Signet Library

It’s controversial, BUT … the award for Edinburgh’s best afternoon tea [ cue drum roll ] goes to [ pause insanely long time for dramatic effect ] oh my god [ last pause, we promise ] it’s the Colonnades @ the fabulous Signet Libary!!⁣
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The Signet Library on the Royal Mile, offers some of the city’s most dramatic decor. Surrounded by Greco-Roman pillars, touches of gold, and towering bookcases, one can indulge in five-star food & endless bottles of Pommery champagne
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We’re here with the inexhaustible Kerry Teakle, soaking up both the sensational atmos, and the contents of the wine cellar. So while we’re calling this, speech marks, afternoon tea: the odds of us drinking actual tea NOT terribly high. ⁣

Instead, it’s a cheeky hello to a shedload of fizz, and three, no, make that four bottles of a gorgeous rosé. Nectar of the gods, and all that! Though rest assured, we’re also consuming gargantuan amounts of food.
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Starting with the amuse-bouche: a fragrant and rather cheeky Thai Sweet potato soup. Delightful, to say the least, we are indeed très amused, and now even more excited about the feast ahead.⁣

Soon we hear the magical sound of a champagne glass being refreshed, and welcome three tiers of savoury excellence, including: Panna cotta with Serrano ham, cream cheese & pea / Choux pastry with carrot & coriander / Vegetarian sausage roll with cauliflower & lentil / and a dazzling selection of sandwiches. ⁣
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The love that’s gone into their creation is undeniable. Special praise goes to the grilled courgette sandwich with red pepper chutney & feta; and our absolute favourite, the Pavlova with salmon mousse. Magnificently creamy, just a hint of sweetness – a TRIUMPH!

Mere moments after dabbing one’s lips, comes three tiers of incredible sweets: Violet & passionfruit macrons / Citrus Yoghurt with chocolate & candied orange / Pina Colada delice / Strawberry tart / Battenberg with elderflower & blackcurrant / and the list goes on!⁣
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Every breathtaking bite brings these bitches absolute joy, which is why we now feel compelled to: [ A ] order more fizz; and [ B ] congratulate the Colonnades on being UTTERLY fabulous. You guys are the best!

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