With the exception of a relaxed breakfast in Sarti’s, a few months ago, I’ve been tending to grab very quick breakfast fare, when in Glasgow. Today, I had a little more time to spare, so took a trip to Cup Tea Lounge on Renfield Street.
It was the first truly Baltic day of the winter, so I was glad to be out of the icy blast. I couldn’t have chosen a smarter spot, as the tiled interior was incredibly impressive. Complete with crystal chandeliers, the space was originally the Bank of India, and it still embodies a considerable sense of Victorian splendour. It’s the kind of place you’d bring your mother to prove to her that you were a respectable citizen.
Their breakfast menu offers a good range of classic options. I was quite taken by the notion of breakfast sliders, with one each of a little black pudding, bacon and lorne sausage roll, so I ordered that.
Their tea menu is extensive. I was lured in by talk of cranachan tea, which brought together elements (hibiscus, raspberry) that I’d sampled in a similar tea at Tea at 94, just recently.
Service was very good throughout. They have the open and airy space set up smartly, so it gives the impression of being a good room to manage.
My sliders were soon with me, looking simple and neat. I applied a little brown sauce to each, as is my way, then tucked in. Each of the little brioche style buns was good, but the bacon one was a clear winner, with profuse crispy rashers.
The tea was rather good, too. It was one of those delightful morning refreshers. I lingered a good while savouring its fruity and floral aroma.
So overall, I really enjoyed the Cup Tea Lounge. It definitely goes on the list of places I’d bring people, if I found myself in need of a refreshing cuppa in the city. Their food was pleasingly good, too, but it’s the decor of the place that will linger long in the memory, as it’s an absolute feast for the eyes.
Scores
Blythe scores Cup Tea Lounge
3.5/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
5/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 16/20
I ate: breakfast sliders
I drank: espresso, cranachan tea
I wore: blue shirt
Total bill: £8.80
Highly recommend this high tea experience. We came as a group of 7 and they went above and beyond to accommodate the variety of food allergies: egg, dairy and gluten. Scones were delicious!! Sweets and savouries delightful. Staff were superb. Thank you🇨🇦
So much fun! And such a pretty space. Lots of tea varieties and the high tea service was delicious. Really enjoyed all my little bits and was VERY full by the end of it - we had to take some home. My only critique is that the tables were WAY too small for 4 people + teapots + tiered servers
Very enjoyable afternoon tea. Staff are just fabulous, so friendly and just the right amount of attentive. Food is delicious and what a selection!! Definately the best adternoon tea I have had .
Stopped by here for a quick brunch and got Eggs Royale and Eggs Benedict. They were alright but a bit basic and a bit bland so -1 star. Wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but you won't be sorry if you do.
Great afternoon tea for 9 of us. Booking online was easy. The wait staff were very friendly and attentive. The food was delicious and abundant. GREAT value. Several of our party had a box to go as they couldn’t finish it all in one sitting. The tearoom itself is beautifully decorated. Highly recommend!!
Brought my family visiting from Ireland in here for a wee treat. Stephen and Nina (didn't get the other names sorry ) were fantastic with my family! Stephen was very attentive and went above and beyond to give us the best experience possible! Afternoon tea and the drinks were amazing. Along with the banter Stephen provided my crazy family! Think this was the highlight of their trip! Thanks again guys, you've got some great staff 😊
It offers a wide varieties of teas. The dessert is good and the sandwiches are nice as well.
Most important is that they offer vegetarian menu!!!
The afternoon tea experience is highly recommended !!
Loved loved loved this place! Food was amaaazing, drinks were lovely and there was such a variety to choose from, the decor is also beautiful, very sweet photo op at the front door (odd comment but the toilets are also beautifully decorated) so pleased with our experience here, the staff were lovely and would definitely return!
We came for the afternoon tea, and it was delightful. I have never been to a traditional afternoon tea before and this was fun and what I thought it would be like. It was A LOT of food. We had sandwiches, scones, and desserts as well as tea and/or coffee. We had good service and the location was handy. I definitely recommend.
We did reserve ahead of time, but the restaurant appeared to be able to accommodate without a reservation.
We had our first tea experience here in Glasgow after visiting for a short trip. They didn't unfortunately have our choice of tea but we went with vanilla tea instead which was also very nice and tasty, we enjoyed it.
We also had breakfast (eggs benedict and bacon on english muffin toasted) which was delicious and so filling!
We then had a portion of scones, which was 5 small scones warmed up served with clotted cream and jam - and this was the best scones we've ever had (we've not had many but after this visit I'd want to have them everyday). Thank you!!
Need to mention the toilets were very lady-like and cute, very nice touch!
(PS. Please fix the ability to lock the stall in the women's bathroom, as only one of them currently locks)
Omg! This beautiful, elegant, cozy Tea Lounge is spectacular. The food was delicious and the staff are great. I highly recommend for afternoon tea or pop in for a drink at the bar. This Tea Lounge offers more than tea. Reserve a table and pop in for a bite 🤤
Came here for afternoon tea and loved it! Beautiful old building, decorated very nicely. Staff are attentive and friendly. Good pricing. Cakes and scones were delicious. Sandwiches were lovely however could have more of a selection. Will definitely come again!
Loved this place. A traditional Glasgow tea room serving large pots of tea and excellent cake. In this case, lemon drizzle. Friendly service in a beautiful setting.
Came here for breakfast, nice welcome, amazing setting. Breakfast was so good I forgot to take photos. Outstanding coffee too! If we never lived in Inverness would come her more often.
A plentiful variety was served when we attended for our afternoon tea . The setting delightful and staff very pleasant and attentive. We would recommend a visit.
Just want to thank the wonderful staff today, that tended to us, for my daughters baby shower. Everyone had a lovely time, and you were all so attentive... without being overbearing! Food was amazing,and we felt as though we could really relax and enjoy ourselves. Hope you enjoyed the chocolates 😉
Definitely recommend you to all my friends, and will be back! Thanks again for all your help.
Always a lovely afternoon tea experience. Food is nice and the selection of teas is fairly large.
Cocktails are also good.
Staff are warm and friendly, they went out their way to help me when I messed up the booking time!
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