Chances are you will come across the name Eteaket during any visit to Edinburgh. Their teas are ubiquitous at many restaurants and cafés in town but to appreciate the full experience you can't beat a visit to their tea room.
In the basement of a building just off George Street the café has a bit of a rabbit warren feel with low roofs and alcoves. It's usually crammed, but, trust me; any wait you have is worth it!
The tea menu is huge! I never knew there were so many types of tea. All of them are served with a small hourglass to make sure the tea's steeped for the optimum time – tea is a serious business in Eteaket. My favourites are the flowering teas; the leaves are served in bundles that open and bloom as they infuse.
The mismatched china cups and saucers add to the ambience; it is a lovely mix of an old-fashioned tea house and a modern boutique.
As well as the traditional afternoon teas there are cream teas and a selection of cakes and sandwiches. There are gluten, and/or dairy free options in the cakes and sandwiches and Eteaket even offer a gluten-free afternoon tea. Even better, they now offer bubbly afternoon tea with a glass of fizz!
The service can be slow and at peak times it can feel like a crammed and rushed experience but it is worth persevering, getting a table and enjoying the full tea experience at a leisurely pace.
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