The Colonnades at the Signet Library
ENTRY
from £75
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
A grand, marble-columned room under the Signet Library for a proper sit-down afternoon tea rather than a run-around.
This one's less about the kids doing anything and more about them behaving themselves for an hour or two under a very fancy ceiling. The Colonnades is the afternoon tea room at the Signet Library, all columns and grand proportions, and the whole visit is built around sitting down to tea rather than any kind of activity. If you've got a child who's happy to sit still for a plate of sandwiches and cake, this could be a nice change from soft play.
It isn't cheap. Afternoon tea is £75, which is a serious spend for a family outing, so this feels more like a treat for a special occasion than a regular Saturday plan. They do cater for gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and dairy free with 24 hours' notice, though they're upfront that they can't do gluten and dairy free together, vegan gluten free, or sugar free, and they won't promise there's no cross-contamination in the kitchen. Worth flagging if you've got a child with a serious allergy rather than just a preference.
Booking is essential and only opens three months ahead, which is a bit of a faff if you're the sort who plans a week out, but it does mean you're not turning up on spec. They're open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 4:30pm, and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Watch out too for the odd Saturday that gets swallowed up by a private wedding, so a Sunday might be the safer bet if you've got your heart set on a date.
Facilities
Need to know
- Booking
- Advance booking essential. Online reservations open
- Some Saturdays are closed off entirely for private weddings
- Bookings only open three months ahead, so mark the date to book on time
- Give 24 hours' notice for dietary requirements
- The kitchen can't promise zero cross-contamination, so flag serious allergies before you book
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Afternoon tea is £75. There's no separate cheaper option listed, so it's the same price whoever's sitting at the table.
Do we need to book ahead?
Booking is essential and they only take reservations up to three months in advance. Don't leave it to the last minute.
Can they deal with allergies?
Gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and dairy free are all catered for with at least 24 hours' notice. They can't do gluten and dairy free combined, vegan gluten free, or sugar free, and won't guarantee no cross-contamination.
What days is it open?
Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 4:30pm. It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
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