The Signet Library

Angela, Grayson and I went to the Colonnades at the Signet Library in Edinburgh for Afternoon tea today.

The Signet Library on West Parliament Square just next to St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile was built in 1822 by architect Robert Reid, the last King's architect in Scotland. The Library is still a working law library owned by The Society of Writers to Her Majesty’s Signet (known as the WS Society) – a society of solicitors who, like their predecessors, cherish and guard the building for future generations. During the months of July and August, it is also open for lunch and afternoon teas.

The website calls it the finest afternoon tea in Edinburgh. And from what I've seen, I'd have to agree. We've been visiting and grading afternoon tea establishments for years now so we've seen a few.

It was wonderful, from the pea soup as the amuse bouche, to the mini burger, celery and cheese tartlet and gin smoked salmon to the chocolate and salted caramel tart, rhubarb fool and lemon meringue pie to the lemon sorbet ending. And these are just a few of the bitesize treats on offer - it was like a mini 4 course meal with unlimited tea (and many varieties) coffee and hot chocolate. It all came in stages so there is no definitive afternoon tea photo!

Set in the grand historic surroundings, it was rather quiet and subdued for 15 month old Grayson but that didn't stop it getting a score of 35/40 on our rating scale - our highest score so far. At £25 a head it's not cheap, but it's worth it, especially if you have a special occasion!