24 August 2020
Scottish Afternoon Tea
“Life is like a cup of tea, to be filled to the brim and enjoyed with clan’
This month, your August WeeBox transports you to the rolling hills of Scotland for a traditional Scottish Afternoon Tea experience. Savour rustically simple food, perfectly brewed tea and stunning table pieces to set the scene, even a treat to wear to look the part! We will take you through the ritual of a delightful Afternoon Tea to be indulged and created in the comfort of your own home – even just throw down a tartan rug!
Ready to enjoy a wee spot of tea?
Afternoon Tea started in Scotland in the 1600s when workmen would come home from work for ‘tea’ to enjoy cheeses, pickles, breads and the occasional cheeky steak pie. After a long day of working the land, these men needed a good substantial meal to replenish them.
The notion of an afternoon tea was then developed by one of Queen Victoria’s (who was an ardent fan of Scotland, especially our glorious highlands) ladies in waiting. She found herself feeling blue around 4pm and would have her servants bring her tea and cakes. Eventually the idea took off and she began to invite friends over to share in the magic and just like that, Afternoon Tea as we know it today was born.
Today Scottish hotels, restaurants and cafes recreate the magic of Afternoon Tea as a fabulous, social experience and as an indulgence to be revelled in!
Here are our top 3 picks of places to enjoy a truly unique Scottish Afternoon Tea experience when you can visit our shores again.
1. The Torridon Hotel, Highlands
Lose track of time over a delectable Afternoon Tea in their 1887 Restaurant with stunning views across the still waters of the loch to the mountains. The delicious homemade cakes and jams are matched only by the breathtaking scenery!
2. Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye
Kinloch can be discovered in a particularly beautiful part of the island: down a long drive, at the foot of a mountain and at the head of Loch na Dal. It is also the ancestral home of Lord and Lady MacDonald and their world-class Afternoon Tea there is an experience like no other. To be enjoyed with Kinloch fizz, you can expect elegant Aultbea smoked salmon & cucumber finger sandwiches and homemade Nairn strawberry tartlet.
What fun! For something to really write home about, why not take Afternoon Tea on a vintage red bus while seeing the sights of our historic capital! While nibbling your sandwiches and sipping your Brodies tea or a teapot brimming with gin cocktail, the bus will whisk you around some of Edinburgh’s historic highlights including Edinburgh Castle. A day to remember!
Inspired now by some of our most unique Afternoon Tea destinations, why not recreate your own at home! The August WeeBox is brimming with gifts to help you set the scene and bring Scotland to your table – enjoy WeeBox Clan and remember to add the fizz!