Afternoon tea, is an age-old tradition that continues to enchant both locals and visitors, and is a quintessential experience in Scotland. I often get asked where do you go for the best Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh? It’s a tough question to answer but made a little easier now after enjoying a luxurious Afternoon Tea onboard Fingal in their Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar.

If you want a unique and luxurious Afternoon Tea experience, then Fingal is my Number One hot pick!

A REVIEW OF AFTERNOON TEA ONBOARD FINGAL, THE LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT & BAR, EDINBURGH

Fingal was commissioned in 1963 as a boat that ferried lighthouse keepers, essential supplies and maintenance staff to lighthouses, as well as undertaking repairs to navigational aids throughout the West Coast and the North of Scotland. In 2000 she retired and was brought under the wing of the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust in 2014 then converted to a five-star luxury floating hotel and a 2 AA Rosette bar and restaurant in 2019. It is permanently moored at Alexandra Dock in Leith.

From the moment you step onto the red carpet, across the gangplank, its 5 star customer service. Doors are opened for you, you are escorted to the winding stairwell or the elevator to take you to the Lighthouse and you are met as soon as you step into the restaurant. The staff have to be commended here - they are extremely knowledgeable, helpful and friendly as well as efficient ensuring you have one of the most hassle free dining experiences.

Tea is taken very seriously here as are the coffees. There is a beautiful menu filled with herbaceous, floral white, red and black teas from Pekeo Tea including Fingals own blend. Its loose leaf tea that is served here - strainer and tea silverware are on your table on arrival, just teapots and cups n saucers that arrived once you’ve ordered.

Staying with teacups, our amuse bouche of Leek and Potato veloute is serve. It’s warming, easy drinking and luscious, preparing your tastebuds for the luxury Afternoon Tea ahead.

The savoury and sweet delights are spilt into two. Savoury is up first bringing you delicate savouries such as the lamb, apricot and fennel sausage rolls, roast courgette and feta arancini, chicken liver parfait & mango salsa and Fingal’s hot smoked salmon cone. Sandwiches range from egg mayonnaise and mustard cress, to cheese and tomato relish, an open smoked salmon & herbed cream cheese bagel and mini pastrami & piccalilli baguettes (these were too cute).

Next is the sweet stand laden with mouth watering cakes. Perthshire strawberry opera cake to poached cherries with white chocolate mousse, heritage tomato macarons and millionaires shortbread, not forgetting the classic buttermilk scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Is it gonna be cream and jam or jam and cream?

From the beautiful shimmering ceiling to the art deco crockery and finishing touches, the Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar puts on a tremendous fanfare that picks you up and takes you on a splendid whirlwind of decadence and mouth watering perfection.

After a delightful time spent indulging, don’t forget to take a wander onto the deck to take in the waterfront view and visit the spectacular ballroom.

Fingal Afternoon Tea costs £50pp or £65pp if you would like to include a glass of Champagne. Served Wednesday - Sunday from 12.30pm - 3.30pm. Advance reservation required and you can book HERE.

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT AFTERNOON TEA AT FINGAL

• Given notice they can accommodate dietary and allergy requirements

• They do have disabled access - there is ramp up onto the ship and they have an elevator down to the restaurant and bar. W/Cs are on the same level too.

• They are not dog friendly

Fingal, Alexandra Dock, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 7DX www.fingal.co.uk

My Spoon Award : Tartan Spoon 10/10

I was invited by Fingal to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.