Is this the most chic way to spend the Easter weekend? We tried the famous Peacock Alley afternoon tea in Edinburgh

We recently stepped into Peacock Alley within the Waldorf Astoria, Edinburgh, for their ‘Bright & Beautiful’ Easter-themed afternoon tea, here are our thoughts…

As we stepped into the historic heart of The Caledonian, we were greeted by the opulent ambiance, reminiscent of a bygone era. The allure of the Victorian railway building, coupled with the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, set the stage for an elegant afternoon.

The pastry menu, crafted by Head Pastry Chef, Tamara Curcic, was a treat for the taste buds. While it definitely leaned towards the sweet side, it was perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Think whimsical treats like the Hippety Hop (Carrot Cake, Pineapple Confit & Cinnamon Yogurt Mousse) and One Little Speckled Egg (Crunchy Chocolate, Marsala Crémeux & Coffee Petit Gateau) – each bite felt like a true indulgence.

But there’s something for everyone. Head chef Ryan MacFarlane’s sandwiches, like the Sun-Blush Tomato Tartlets and Mortadella with Pistachio Mascarpone, were equally divine, offering a nice balance to the sugary treats.

One of our favourites was the ‘Flutter Around, Butterfly,’ featuring rhubarb compote and elderflower custard stuffed in a basil cookie. It was a perfect combination of savoury and sweet.

And here’s the cherry on top – all tea, coffee, and other hot drinks are unlimited! So you can sip to your heart’s content while indulging in the delightful treats.

What’s great is that they’re really accommodating to dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just picky, the team is super helpful and eager to make sure you’re happy – just what you’d expect from a luxury Hilton venue.

Priced at £119 for two or £30 for children, it’s a bit of a splurge, but definitely worth it for a memorable day out or a special occasion.

So if you’re looking for a delightful escape in Edinburgh this Easter weekend, Peacock Alley’s Bright & Beautiful Afternoon Tea is the perfect spot. It’s available daily from 12:30 – 4pm until April 10th.

And don’t forget to book ahead by emailing caledonian.dining@waldorfastoria.com or calling 0131 222 8832.