Here is a great way to see that life does not stop after your coeliac diagnosis! Afternoon tea continues, with these great locations:

Colonnades, Signet Library

 

The Colonnades in the Signet Library is certainly one of the best gluten free teas in Edinburgh.  With stacks of treats on silver stands and bespoke teapots, it certainly all looks lovely.  While there are a few touches that might surprise you, such as the use of ready made pastry cases and Genius bread for the sandwiches, you will not be disappointed by the experience and the ambience of the Signet Library overall.  The tea can be served with champagne, which is always worth having and if you are eating with a gluten-eater, the teas largely look the same.  An experience to enjoy – you must book a GF tea in advance.

www.signetlibrary.co.uk/colonnades

Loudons

In the business district on Fountainbridge, Loudons is a surprising place to find gluten free heaven. With a clear menu, really good staff and a wide range of good gluten free choices, this is a great place for a cup of tea and cake. While not an upmarket tea destination, you can still be sure of a good choice and great surroundings. I was really impressed by it when I reviewed it recently.

http://glutenfreeedinburgh.com/reviews/edinburgh-gluten-free-heaven-loudons-review/

Café Portrait

Set within the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, Café Portrait offers a superb afternoon tea in the snug at the rear of the restaurant.  With cake stands and prosecco, this is an indulgent treat with a lovely selection of savoury and sweet delights.  With advance warning the whole stack of scones, cakes and sandwiches can be offered gluten free, including the warming little cup of soup to start.  Add in the glass of fizz and celebrate how a GF life does not need to exclude the highest quality afternoon tea.

Run by Heritage Portfolio, the same quality of food is also available at the two modern art galleries, Hopetoun House (during summer months) and at the Signet Library on the High Street, see above.  These all offer GF lunches and treats as a matter of course.

Café Portrait – Queen Street

www.heritageportfolio.co.uk/cafes

G&V Hotel

Sitting on the Royal Mile, the G&V Hotel is a designer’s dream as well as an excellent destination for the gluten free diner.

My previous review of lunch at the five star G&V demonstrated the excellence in service and the level of understanding around gluten free dining.

The G&V also provides a delicious prosecco afternoon tea with a cake stand of treats plus tea and a glass of fizz.  Advance warning brings you a pile of delicious gluten free cakes, sandwiches and delights.

http://www.quorvuscollection.com/gandv-hotel-edinburgh

Other superb gluten free afternoon teas can be found at the Balmoral, the Waldorf Astoria and the Norton House Hotel.  I am aiming to get round them all soon so I can give you a full review – well someone has to do it!