The Colonnades (Old Town)

• I was visiting Edinburgh last week with a friend we had morning coffee on one of our days on the Royal Mile and we enjoyed it so much we went back the next day for Afternoon Tea
• Everything was just perfect in particular The service is 5 star
• The Colonnades at the Signet Library is definitely the best afternoon tea in town
• They do the best GLUTEN FREE afternoon tea too
• Our mirrored tables glistened with miniature works of art
• Everything was absolutely breathtaking
• The vegetarian selection was particularly perfect
• I certainly did not feel I was missing anything from the 'normal' version at it's side
• The setting was spectacularly grand
• The drinks were simply divine
• Above all the service was impeccable
• All in all it was a magical experience at the Signet
• We've followed their work with the Signet Library too and afternoon tea there is an August tradition
• The library is owned by the WS Society
• Were originally responsible for documents that were sealed with the royal seal
• The Signet Library is still a functioning library and the use of the association's symbols is a nice way to remind us of its history
• Heritage Portfolio has worked with Edinburgh Gin to create gins infused with teas
• Tonic brought out the citrus in Earl Grey while the spices in Chai Spice was most obvious in the neat dram
• The gin made with the WS own signature blend was delicate and fresh
• Catching up with friends in the foody community
• I refreshed my palate with a glass of prosecco
• We were offered choux puffs filled with cheese cream
• Mini Aberdeen Angus burgers in brioche buns were fun and tasty
• I enjoyed the smoked apple wood cheese tartlets with their crisp pastry and gentle celery crunch
• A tiny prawn cocktail with coriander and mango salsa was cute
• Gin infused salmon bound to an oatcake with a deliciously dill flavoured cream cheese
• Tomato and basil spear was also lovely
• On the sandwich tray were traditional egg and cress on white bread
• The stand we were brought elicited an admiring 'oh
• Fluffy plain and fruit scones with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry and Champagne jam is really a very nice way to start the sweet proceedings
• The flavour was fresh and punchy mango so easily disappears
• I got very excited about the rhubarb fool because rhubarb is one of my favourite things and something I don't eat nearly as much of as I should
• Beautifully tangy and came topped with compote and a dehydrated rhubarb wafer
• This is probably the best chocolate tart I've ever had
• The lemon meringue tart was also flawless
• Lady like face and not bop up and down on the chair in glee when so many of yur favourite things are placed in front of you on one place
• Especially when they are executed perfectly
• The mille feuille with cream and strawberries was great
• The crisp pastry sheets are perfect vehicles for fresh
• I was almost too full and too awed with his skill to speak
• I have to say I was pretty excited about this
• The Signet Library is a beautiful room
• Afternoon tea is an extravagant treat and one of my favourite indulgences so I feel very excited to say that I may have found the best one in Edinburgh
• As you walk through the hall the main room opens up before you with beautiful Corinthian columns towering above diners
• The recently opened Colonnades tea salon is part of Heritage Portfolio&rsquo
• The menu will change seasonally depending on what is available and often featuring produce grown by the team in their gardens in Leith
• There is a good selection on the menu with their own Signet blend too
• S Pommery champagne bar will be relieved to hear there is still a huge choice of champagne and cocktails on the menu
• As l love smoky drinks a Lapsang Souchong was my favourite
• As the refills are free I also tried a Russian Caravan blend with smelled like a summer evening by a campfire
• Our server was excellent and a fountain of knowledge on food and drinks
• The Savoury course arrived all on its own with three tiers
• A flaky hot cheese tart with caramelised onions
• Fruity mini prawn cocktail with mango salsa and a Shetland Salmon tartare on oatcakes
• T get any better after the savouries but then the sweet course arrived with another three tiers of deliciousness
• Clair and a mille feuille with Perthshire strawberries and grahams organic cream
• My partner is a chocolate fiend
• He was head over heels in love with the Belgian chocolate and sea salted caramel tart
• I always order the fruity puddings but I have to agree that this little treat was something special
• The chocolate ganache was rich and creamy
• We can both say with complete honesty that this is the BEST Afternoon tea we have had in Edinburgh
• Step through the doors and you will notice just how welcoming and calm it is inside in contrast to the bustling Royal Mile
• The Lower Library where the reception was held has now been restored to its former grandeur and reopened under the name Colonnades
• The tables have mirrored surfaces and are set with the finest bespoke silverware
• Some of which are original to the building
• From the elegance of the room to the highest quality of each and everyone of the little treats you are about to taste
• Have some champagne with it and the experience will be enhanced
• This was one of the best treats I have had in a long time
• Staff everything was to perfection
• Started off with an amuse bouche
• This is so far the best afternoon tea that we had
• The service was excellent and the cakes were nice
• The only downside was the savoury part on the middle tray
• ) taste was very ordinary and the tofu seems only mixed with sweet chilli sauce
• We appreciate as they accepted us with dietary requirements without any booking first
• We booked three months in advance as this is such a popular venue with limited tables
• The surroundings are what sets the signet library apart from anyone else
• The afternoon tea is the cherry on top great quality food with a decent variety of teas and champagnes
• It is worth it though a visit to the Signet library is always a special treat and memorable experience
• Chosen to treat ourselves to evening tea at the Signet Library with a visit to Colonnades an a truly huge and stylishly shocking area
• Everything was rich and refined
• This was as great an evening tea encounter as we'd had in any best lodging anyplace on the planet
• Superb afternoon tea with amazing range of items not just the traditional selection all beautifully served by charming attentive staff

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