We love a good afternoon tea here in Scotland, with plenty of decent spots to choose from in Glasgow. However, what if I told you that you don’t have to go that far for the best afternoon tea in Scotland, located at a beloved coastal town under an hour away?
The Prestige Hotel Awards, which are like the “Oscars” of hospitality, named the best of the best in the business in their awards ceremony last week. Glasgow did exceptionally well, and we’re officially home to the best hotel bar and restaurant (in separate places) in Scotland, as well as the best four-star hotel in the country.
The best afternoon tea in Scotland
The best afternoon tea in Scotland can be found in Ayr, a popular resort town on the West Coast, as the Western House Hotel at Ayr Racecourse was the winner of the category. Available every day between 12pm and 5pm, the afternoon tea at the hotel boasts a decadent selection of savoury bites, sandwiches and cakes.
Guests can expect delights like Haggis Bon Bon, Smoked Salmon & Creamed Cheese Oatcake, Sausage Roll, Roast Scotch Beef, Tomato & Horseradish sandwich, freshly baked scones and cakes made by the in-house pastry team.
The price is £50 for two people, £60 with a glass of bubbly or £70 with a glass of champagne.
Describing the afternoon tea, Executive Chef Iain Conway said: “I don’t believe in decoration for the sake of it; every ingredient should be there for a reason.”
Things to do in Ayr
While classed as a resort town filled with holidaying Glaswegians, Ayr has a market town feel, with the benefit of lovely beaches. Boasting views of the Isle of Arran and the Firth of Clyde, the shoreline is perfect for a long stroll, whether along the promenade or on the sand. What is more, the ruins of Greenan Castle are set to be the best spot for a view.
What is more, visitors can explore the birthplace of Robert Burns, just two miles from the city centre of Ayr in Alloway.
As the home of the biggest racecourse in Scotland, Ayr also hosts the Scottish Grand National, hosted between April and November. And, of course, don’t forget to explore all the pubs, restaurants, shops and cafes while there, with plenty to choose from!
The full list of the Prestige Hotel Awards winners
BEST GOLF HOTEL – JA Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort (Bishopton)
BEST HISTORIC/HERITAGE HOTEL – Carberry Tower Mansion House & Estate (East Lothian)
BEST CONCIERGE – Jo Smith, Edinburgh Grand
BEST AFTERNOON TEA – Western House Hotel (Ayr)
BEST B&B / GUESTHOUSE – Brambles of Inveraray (Inveraray)
BEST TEAM – Riverside Lodge Hotel (Irvine)
BEST COASTAL HOTEL – Oban Bay Hotel (Oban)
BEST COUNTRY HOTEL – Kingshouse Hotel (Glencoe)
BEST EVENTS/CONFERENCE HOTEL – Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel (Clydebank)
BEST FUNERAL RECEPTION HOTEL – The King Robert Hotel (Stirling)
BEST VALUE ACCOMMODATION – Maldron Hotel (Glasgow)
BEST HOTEL BAR – House of Gods Hotel (Glasgow)
BEST HOTEL RENOVATION – Glasgow Marriott Hotel (Glasgow)
BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT – Crossbasket Castle (Glasgow)
BEST PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL – The Oak Tree Inn (Balmaha)
BEST SELF CATERING/UNIQUE STAY – Portavadie, Loch Fyne (Tighnabruaich)
BEST SPA HOTEL – The Gailes Hotel & Spa (Irvine)
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL – Knipoch Hotel (Oban)
BEST GENERAL MANAGER – Claire McLoughlin; Leonardo Royal (Edinburgh)
BEST WEDDING HOTEL – Western House Hotel (Ayr)
BEST 3* HOTEL – The Cairndale Hotel and Spa (Dumfries)
BEST 4* HOTEL – Clayton Hotel (Glasgow)
BEST 5* HOTEL – Seaton House (St Andrews)
