Updated April 2025
If you’re looking for an elegant yet welcoming spot to indulge in afternoon tea in Edinburgh, The Dome is one of the top places to go! Whether you’re celebrating something special, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself to a fancy afternoon, this place is a must-visit. I’ve been twice now, and both times, it’s been a fantastic experience—delicious food, great service, and a beautiful setting.
But is The Dome worth it? And more importantly—how does their vegan afternoon tea stack up? Let’s dive in!
Read More: Chocolatarium Edinburgh: An Honest Review
Table of contents
What is The Dome in Edinburgh?
The Dome is an iconic restaurant and bar in the heart of Edinburgh, known for its grand Georgian architecture and stunning interior. Originally built in the 19th century as the headquarters for the Commercial Bank of Scotland, it later became a luxury dining venue. Today, it’s one of Edinburgh’s most famous spots, particularly popular for its afternoon tea and dazzling Christmas decorations.
You can find more about The Dome’s history and offerings on their official website.
Vegan Afternoon Tea at The Dome
I’ve had afternoon tea at The Dome three times, and each time, it was a treat! The first time, I was there specifically for a review, so I was paying extra attention to every little detail (I paid for this myself). The second time, I went with my mom, who needed a vegan and garlic-free option, and the staff were fantastic at accommodating her dietary needs. The third and most recent time, my husband and I went to celebrate our anniversary.
The Setting
The Georgian Tea Room, where afternoon tea is served, is a beautiful space—elegant, cozy, and filled with natural light. The tables are fairly close together, but it still feels intimate. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, making it the perfect spot to unwind after exploring Edinburgh. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive and as we had noted that it was our anniversary, we were wished a happy anniversary multiple times. We even had little chocolates that said “Happy Annivesary” which was a nice treat!
The Food
The vegan afternoon tea includes a generous selection of sandwiches, sweets, and scones. There’s honestly so much food that it’s tough to finish it all! Highlights include:
- An option of fruit or plain scones
- The mille-feuille
- Sundried tomato sandwich
The only thing that I feel could be improved is the vegan clotted cream. It’s very sticky and I’m told is a bit of a way off from dairy clotted cream. Still, I can’t fault them for trying. Most places skip the attempt entirely and opt for a vegan butter.
- Sandwiches: A mix of classic and creative flavours, all crustless of course.
- Scones: Served with jam and vegan clotted cream. The texture of the cream is… interesting (thicker than traditional clotted cream, almost glue-like), but is sweet and enjoyable in moderation.
- Sweets: A lovely mix of pastries and cakes, all beautifully presented and full of flavor if perhaps a bit too sweet.
We opted for the Champagne Afternoon Tea on our first visit, which made the experience feel even more special. The second time, the staff went above and beyond to create a garlic-free meal for my mom, even offering her a choice of alternative sandwiches.
Tipsy Tea
On my most recent visit to the Dome, I opted for their Tipsy Tea – three Hendrick’s-based cocktails to complement each level of the tea. I think they did a great job pairing the cocktails. The first was beautifully presented in a teapot with dry ice and was nice a sweet, a good complement to the savoury level. The second was more sour and arrived in a teacup but wasn’t to my taste. The third, which arrived in a champagne flute, was nice and refreshing, but at this point I was so full of sweets that I don’t think I enjoyed it as much as I could have.
The Tipsy Tea alone (not including the food) is £34/person, which at over £11/cocktail is very pricy. I personally wouldn’t do this again and would instead have a glass of champagne.
You can check out the full afternoon tea menus here.
The Dome Edinburgh: Final Thoughts
If you’re in Edinburgh and looking for a memorable afternoon tea experience, The Dome is absolutely worth a visit. The setting is gorgeous, the food is delicious, and the service is excellent. Plus, they cater to a variety of dietary needs—including a solid vegan option, which isn’t always easy to find!
If you can, I highly recommend booking a visit during the Christmas season. The Dome is famous for its festive decorations, and the cosy holiday vibes make the experience even more magical. Just be sure to book in advance, as it fills up quickly!
For reservations and more info, check out The Dome’s website.
FAQ
There’s no strict dress code, but most people dress up a little. You’ll see a mix of outfits, from casual tourists to people in elegant attire. Personally, I like to dress up a bit for these kinds of experiences, but you won’t feel out of place in something more relaxed.
Yes! The Dome offers a children’s menu for afternoon tea, making it a family-friendly option. Just be sure to book in advance.
Before becoming a restaurant, The Dome was the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, built in 1847. Its grand neoclassical design makes it one of the most recognizable buildings in Edinburgh.
The Dome is privately owned by Caledonian Heritable Ltd, a company that operates several well-known hospitality venues in Scotland.
Afternoon tea at The Dome costs £32 per person. If you want to add some sparkle to your experience, the Champagne Afternoon Tea is available for a little extra. For what you get—lots of food, a lovely setting, and great service—I think it’s great value.
Leave a Reply