The Willow Tea Rooms, Edinburgh: Afternoon Tea with a Castle View
Updated: 1 day ago
You would never guess from the entrance to The Willow Tea Rooms on Princes Street that one of Edinburgh's most spectacular views awaits you upstairs. In fact, we walked right past the place twice before realizing we'd missed it!
Although there's a sign above the door, the street-level entrance is decidedly unassuming, and the tearoom itself is tucked away at the top of a narrow staircase. But don't let first impressions fool you. What awaits upstairs is well worth the climb.
Opened in 2024, this Edinburgh location of The Willow Tea Rooms occupies an enviable position overlooking Edinburgh Castle. And while we'd visited the Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow a few years earlier, this was our first experience of its newer Edinburgh counterpart.
A Room with a View
Arriving on a rather blustery July afternoon, we climbed the stairs and stepped into a bustling tearoom, packed with visitors enjoying a welcome respite from the Scottish weather.
We were fortunate enough to secure a table beside the windows, although at first we didn't quite appreciate just how lucky we'd been.
The entire tearoom faces a wall of magnificent windows overlooking Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, perched high on the hill beyond. When we arrived, the castle was largely obscured by fog, but as we settled in with our tea, the mist gradually lifted to reveal the fortress in all its glory.
Suddenly, there it was: Edinburgh Castle, in a spectacular panorama, and we didn't even have to leave our seats to enjoy it.
I can think of very few places where I've enjoyed a cup of tea with quite such an extraordinary backdrop.
Afternoon Tea, Scottish Style
Our afternoon tea arrived on a traditional three-tiered stand, laden with finger sandwiches, scones, and an assortment of cakes and sweet treats.
The bottom tier held a selection of neatly arranged finger sandwiches on both white and brown bread, while the middle tier featured two generously sized scones accompanied by individual dishes of jam and cream.
At the top were several tempting sweets, including a thick slice of iced sponge cake, a smaller jam-and-cream-filled cake, and a delicate little meringue-topped treat. The presentation was simple and traditional, served on white china plates, while our tea arrived in pretty Blue Willow patterned china.
Everything was lovely, and the generous assortment was just what we needed after a morning spent walking the streets of Edinburgh. There was something particularly satisfying about enjoying a proper Scottish afternoon tea while looking out at one of the country's most recognizable landmarks.
And really, how often does your afternoon tea come with a castle view?
A Touch of Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Of course, The Willow Tea Rooms is about more than its Edinburgh views.
The interior takes its inspiration from the distinctive designs of Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose work is so closely associated with Glasgow's historic tearoom tradition.
Having visited the Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow ourselves, we immediately recognized the elegant high-backed chairs, graceful Art Nouveau motifs, and unmistakable Mackintosh-inspired details.
But the real architectural stars of the Edinburgh location are those magnificent windows, with their sweeping curves and decorative geometric patterns. They are beautiful in their own right, but framing Edinburgh Castle, they become something truly special.
Despite the room being quite busy when we arrived, we found the atmosphere comfortable and relaxing, with plenty to admire between cups of tea.
A Little Shopping Before We Go
After finishing our tea, we couldn't resist a visit to the Mackintosh gift shop downstairs.
Although relatively small, it offered a surprisingly varied selection of Scottish-inspired gifts, including jewelry, china, teas, handbags, and other lovely souvenirs.
The Perfect Ending to Our Scottish Adventure
Our visit to The Willow Tea Rooms came on our final day in the United Kingdom, making it a particularly memorable way to conclude our trip.
After days of sightseeing, walking, and braving the unpredictable Scottish weather, there was something wonderfully comforting about sitting with a pot of hot tea, surrounded by Mackintosh-inspired elegance, watching the fog drift away from Edinburgh Castle.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
The exterior may not be particularly impressive, and you'll have to climb a staircase to reach the tearoom, but once upstairs, the setting more than makes up for the modest entrance.
My advice: If possible, try to secure a window table. The afternoon tea and the decor make The Willow Tea Rooms a pleasant stop in their own right, but that magnificent view of Edinburgh Castle is what transforms an enjoyable afternoon into a truly memorable one.
Sometimes the best experiences are hiding in plain sight — even when you've walked past them twice!
At a Glance
Location: The Willow Tea Rooms, 1st Floor, 120 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 4AD
Phone: +44 131 526 3933
Opened: 2024 (Edinburgh location)
Afternoon Tea Options: Traditional afternoon tea, deluxe afternoon tea, and special dietary options, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan selections.
Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome, but advance reservations are recommended, especially during busy tourist periods. Window tables are particularly desirable.
Deluxe afternoon tea requires two days' advance notice, whereas regular afternoon tea is available to walk-in guests when space permits.
What to Try: The traditional three-tiered afternoon tea, with finger sandwiches, scones served with jam and cream, and an assortment of cakes and sweets.
Best For: Spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle, Mackintosh-inspired design, and a relaxing break from sightseeing in the heart of Edinburgh.
Accessibility: The tearoom is located upstairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Website: www.willowtearooms.co.uk
Details, menus, and availability are subject to change. Check the official website before visiting.
