Afternoon tea in the United Kingdom is a ritual with deep roots, and few experiences rival the one at Palm Court within The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel on Edinburgh’s Princes Street. This guide compares its award‑winning offering—currently priced at £45 per person for the standard afternoon tea—against other iconic UK afternoon teas, helping you decide where to book based on dress code, atmosphere, and value.

Last checked: 2026-09-13

Property: The Balmoral, Edinburgh (Rocco Forte) · Property: Balmoral Hotel, Belfast · Afternoon tea: Available at Edinburgh Balmoral (dress code applies) · Location: Edinburgh: Princes Street; Belfast: 10 min from city centre

The Balmoral at a glance

1 Star rating & ownership

• 5‑star property in Edinburgh, operated by Rocco Forte Hotels (Cvent)

2 Landmark status

• Iconic clock tower and city symbol on Princes Street (VisitScotland)

3 Afternoon tea award

• Named Best Traditional Afternoon Tea in the UK at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2026 (The Herald)

Note: According to TripAdvisor reviews, Palm Court offers up to 88 loose‑leaf tea varieties with unlimited refills, though this has not been independently verified from the official menu.

Fact	Details
Property (Edinburgh)	The Balmoral, Edinburgh (Rocco Forte)
Property (Belfast)	Balmoral Hotel, Belfast
Afternoon tea	Available at Edinburgh Balmoral (dress code applies)
Location (Edinburgh)	Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
Location (Belfast)	Approx. 10 minutes by car from city centre
Atmosphere (Edinburgh)	Luxury landmark, formal yet welcoming
Atmosphere (Belfast)	Family‑friendly, relaxed

Who owns Balmoral Hotel?

The flagship Edinburgh property, simply called The Balmoral, is owned and operated by Rocco Forte Hotels, the British luxury hotel group founded by Sir Rocco Forte. The group purchased the hotel in 2009 and has since maintained its 5‑star status and landmark clock‑tower exterior (Cvent). Note that a separate, unrelated Balmoral Hotel exists in Belfast (also operated by a different company) and a Balmoral Hotel in Dublin—though those are not affiliated with the Rocco Forte property.

What is the Balmoral Hotel famous for?

Beyond its century‑old clock tower—which is famously set three minutes fast to help travellers catch their trains from Waverley Station—the hotel is internationally known for its Palm Court afternoon tea. As VisitScotland puts it, “Palm Court, set in the heart of the hotel, is an Edinburgh institution that’s as glittering as its glass dome and Venetian chandelier” (VisitScotland). The tearoom’s award‑winning afternoon tea—named Best Traditional Afternoon Tea in the UK in 2026—draws both first‑time visitors and returning connoisseurs.

How much is a night at the Balmoral Hotel?

Room rates at The Balmoral vary by season and room category, but publicly available data from booking platforms typically show prices starting around £300–£400 per night for a standard double room and exceeding £1,000 for suites. These figures are indicative and subject to change. The hotel itself does not publish fixed nightly rates on its official site; instead, guests are directed to check live availability.

In comparison, the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast (a separate property) generally offers lower nightly rates, often in the £80–£150 range depending on demand. For the Edinburgh flagship, the high price reflects its 5‑star status, central location, and the prestige of its dining outlets.

What is the most expensive afternoon tea in the UK?

Among the UK’s standout afternoon teas, the priciest is often cited as the Champagne afternoon tea at The Ritz London, which as of 2025 is priced around £80–£90 per person. The Balmoral’s Champagne option at £60 per person (including a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve) sits below that level, while the standard afternoon tea at £45 is comparable to other luxury hotel teas. Harrods’ afternoon tea, for instance, costs approximately £65–£75 for two people (around £33–£38 per person when shared).

Does Balmoral have a dress code for their afternoon tea?

Yes, The Balmoral enforces a smart casual dress code for Palm Court. According to the hotel’s published guidelines, guests are asked to avoid ripped denim, sportswear, and trainers. Jeans are permitted only if they are smart and paired with a jacket or blouse (Rocco Forte Hotels – Palm Court).

Can I wear jeans to afternoon tea?

At Palm Court, yes—provided they are dark, well‑fitting, and worn with a smart top. At The Ritz London, by contrast, jeans are not permitted at all; men are required to wear a jacket and tie. Harrods’ Tea Rooms are more relaxed, allowing smart jeans. Always check the specific venue’s policy before visiting.

What do you eat first in afternoon tea?

Traditional afternoon tea follows a specific order: savoury sandwiches first, then scones with clotted cream and jam, and finally pastries and cakes. Palm Court serves its courses in this classic sequence, though some guests note the scones arrive warm and are often served with a pot of clotted cream and strawberry preserve (British Tearooms by Kat).

Can you ask for more sandwiches at afternoon tea?

Yes, at Palm Court it is common practice to request extra sandwiches, and several TripAdvisor reviews confirm that staff are happy to bring more. Unlike some venues that strictly ration the savoury course, The Balmoral’s service is noted for its generosity. One reviewer mentioned “unlimited tea and sandwiches were a pleasant surprise.”

What is the most expensive afternoon tea in the UK?

Based on publicly listed prices, the title of most expensive standard afternoon tea in the UK is generally held by The Ritz London (around £80 per person) and Claridge’s (similar range). The Balmoral’s standard afternoon tea at £45 per person is significantly less expensive, yet its Champagne option at £60 brings it closer to the mid‑high bracket.

How much is afternoon tea at Harrods for 2 people?

Harrods offers its Afternoon Tea in the Georgian Restaurant for approximately £65–£75 for two people (around £33–£38 per person). This makes it a more affordable luxury option compared to The Balmoral’s £45 per person standard tea. However, Harrods’ tea does not typically include unlimited refills of sandwiches or a wide tea list—Palm Court offers both.

How much is afternoon tea at the Ritz London?

The Ritz London charges £80–£90 per person for its classic afternoon tea in the Palm Court (note: its own Palm Court, not to be confused with The Balmoral’s). This price includes a choice of teas, sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a glass of Champagne. It is widely considered the benchmark for traditional English afternoon tea in London.

Property	Dress code	Atmosphere	Location	Booking requirements
The Balmoral (Edinburgh)	Smart casual; no ripped jeans or sportswear	Luxury landmark, formal yet relaxed	1 Princes Street, Edinburgh (city centre)	Advance booking recommended, especially in summer
Harrods (London)	Smart casual; jeans allowed	Elegant department‑store setting, busy	Knightsbridge, London	Book ahead; walk‑ins sometimes possible
The Ritz (London)	Jacket and tie required for men; no jeans	Very formal, traditional, chandeliers	Piccadilly, London	Must book weeks in advance; strict cancellation policy

Detailed specifications: Palm Court at The Balmoral

Address	1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
Afternoon tea hours	Daily 12:00–17:00
Standard tea price	£45 per person
Champagne tea price	£60 per person (includes Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve)
Tea selection	Up to 88 varieties, unlimited refills (per TripAdvisor reviews)
Award	Best Traditional Afternoon Tea in the UK 2026 (Afternoon Tea Awards)
Ownership	Rocco Forte Hotels

Pros and cons of Balmoral afternoon tea

Best afternoon tea for different travellers

• Couples seeking romance – The Balmoral (Edinburgh): candlelit table under the dome, Champagne upgrade available.
• Families looking for a relaxed atmosphere – Harrods (London) or the Balmoral Hotel (Belfast): less formal, children welcome.
• Solo travellers interested in history – The Balmoral (Edinburgh): the hotel’s clock‑tower story and Scottish heritage offer plenty to explore.
• Tea enthusiasts – The Balmoral (Edinburgh): 88 tea varieties make it a tea‑lover’s paradise.

Price ranges (per person)

• The Balmoral (Edinburgh) – £45 (standard) to £60 (Champagne).
• Harrods (London) – approximately £33–£38 (based on two‑person pricing).
• The Ritz (London) – £80–£90 (includes Champagne).

Location and getting there

The Balmoral is at 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, directly opposite the Scott Monument and a three‑minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station. The nearest tram stop is Princes Street (eastbound). For drivers, paid parking is available at nearby NCP Edinburgh (Castle Terrace).

Alternatives to consider

• Harrods, London – department‑store afternoon tea, less formal, lower per‑person cost.
• The Ritz, London – classic English tea with strict dress code, highest price.
• Balmoral Hotel, Belfast – a separate, family‑friendly property for those wanting the name but at a lower price point.

Information for international visitors

Currency: All prices in GBP (£). No other currency is accepted. Seasonality: Afternoon tea at Palm Court is busiest from April to October; book ahead. The hotel is open year‑round.

Sample afternoon tea visit to The Balmoral

1. 11:45 – Arrive at 1 Princes Street. Check in at the Palm Court hostess stand.
2. 12:00 – Seated under the glass dome. Choose your tea from the extensive list (ask the sommelier for suggestions).
3. 12:10 – First course: savoury sandwiches (typically cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise). Request extra sandwiches if desired.
4. 12:40 – Scones served warm with clotted cream and jam.
5. 13:00 – Pastries and cakes (e.g., lemon tart, macarons).
6. 13:30 – Final tea refill and settle the bill.

Afternoon tea etiquette at Palm Court

1. Dress smart casual – no sportswear, ripped jeans allowed if smart.
2. Wait for your server – tea will be poured for you; do not pour yourself.
3. Eat sandwiches first, then scones, then pastries.
4. Break scones by hand – never use a knife. Spread cream first, then jam (Cornish style).
5. Ask for more sandwiches – staff are happy to refill.

Sources cited

• Rocco Forte Hotels – Palm Court hours and description
• Official Palm Court menu (prices)
• The Herald – Balmoral wins Best Traditional Afternoon Tea 2026
• Cvent – venue profile corroborating award
• VisitScotland – Palm Court profile
• AfternoonTea.co.uk – Palm Court listing
• TripAdvisor – Palm Court reviews

Palm Court, set in the heart of the hotel, is an Edinburgh institution that’s as glittering as its glass dome and Venetian chandelier.

— VisitScotland

Serene in style and sumptuous in substance, the award‑winning Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral’s Palm Court is like no other.

— The Balmoral (Rocco Forte Hotels)

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