Colonnades at The Signet Library
Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF
thesignetlibrary.co.uk/colonnades/afternoon-tea
+44-131-226-1064
an excellent afternoon tea. Photography Courtesy of The Signet Library.
Edinburgh has no fewer than 28 libraries, and The Signet Library is one of the oldest and most fascinating. Built in 1822, it is a working law reference library owned by The Society of Writers to His Majesty’s Signet, an incorporated body of Scottish lawyers known as The WS Society. Solicitors in Scotland were previously called writers, and the signet refers to the private seal of the early kings of Scotland, records of which date back to 1369. The purpose of The WS Society today includes working to “advance and disseminate knowledge and education in law and legal practice for public benefit.”
There are two floors to The Signet Library, and during a visit shortly after the building was completed, King George IV described the Upper Library as “the finest drawing room in Europe.” How apt that today the most gracious and luxurious afternoon teas are served in this historic building! Most visitors, as they turn into the room from the entrance lobby, stop short and stand quite still, their eyes wide in amazement at the sheer beauty and neoclassical grandeur of the room, with its tall, fluted Corinthian columns and impressive floor-to-ceiling shelves arranged neatly with hundreds and hundreds of ancient leather-bound law books. As in all libraries, there is a respectful hush, and voices quieten as guests take in the glorious design and importance of this historic space.
The tables are spaced well apart, allowing each group of guests a certain privacy and separation from other people’s conversations. As guests settle into their seats, they cannot possibly know what delicious treats will soon appear. Afternoon tea starts with a small amuse-bouche that just wakes up the taste buds, and then comes a platter of neat little hot and cold savouries and exquisite sandwiches.
The dessert tray and cake stand bring warm scones and an irresistible selection of desserts—chocolate pudding, fruit cakes, brightly coloured macarons, and more. The final treat is a chilled fruit sorbet to cleanse the palate. Maître d’ Glenn D’Costa is always available to explain all the special goodies and help visitors choose a suitable tea. If the idea of taking tea in this gloriously unique setting appeals, the advice is to book ahead. The Signet Library can serve up to 90 guests in an afternoon, but bookings are often completely full up to three months ahead. Word has got around that this is one of the finest locations for afternoon tea in Edinburgh, possibly in the UK.
