Savour the Art of Afternoon Tea: Glasgow’s Luxe Hotels Serve Up a Modern Twist

Afternoon Tea Week kicks off today, and two of Glasgow’s top hotels are bringing their A-game to this timeless British tradition. Whether you’re marking a special occasion, welcoming out-of-town guests, or simply indulging in a mid-week treat, voco Grand Central Glasgow and Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel have reimagined afternoon tea with a chic, contemporary flair.

A Pink Paradise at voco Grand Central

Nestled within the iconic Glasgow Central train station, voco Grand Central’s award-winning Champagne Central lounge is serving up a deliciously pink twist on the classic afternoon tea. Inspired by the hotel’s flamboyant mascot, the flamingo, the ‘Pink Afternoon Tea’ is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Start things off with a selection of savoury delights—think chicken Caesar brioche buns, a crunchy cheese savoury, and delicate devilled egg finger sandwiches, topped off with a retro prawn cocktail. But the real magic happens when you dive into the sweets. Picture a white chocolate ganache tart, a matcha and raspberry Battenberg that’s almost too pretty to eat, and a raspberry and white chocolate mini gateau that’s the perfect balance of richness and lightness.

And, of course, no afternoon tea is complete without scones. Here, you’ll find both traditional and fruit scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, all paired with your choice of a comforting pot of tea or coffee. Want to up the ante? Add a glass of prosecco, a flute of champagne, or one of Champagne Central’s signature pink bellinis for that extra sparkle.

Afternoon tea at Champagne Central is available Sunday to Friday from 12-4pm and on Saturdays from 12-2pm, starting at £35 per person. For bookings, simply call 0141 221 3388.

A Scottish Twist at Kimpton Blythswood Square

After a long hiatus, afternoon tea has made a grand return to the luxurious Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa, and it’s every bit as indulgent as you’d hope. Served in the elegant setting of iasg, the hotel’s chic restaurant, this afternoon tea embraces the rich flavours of Scottish cuisine, combined with the finest seasonal produce.

Begin your experience with a selection of savoury bites that celebrate the best of Scotland, like smoked salmon and artfully crafted seasonal tartlets. The experience reaches a sweet crescendo with a range of decadent desserts, featuring the ripest fruits of the season and, of course, those all-important freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and preserves.

For those looking to truly pamper themselves, why not pair your afternoon tea with a visit to Blythswood Square’s recently renovated spa? After a luxurious spa day, retreat to iasg to complete your experience with this elegant afternoon tea. Packages that combine the spa and afternoon tea can be booked online, making it easy to plan your perfect day of relaxation.

Afternoon tea at Blythswood Square is served every day from 12-5pm, priced from £45 per person.

Time to sip, savour, and celebrate in style!