The Geordie Tourist.

After some sightseeing, we headed to The Dome for a spot of afternoon tea. I'm sorry, but I couldn't go all of the way to Edinburgh without indulging in a bit of afternoon delight. (Stop being dirty.)

It's quite a spectacle to behold. Very ornate pieces. Think gorgeous crystal chandeliers, high ceilings with intricate detailing. I particularly loved the black and white checked flooring, how well it worked with the rich tones of the walls. Basically if you were ever thinking of trying out afternoon tea it would be the most perfect spot.

The Tea was held in The Georgian Tea room. I mean come on, it has it's own special room just for afternoon tea and such. Very classy indeed.

You can check out the menu. The sandwiches were top notch, soft bread and tasty fillings. Hot, plain scones (just the way mother likes them) and delectable mini cakes. I'm a sucker for a good macaron and they did not disappoint. It was £16.50 per person (£23.50 with champagne) To be honest I would have paid that for the surroundings alone. All I'll say is if you go, check out the bathroom. Luxury doesn't even cut it.

St. Giles' Cathedral was next on the tour. We had spent so long chatting over tea, that it was just a quick stop before it closed.

It's such a gorgeous building situated on the Royal Mile right in the middle of everything. It's a very popular place. Every time we passed there were always hoards of people about and rightly so. It has such a calming effect on the soul. Just stepping through it's door and talking in the beauty of the stained glass windows, the organ and alter and you can see why. 

Admission is free and it's open until 19:00 (On weekdays)

Just before calling it a night, we went on a free ghost tour of the city. There are plenty of tours about in Edinburgh and you only need walk a few minutes on the Royal Mile before bumping into one of them. 

I will say it wasn't quite what I expected. It was a great way to see the city, and at night. The stories however were a bit more about murder and less ghostly I'll say. Our tour guide was a bit pushy and as we moved from place to place the group was getting smaller from all of the people deciding to leave. She didn't mind slagging off the English either. So yeah, enter at your own peril I guess...

The lady that served us was lovely. She took us straight to a table by the window and brought us a glass of bubbly. I was shocked at how fast the place started filling up. (I'm guessing a lot of people had vouchers)

On the menu was:

prosecco

tea

cheese and pickle sandwiches

egg mayonnaise and rocket sandwiches

plain scones with butter, jam and cream

lemon drizzle cake

chocolate brownie

carrot cake

The sandwiches were fine. No stale bread in sight. It's always a bit harder with a vegetarian option as there's not a lot of choice for sandwich fillings. Our server asked us if there was any other options we would like which was nice. Between the two of us we couldn't think of anything though, guess were going to have to get out of the egg and cheese box.

The scones were great. We requested plain, which we do a lot of the time. It's just an integral part to afternoon tea and one I always look forward too. I will say that the cream seemed more like whipped instead of clotted, but it all still tasted right.

The carrot cake was my favourite. I love the cream cheese frosting and how you feel slightly healthier knowing there's a bit of veg in it. (Or maybe that's just me.)

The weather was great too. It had been our plan to go for a nice walk along the Quayside afterwards. Just looking at the views outside made me feel like I was being taunted. 

I managed to eat everything apart from my brownie and I didn't finish my tea or prosecco either. That was nothing compared to my mam who had kept her scone until last. It was buttered and jammed and everything when we had to quickly leave. I think she was a bit gutted. 

The getting followed home by a hot guy in shades kind of made up for it though.

Overall a decent experience. I feel the cakes were nicer than last time, even the sandwiches too, I just wish I could have savoured it for a bit longer. Who knows there might be a next time.

Have any of you sampled Afternoon Tea at the Copthorne before?

We went for the classic afternoon tea. There was an option for sparkling or cocktail too. I wouldn't have minded trying the cocktail one, but I'm working later so no good.

We had:

English breakfast tea

Roasted veg/ cress and mayo/ cucumber and cream cheese/ tomato and pesto sandwiches

Scones with cream and jam

Lemon sponge cake with lemon icing and white chocolate topping

Banoffee cheesecake shot

Chocolate and orange macaroon

Chocolate brownie

I liked the sandwiches, the tomato and pesto was delicious and something I've never tried before. The roast veg was great too. I found the cress one slightly odd. It had a green sauce on it, but I couldn't for the life of me tell you what it was. I wish we had of been told by the server what we were actually eating. Half of the time it was a guessing game. It all tasted great though so I guess I can't complain too much.

We got three scones each. Never have I been anywhere and gotten three. They weren't massive which was great. We all opted for plain and they were nice and crumbly. I loved that you got given little pots of strawberry and raspberry jam. I never really have raspberry, but I preferred it to the strawberry. We managed a couple and took the rest home in a goody bag. (Which always seems to happen.)

The lemon cake was soft and creamy and the banoffee cheesecake just went beyond my expectations. It tasted amazing. I loved how the biscuit was loose on the top, the little spoon you got to eat it with. How it was nice and creamy, how sweet the toffee tasted. (So good.)

I had a voucher for afternoon tea for two at Seaham Hall. So I decided to treat my mam. There’s no one else I really afternoon tea with, it’s kind of our chance for a little bonding session, and we always have a laugh. I’m such a big fan of the whole ritual of it, add a very posh location into the mix and I’ll all but cry with excitement.

As soon as we pulled up I could see just how amazing the place looked. There’s lots of well-maintained lawns and trees and outside of the entrance is a modern style water feature.

There was lots of glass and mirrors mixed in with a light dusting of exposed brick work. Heavy plush curtains surrounding the massive windows overlooking the grounds. Crushed velvet styled booths and tartan cushions. Dark coloured walls and floors with the hint of metal from the side tables. It was just done well. You know when you go somewhere, and it just works. You know some top notch designer has worked their magic and it just looks effortless, well that.

Everything tasted great, the presentation was immaculate and the staff were very friendly and attentive. The girl that served us kept checking if we were alright and offered us drinks throughout. They really put us at ease and allowed us to have a great afternoon. 

 The real winners for me were the cous cous stuffed peppers and the salad. None iceberg lettuce and cucumber in sight (that’s pretty much the extent of my salad making skills.) It had pomegranate and dates in it, oh and rocket which is turning out to be one of my fave things. Everything just went so well together and it made it sweet and tasty. I’d definitely try making it again at home.