Tea Week now in full swing, we have rounded up our favourite afternoon tea experiences for you to try out in Inverness.
Be sure to let us know if any have slipped our minds in the comment section.
Ness Walk Hotel
Enjoy a slice of paradise with the Heavenly Afternoon Tea at the Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness, which offers a modern twist on a British classic and costs £25.95 per person.
Freshly baked scones and desserts made daily by the pastry chef are paired with mouth-watering sandwiches and savoury treats, with flavours and textures that reflect the season.
The menu is regularly updated with current themes and events such as Wimbledon inspiring the delicious goods on offer.
A vegan option is also available.
Address: 12 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5SQ
Kingsmill Hotel
After a morning browsing the shelves of second-hand bookstore Leakey’s and the many independent retailers in Inverness city centre, you will want to take some time to relax.
And the best way to do just that is to indulge in a delectable afternoon tea at Kingsmill Hotel.
Served daily in the venue’s Conservatory Restaurant between 2pm and 4.30pm, it includes everything from delectable cakes and savouries to freshly baked scones served with Galloway strawberry jam and a selection of organic Dammann French teas and fair trade coffee.
Address: Culcabock Road, Inverness IV2 3LP
The Palace Hotel and Spa
What’s better than a delicious afternoon tea? A delicious afternoon tea with a view.
At The Palace Hotel and Spa, you can tuck into a selection of tasty goods whilst overlooking Inverness Castle and the River Ness.
There’s a Palace afternoon tea and vegan afternoon tea – both priced at £19.95 per person – to choose from, which feature a selection of sandwiches, wraps, pastries, cakes and more.
Address: 8 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NG
Simpsons
Simpsons offers a luxury afternoon tea in the city that is perfect for any occasion – from a catch-up with friends to a family celebration – and is available from 2pm to 3.45pm Monday to Saturday.
It costs just £25 for two people or £13.50 for one person and includes an array of homemade sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and classic scones.
For those that fancy enjoying a miniature bottle of prosecco with their afternoon tea, it costs an additional £5.
Address: Culloden Road, Inverness IV2 5BA
Waterside Restaurant
The Waterside Restaurant in Inverness is the perfect setting for enjoying a relaxed dining experience with friends, family or colleagues with a breath-taking view of the River Ness, any day of the week.
The afternoon tea is priced at £19.95 per person and pre-booking is required.
Trust us, you’ll be feeling full and satisfied after tucking into the goods included…
Address: 7-19 Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SG
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