Friday June 6th 2025
Beetroot Scones from Beetroot Bar and Grill, Bonnyrigg
Written by Midlothian View food columnist, Angela Muir
While the tradition of afternoon tea is often credited to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s, a woman after my own heart, who insisted on a little something to tide her over between lunch and dinner, the Scottish take on this beloved ritual quickly developed its own distinct character. In fact, tea culture in Scotland stretches back even further, to the 17th century, when tea first arrived on British shores. Initially embraced by the upper classes as a mark of sophistication and hospitality, it didn’t stay exclusive for long, eventually filtering through every layer of society, and it’s a ritual that’s still going strong today.
Now, I’m a big fan of a Scottish afternoon tea. It’s a delicious celebration of tradition, local flavours, and truly top-tier baking. Plus, our crisp Scottish water makes for a brew that’s hard to beat, because let’s face it, a good cuppa is non-negotiable.
And lucky for us, Midlothian is home to some of the very best spots to enjoy this delightful experience. Here are five of my absolute favourites!
Dolly’s Tea Room at Chapel Cross Guesthouse, Roslin.
Tucked away in the gorgeous village of Roslin, Dolly’s Tearoom is a must-visit gem. It’s a sweet little tribute to Roslin’s most famous resident, Dolly the Sheep, and a perfect spot to unwind after a stroll through the stunning Midlothian countryside or a visit to the magnificent Rosslyn Chapel which is just a stone’s throw away.
The afternoon tea is beautifully presented and comes complete with fluffy scones (huge) with jam and clotted cream (in that order always) and delicious cakes from local bakeries that taste every bit as good as they look. The savoury elements are excellent too with a selection of classic finger sandwiches and Scottish oatcakes generously topped with cranberry and brie. It’s served with a range of award winning Shibui teas, sourced locally in Scotland, in vintage china cups and they also serve up the cutest mini milkshakes which are almost too pretty to drink… almost.
What truly sets Dolly’s apart, though, is the exceptional service. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a genuinely friendly team that makes you feel instantly at home. The warm welcome is unforgettable, and by the time you leave, you’ll feel more like an old friend than a customer.
The Secret Garden Café and Bistro
Nestled at the foot of the Pentland hills lies The Secret Garden, a little oasis of nature, peace and tranquillity. The café & bistro sits within picture perfect gardens which are lovingly tended by a dedicated team of gardeners and home to over 600 varieties of plants.
This experience feels truly magical, something refreshingly different from the usual. Afternoon tea is served in their glasshouse, a setting straight out of a fairy-tale, adorned with twinkling fairy lights, vintage touches, and the gentle fragrance of herbs and flowers drifting through the air. So pretty.
The afternoon tea itself is beautifully presented and bursts with flavour. What makes it even more special is that the ingredients are either handpicked from the gardens or sourced from local producers. Everything tastes delicious, but standout highlights include the coronation chicken and rocket ciabatta, rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, and the lemon and herb hummus ciabatta, which is fresh and vibrant.
The true stars, however, are the lemon verbena and blueberry scones, freshly baked, delicate and bursting with flavour. The lemon verbena, freshly picked from the garden, adds a fragrant, citrusy note that makes them extra special. Endless cups of tea, served in elegant vintage china, complete the experience. Absolute perfection.
I rarely use the phrase “hidden gem,” but The Secret Garden truly earns it. An ideal destination for food lovers, garden enthusiasts, and anyone in search of a picture-perfect afternoon tea.
Brew 52, Penicuik.
If you love the idea of enjoying afternoon tea from the comfort of your own home, Brew 52 is a perfect choice. Personally, I’m a big fan of an at-home afternoon tea, whether you plate it beautifully or eat straight from the box, dressed to the nines or, like me, in your PJ’s… there will be no judgment here.
The homemade Scotch eggs stand out with perfectly jammy yolks encased in a savoury, golden crumb. The handmade pulled pork and smoked cheddar wraps are hard to resist, and the chicken and chorizo bloomer delivers on both flavour and heartiness. And really, who can say no to a mini pork pie as part of their afternoon tea?
The scones tick every box, light, fluffy, and perfectly baked, served with mini pots of jam and clotted cream. To end on a sweet note, the homemade mint Aero bubble crunch traybakes are utterly divine, while the lemon and blueberry shortie stacks add a zesty, buttery finish.
With excellent communication and delivery right on schedule, Brew 52 offers a truly lovely at-home experience, and one of the few places that caters to solo tea lovers with an afternoon tea for one.
Midlothian In-House Catering
Midlothian In-House catering offers an outstanding afternoon tea home delivery service across Edinburgh and the Lothians, and it’s hard to beat on value, with prices starting from just £9.50 per person.
The quality, presentation, and customer service are exceptional, with prompt and friendly communication throughout. Our afternoon tea for two was beautifully packaged and thoughtfully arranged, brimming with delicious treats.
The sandwiches are fresh, generously filled with classic favourites, and the homemade sausage rolls are simply mouth-watering. The freshly baked cakes and scones, served with jam and cream, of course, are a perfect ten. To top it all off, the selection is finished with fresh strawberries and grapes, making it a truly indulgent at home experience.
This afternoon tea is a delight from start to finish, one I’ll happily return to time and time again.
Beetroot Bar and Grill, Bonnyrigg.
If you’re looking for a cosy spot to unwind and enjoy a proper catch-up with friends or family, Beetroot Bar and Grill in Bonnyrigg is just the place. Their classic afternoon tea, served on a three-tier stand, is everything you’d hope for, indulgent, generous, and packed with flavour.
The savoury tier starts things off beautifully with a selection of classic finger sandwiches. These aren’t your average nibbles, each one is generously filled and full of flavour. The roast beef and mustard sandwiches stand out with their punchy, peppery kick, while the red pepper and hummus option is smooth, fresh, and satisfying, perfect for vegetarians or anyone after a lighter bite.
Then come the sweets, and this is where Beetroot really shines. The cake selection is varied and seriously impressive. The house-made meringues are an absolute dream, light as air and delicately crisp, and they just melt in the mouth. The mini chocolate cupcakes are rich, moist, and just the right size for a perfect bite size treat.
No afternoon tea is complete without scones, and Beetroot’s are some of the best around, fluffy, light, and served warm, with generous helpings of cream and jam on the side. Paired with a big pot of freshly brewed tea, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Whether enjoyed at home, shared with friends in a cosy café, or experienced in the grand surroundings of a historic castle, an afternoon tea is one of life’s simple pleasures, and something I will never tire of, and in Midlothian, there really is something for every occasion. From dainty sandwiches and freshly baked scones to pots of perfectly brewed tea, each spot offers its own little slice of indulgence and has its own unique personality. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just taking a well-earned break from the hustle of daily life, you’ll find plenty of welcoming places to sit back, relax, and enjoy a lovely afternoon treat in Midlothian.
Up to date prices, dietaries and delivery details can be found on the venue’s social media pages or websites.
For more Midlothian and Edinburgh recommendations head over to @eatsleepgreet on Instagram.
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