Welcome to Colonnades, Edinburgh

Please scroll to bottom of this page to book your table online for afternoon tea.

Located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Colonnades at the Signet Library offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern elegance. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful day out, Colonnades provides a tranquil setting for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.

About Colonnades

Nestled on the Royal Mile within the beautifully restored Lower Library of the Signet Library, Colonnades is a hidden gem steeped in neoclassical splendour. Tall Corinthian columns, intricate balustrades and timeless interiors offer a glimpse into Edinburgh’s rich heritage.

Our afternoon tea is thoughtfully created and delivered by Heritage Portfolio — known for their passion for perfection and expertise in curating exceptional food experiences in some of the UK’s most iconic venues. With every detail considered, Colonnades promises an experience that’s as refined as it is memorable.

Festive Afternoon Tea

Celebrate the season in timeless style with our Festive Afternoon Tea at Colonnades. From 19th November, our signature afternoon tea takes on a magical twist, with handcrafted sweet and savoury creations inspired by the warmth and sparkle of Christmas. Served in the breathtaking setting of Colonnades, every bite is a celebration - perfect for gathering with loved ones, marking the season, or simply treating yourself to a little festive indulgence. 

Wednesday - Sunday, 11 am - 4:30pm*

Please note: We are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

• From £71 per person
• See our sample menu for the festive afternoon tea
• Drinks menu available now

Greyed out dates are due to unavailability or being privately booked. 

Due to high demand, we are delighted to open our diaries on Tuesday 9th and 16th December.

*Please note that we will be closed for Christmas from 22nd–26th December, and again from 19th–29th January, reopening on 30th January.

Important Dietary Information for Afternoon Tea Guests

At Colonnades, we strive to offer exceptional dining experiences, but due to the nature of our menu and our location within a working law library, we have some limitations regarding the facilities available for food preparation. While we do our best to accommodate all dietary requests, there are a few exceptions. Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for Gluten & Dairy Free Afternoon Tea, Vegan Gluten Free Afternoon Tea, or Sugar-Free Afternoon Tea.

Please note that while we take all necessary precautions to serve food safely, we cannot guarantee the complete absence of cross-contamination in our kitchen.

We are happy to cater for Gluten Free Afternoon Tea, Vegetarian Afternoon Tea, Vegan Afternoon Tea, and Dairy Free Afternoon Tea, provided we are given a minimum of 24 hours' notice.

Gift Vouchers

A gift voucher is a fabulous present at any time of year. Choose from afternoon tea with champagne or fizz or traditional afternoon tea. For the perfect gift Colonnades can offer a choice of vouchers which can be purchased online. All vouchers will be mailed to the recipient.

If you would like a voucher posted out please make the purchase online and select this in the 'Delivery Method'  (Please note post is within the UK only). 

Book online

Reserve your table now to enjoy a taste of elegance at Colonnades.