5 enticing afternoon tea experiences in St Andrews

Is there anything more decadent that a delicious, luxurious, and sometimes rustic afternoon tea?

Nowadays you can enjoy afternoon tea in a multitude of ways. Whether that be in a picturesque setting or in your favourite local café.

There are so many layers to the occasion now, but what hasn’t changed is the attention to detail on both sweet and savoury on menus across the region.

In St Andrews specifically, there’s a whole range of venues to pick from to tuck into finger sandwiches and petit fours.

Whether it’s a celebration or a catch up with old friends, a number of luxury venues across the country are proud to carry on this tradition.

Take a look at our favourite places to enjoy an afternoon tea in St Andrews

Fairmont St Andrews

Sip your tea by the sea at this iconic luxury hotel and take in the beautiful scenery that St Andrews has to offer.

Spend a leisurely afternoon in the Atrium Lounge beneath the 60-metre lighting sculpture, situated in the heart of the hotel, which was inspired by the artists’ views of the rolling hills and crashing waves overlooked by the venue.

Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea that showcases a range of teas, homemade sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries made fresh by the hotel’s executive pastry chef.

The cherry on top of this delicious offering is the venue’s exclusive partnership with Moët & Chandon, giving guests the choice to elevate their afternoon with the addition of luxury champagne.

Afternoon tea is served from 1-3.30pm Monday to Sunday.

Address: Fairmont St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8PNy

Fairmont St Andrews’ Fairmont afternoon tea.

Old Course Hotel

The Old Course Hotel offers an award-winning afternoon tea experience with a delicious selection of delicate pastries and cakes, created by the hotel’s pastry chef, including homemade plain scones and strawberry and pink Champagne preserve.

Served from 1-4pm daily in either the conservatory or the fourth-floor restaurant, guests can enjoy their afternoon teas while admiring the spectacular views across the Old Course in St Andrews.

Address: Old Course Hotel, Old Station Road, St Andrews, KY16 9SP

Rusacks Hotel

Steeped in golfing history like many of the neighbouring hotels and venues, the Rusacks building dates back to the 1800s.

The hotel has recently undergone a refurbishment and guests are now seated for afternoon tea in The Bridge restaurant which boasts stunning views of St Andrews’ Swilcan Bridge and the Old Course.

Address: Pilmour Links, St Andrews KY16 9JQ

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Rufflets

Afternoon tea is the perfect way to catch up with friends and family while treating yourself to the best of sweet and savoury.

From their delicate patisserie to their mouth-watering finger sandwiches with a range of fillings, not to mention the delicious line-up of freshly made cakes that you’ll find utterly divine.

The experience is served with big steaming pots of tea or coffee and you can enjoy afternoon tea in the restaurant or outside on the terrace next to the croquet lawn.

There are also vegetarian, gluten-free and a children’s menu. Afternoon Tea is served Monday to Sunday from 2-4.30pm

Address: B939, Strathkinness Low Road, St Andrews KY16 9TX