Afternoon Tea at Greywalls Hotel in East Lothian

Superb afternoon tea Had a lovely walk around the stunning garden and we enjoyed our delicious sandwiches and selections of sweet delicatessen.Our granddaughter enjoyed her selection of vegan sandwiches and sweets .

The savoury starters were very disappointing. The piece of cold duck was very chewy. There was no cheese in the cheese profitable. The sandwiches were the best part of afternoon tea. The scones were lovely. The cakes were a bit disappointing. My mum said my homemade Victoria sponge was better. The service was appalling. We were ignored. We had the champagne afternoon tea booked and we had been sitting for over 25 minutes and I had to find the waiter to ask for the champagne. We had to go and ask for more tea so again had to go looking for a waiter. Not impressed by the poor service. Not once did they did check on us to see if everything was ok. They did not offer a selection of teas just offered tea or coffee. This was a present but I wouldn’t choose to come back. This is the worst service we’ve ever had.

Poor quality ingredients - margarine on the sandwiches and perhaps the toughest portion of turkey I’ve ever been served. Wedge of pannetone felt lazy and disappointing. Is there a pastry chef?

We sat together in the library, enjoying our luxurious tea, as if we were the family in residence. In soft comfortable chairs and sofa, we ate delicate sandwiches, the most delicious scones and light numerous cakes and nibbles. The staff were friendly but left us to enjoy our repast without interference or any sense that there was any rush. The ambience was country living without any hassle but with a talented chef hidden the background. It was relaxing and luxurious, just the way afternoon tea should be.

A very delicious but bizarre experience. We had gone for a relatively late afternoon tea at around 4, and the lady serving us was fantastic, quick and attentive. The food was really tasty, you’re given a lot of both bites and tea/coffee. However, at 5pm, we were just finishing up, and the only people left in the conservatory. And we then proceeded to wait... and wait.. and wait... and finally at 5.30 had to search for a member staff in an apparently empty hotel. We were eventually brought the bill (by a different server), but we weren’t asked how everything was, so couldn’t tell them we had been waiting for more than half an hour with cold pots of tea. Presumably there had been a shift change, and the new server had forgotten we were in there. But I’d still recommend, just for the scones!

I’ve always had positive experiences at Greywalls and booked Afternoon Tea to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Good COVID measures were in place. The day that we visited was very, very quiet, and we sat by the fire in one of the lounges. This was very pleasant and comfortable. Service was good and staff were polite and friendly. However, the food itself was a bit disappointing. The sandwiches were particularly poor. Thick, supermarket-grade, sliced bread which had dried out and was bordering on stale (the sandwiches had possibly been made hours earlier and chilled) with no butter. It was ‘all dry bread and little filling’ and we only took a couple of bites and left the rest. There was also an assortment of very sweet desserts and sweet cakes. The absolute highlight of the afternoon were the warm scones with jam and cream. All-up it was a pleasant experience, but those sandwiches certainly let the food down. And for £31.50 a head, they should have been better.

This smart hotel has a wonderful garden in which to enjoy a great tea experience. The tea selection is excellent. Scones are perfectly cooked. A full 3 tier experience is available and champagne add ons. It was disappointing that slices of cake on their own were not available.

The staff were very kind and efficient in getting us a table in the library. We had the scones with clotted cream and had asked for a Dundee cake which was new for our two German friends. The cake was light and tasty. Lovely tea was also provided and the atmosphere, as ever, was so relaxing.

The gardens are stunning, the atmosphere allows you to unwind and feel spoilt, the afternoon tea is delicious and more tea comes as you need it. You can choose to retire to the sofas and crackling fires. The building itself is beautiful, quirky and elegant in equal measure.

Afternoon tea was delicious. Great choice of teas, coffees, and imaginative savoury and sweet treats. Generous portions sizes. The service was fantastic- we arrived at the wrong time (my own mistake) but they accommodated us happily. Will definitely be back! The gardens and surroundings are fabulous too.

This hotel is incredible, their staff is as well, the grounds are impeccable and beautiful and the tea is amazing!!

My husband and I had afternoon tea as a combined birthday treat. It is a very grand venue so had the opportunity of dressing up for the occasion. The elegance of the venue together with the scrumptious selection of mouthwatering savoury and sweet treats served was wonderful. Delicate and prepared to delight the eye and palate. Feeling like Royalty we sauntered round the magnificent gardens before heading home. A lovely treat.

Thanks to all for another great meal. We visited here for a 60th wedding anniversary for lunch. From start to finish this place gets it right every time. Service is second to none. Keep it up....

Just like to say had a great surprise , afternoon tea with a difference .met at entrance lovely touch ,shown to our seats in garden room,beautiful

What a fantastic afternoon we had. The tea was great as much as we could drink. The food was fantastic. I had no idea that a scone could taste so amazing. It took quite a while to eat as much as we could before we admitted defeat and took the rest home. Topped off by a leisurely stroll around the gardens. It’s a must for a special occasion or a gift for those that have everything.

Greywalls as an institution never fails to deliver a positive experience - welcoming, courteous, food served beautifully and tasting wonderful - great for a special occasion treat

My friend and I won vouchers for afternoon tea here for two so we decided to take our daughters for a treat and were really looking forward to it. But we were all very disappointed. On arrival we were the only people there. We were served our coffees and drinks way before the afternoon tea was actually served and therefore had to order more drinks. My daughters friend ordered a hot chocolate that we had to return as it was obviously instant and made with hot water and was disgusting. When we ordered our second lot of drinks my daughters mocha had hardly any chocolate in it and she couldn’t drink it and then they forgot to bring my friends second coffee. By this time there were two other tables in and only one girl to serve all of us. The sandwiches and scones were nice however some of the cakes were very sweet and for me that is saying something given I have a very sweet tooth. Overall I have had far better in East Lothian for a lot less money. Just glad we weren’t paying for it.

Most romantic evening ever. The gardens are spectacular the service is top notch. I make it an annual event to visit.

Don't miss Greywalls if you are in the area. This is a stunning Lutyens (v. famous architect) designed home turned into a hotel with a beautiful garden, lovely rooms and great restaurant.

It would be easy to go totally overboard on the review and wax lyrical. However, let's keep this really simple... Great venue Great service from all staff Great afternoon tea Lovely setting This is how it should be done. First class.

I visited here with my mother after being given a voucher as a treat. Lovely place, the staff very attentive. We had the afternoon tea package and it certainly didn't disappoint. Lovely sandwiches with salmon, egg and beetroot fillings- we did ask for no meat.The scones were really nice and lovely jams served with them. I would have liked some butter for the fruit scone though. The assortment of cakes were amazing my favourite being the cinnamon and apple choux bun with caramel on the top. I also loved the artichoke mousse. The tea is very good too we opted for the Earl Grey. Thanks to Abigail and Hannah for the most lovely of treats.

We arrived and parked on the side of the driveway leading up to the main door of the hotel. Coats taken, we were shown through the hotel past a very comfortable lounge area to the small dining area. Only one other party already there. We had booked afternoon tea for four. The savoury selection - one each of three small sandwiches - beetroot, ham and salmon with a small dill type concoction on a spoon and a mini pastry. The sweet selection consisted of ginger cake, chocolate cake, macaroons, lemon mousse. The freshly baked plain and fruit scones were delicious with clotted cream and jam. For my taste, there should have been more savoury and less sweet items.

Wonderful afternoon tea. Interesting selection of sandwiches. The tiny quiche was exquisite. Home made scones served warm and a generous selection of cakes and pastries. If that's not enough, the gardens at this Lutyen's designed residence, are simply outstanding. Feels as if you have been transported to another world. Perfectly delightful.

Visited after being given a gift voucher, very comfortable, the staff are all excellent and the food fabulous!

A wonderful way to start a stay at Greywalls. Be patient while they cook the home made scones but otherwise superb

Love an afternoon tea and arranged to go here with some friends. Was £23 pp but the amount of food we got was incredible. I've been to a few places but the choice was value for money in luxurious surroundings. Would definitely go back!

A beautiful setting for Afternoon Tea. Great service and delicious food. The assortment of sandwiches were amazing. The scones were beautifully made - one of the best I have tasted. So many amazing cakes and something for everyone's taste.

Imagine what taking afternoon tea would be like at a Chez Roux restaurant in a beautiful French style chateau. The reality is even better than the image. Go hungry. If need be, they provide doggy bags. Fantastic

I have had a lot of great afternoon teas. I consider myself a bit of an afficenado actually. This is definitely the best I have ever experienced, the setting is exceptional the service and food amazing. I had any gripe at all it would be...

Great setting for an extra special afternoon tea, good selection of savouries sandwiches and cakes. Notice while we were there...

Comida excelente y nada era demasiado problema para el personal, que todos eran muy amables y escocés. Reservado para dos con un cliente no podrá tener el queso. Por desgracia, 1 sandwich y 1 tarta de queso como llegamos con abundante. Estos fueron sustituidos a la vez con alternativas. Nos sentamos para la mayor parte de la tarde y nos ofrecieron té fresco que era muy agradable y nunca nos sentimos presionados en ningún momento. Muy buena calidad-precio. valoe

Un lugar estupendo y hermoso entorno en el que alguien té de la tarde. Estado aquí unas cuantas veces con amigos y familia y nunca me ha decepcionado. Fantástico y una gran selección de pasteles y dulces de lujos. Excelente servicio. (Camarero le fuerte sin tocarla hace pan para disfrutar más tarde). Los jardines son también agradable para pasear. Lo recomendaría para algo diferente y especial.

Visited Greywalls for a family afternoon tea. What a great afternoon it turn out to be! Like so many of the other reviews, Greywalls is one of the best places for afternoon tea. Great selection of cakes, excellent bread sandwiches and wonderful warm savouries. Staff could not have been more friendly and nothing was too much trouble for them (one of the family was vegan but this was no problem). We were looking forward to exploring the wonderful gardens but unfortunately the rain was on for the afternoon. Will have to come back to have lunch next time and hopefully views the garden. Cannot recommend highly enough!

All excellent and not too expensive. My American guests were impressed too.Gardens and views are awecome! Unusual statues in the garden made us laugh.The loos are worth a visit too - very interesting.!

Daughter and I treated ourselves to afternoon tea at Greywalls on a beautifully sunny day, meaning we could see this beautiful house and stunning gardens at their best. Afternoon tea itself was delicious - little sandwiches in a selection of breads with fillings a little out of the ordinary, our selection included ham and celeriac and egg on curry bread. We also had two hot savouries - delicious little arancini bites and a light, flaky pastry. There was also a choice of plain or fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and an excellent selection of cakes including the lightest choux buns with a strawberry mousse-type filling, as well as slices of lemon, fruit and carrot cakes. The choice of teas and coffees was also excellent. Highly recommended.

Afternoon Tea at Greywalls in not like a normal restaurant, it is a cosy family home that just happens to be a very wonderful hotel.You sit in the library or if the weather is nice out in the extensive gardens and are served with a wonderful range of sweet & savory delights while drinking tea from real china, by the great staff. Pure luxury in wonderful tranquile suroundings

Fantastic selection of sandwiches, scones & cakes! Even too much for me. One between two would be almost enough!

What a lovely way to spend a relaxing lunch or afternoon tea in the library if the weather isn't so good or outside in the gardens weather permittingExcellent food excellent service in beautiful surroundings

Grey Walls is a lovely old house and you are welcomed at the door by a gentleman in a suit, bow tie etc. Service is excellent and the food wonderful. Afternoon tea consists of savoury tarts, different flavoured homemade bread with fillings, scone with jam and cream, various cakes, macaroons and chocs, tea and coffee. Well worth £19.50. Lovely grounds too.

A group of us had afternoon tea at Greywalls to celebrate a friend's birthday. This was one of the best afternoon teas I have had with an excellent selection of savouries scones and patisseries.The peaceful ambience and first class service added to the enjoyment.

Had afternoon tea here to celebrate a special birthday. Excellent selection of savoury and sweet items. Good selection of teas and coffee too available. Service was lovely, attentive and friendly staff. Time to stroll round the gardens afterwards.

A delicate and surprising afternoon tea at Greywalls. Blustery April afternoon, rain and sun making the gardens look glorious in their spring colours. Savouries both hot and cold were delicious- mull cheese pithiviers, rice balls and finger sandwiches on flavoured breads with scrumptious fillings. Then the sweets.... Too gorgeous to name all but my favourite was a choux bun with vanilla cream and something syrupy, possibly apple. The bloke was in raptures over cocoanut meringue with passion fruit cream. All bite size and everything fresh, mouthwatering and perfect. The service was also impeccable. A refreshing wander round the garden afterwards to walk off a bit of the sugar. An elegant afternoon out all round. Received as a Christmas present from dear friends and it was a great treat.

Had afternoon tea at Greywalls - lovely cosy lounges and the afternoon tea was very good value for money. Staff are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble. Would definitely take any visitors as the hotel and gardens are well worth a visit.

I have had Afternoon tea here often and I am never disappointed.lovely surroundings, food and staff.

I won't bang on other than to say that if you think you've enjoyed afternoon tea elsewhere then it still won't come close to this simply wonderful experience. Best afternoon tea of my life. Staff, location, ambience, taste, variety and exquisiteness in abundance.

Stunning. Everything about afternoon tea at Greywalls is perfect. Little hot savouries come on a slate, followed by the most delicious scones and cakes imaginable. The room is beautiful and very comfortable. The gardens are intriguing. It's hard to tear yourself away.

Greywalls in Gullane, East Lothian is a delightful building and gardens but to have afternoon tea in the library, as we did, is a special treat. Good service and an interesting selection of savoury and sweet treats with copious supplies of tea or coffee all add to a lovely experience- and at a very reasonable price.

Delicious sandwiches and cakes served in style with a wide selection of superb teas. The lovely "fireside lounge" setting used for the afternoon teas might be a problem for people unused to holding a cup and saucer while reclining in a very plush deep sofa or perched on the edge. I prefer the London Ritz style with "sit up and beg" tables and chairs. But overall a very relaxing and enjoyable experience and full of Scottish baronial charm.

This was a Xmas treat from the hubby that we took advantage of when we got a babysitter!Very extravagant and was interesting to see how the other half lives when we had a look at the most expensive wines and whiskies! The restaurant has a very nice atmosphere and the staff are professional and friendly. Lots of interesting memorabilia to look at too! The food was delicious and really enjoyed the view looking out at muirfield golf course. A lovely experience and something to recommend for a very special occasion!

We had our Grandmothers wake here. STUNNING hotel, STUNNING area, HELPFUL and POLITE staff, STUNNING macaroons!!! :-). Perfect place for a perfect lady.

Good place for hangover repair! The chintz sofas are very Downton Abbey- they kept the fire going and the papers coming-

We took my mum for her birthday. The setting is very lovely, the service is fairly formal and second to none. The tea selection was vast, I had a nice herb one. When the food selection was presented our server told us exactly what everything was, it was very pretty served on lovely cake stands. The sandwiches were delicate and vert tasty. The scones were just right and obviously freshly baked, there was a great selection of cakes, and macarons, all extremely pretty and very delicious. I loved the passion fruit meringue. A lovely, tasteful treat, in beautiful surroundings and impeccable service. Our server even offered to walk up the drive and bring my car down as he didn't want us to get wet as it had started to drizzle rain as we were leaving!! lovely!!

We took friends down to show off our local hospitality and Grey walls did not fail.Smashing selection of sandwitches, cakes to die for, tea served with a strainer and super service from our waiter.Not the cheapest high tea but worth every penny. We will go back soon.

We had a family gathering here over Afternoon Tea.It was , I must say , superb from start to finish. Fabulous surroundings , great service and excellent food. In the latter's case don't eat to much for lunch and plan a light dinner - you will not go hungry.One final mention for the ability to cater for Gluten free diets - which they did extremely well.Make sure you also take time for a look around the Gardens and I've a few photosCan't wait to come back

First and foremost, such an amazing setting. The Greywall's gardens are simply beautiful and on a sunny day the view to the coast is stunning; this is a venue that really showcases East Lothian's wild glory. The architecture of the house and walled gardens are worth a visit in and of themselves and the historic photos of the family in the ladies bathrooms are fascinating. Afternoon tea itself was very impressive, with far more food than could ever be eaten by two people in one sitting. Of particular note were the hot savouries, which were a little unusual and really delicious. This is not your run of the mill, tired and clichéd afternoon tea, Greywall's really know what they are doing and the whole experience is really lovely. Much, much better than countless afternoon tea offerings to be found in Edinburgh. Will definitely be back to try the restaurant soon.

We had a fantastic meal with attentive but not obtrusive service in beautiful surroundings. Five years since we were last here and delighted to report that the place still has a family run feel to it.

We took a group of friends to Greywalls for afternoon tea on our wedding anniversary. We all have a delighful afternoon, wandering around the gardens, playing croquet and putting. The afternoon tea was delicious. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Polite staff and good quality lunch.No escaping the very strong lily scent.No disabled toilet that I could see. Perhaps Visit Scotland star rating should reflect this.

As part of my mother's birthday celebrations we visited for afternoon tea last week. Everything from the setting, staff,service, food, furnishings were just great. The food and drinks were of top quality and plentiful. We left after having a memorable experience planning the next visit.

Please see my Chez Roux review for more details. Beautiful appointments, wonderful setting and we were treated with an exceptional sunset. I long to return.

This was truly 5***** afternoon tea.A nice welcome from the staff,we chose to be served in the lounge by the open fire.Very relaxing,and was given the tea menu which the server explained to us. The food was beautifully presented,the sandwiches were served in different breads,the scones and cakes freshly baked. All in all ,a very very enjoyable experience which I would highly recommend.

I was given a voucher for Afternoon tea for 2 for my birthday. We arrived early and enjoyed a walk around the spacious gardens. It was lovely to see the signs of spring. In late spring/early summer the gardens are spectacular.Going in for tea, we choose the afternoon tea option (there are two others) and were overwhelmed by the amount and variety of goodies served to us - along with the unlimited tea and coffee. From the delightful savouries and sandwiches, through the deliciously light scones, jam and cream to the assortment of cakes and pastries, the tea was a feast for the eyes and nose as well as the inner person in need of sustenance. Unfortunately we were totally overwhelmed and had to go home with a doggy bag.I cannot commend too highly the quality of the service which was both disceet and solicitous. Do go if you have the opportunity.

My boyfriend and I enjoyed afternoon tea at greywalls today and it was a lovely experience. We were served in the sun lounge. it was very quiet, it would have been nice to have some music to lighten the mood. There were only a few tables, and those next to us felt the need to whisper as the room was so quiet. The view of the garden was gorgeous though and as was the food. The service was also very good. Overall a fantastic experience and we will definitely be back. Especially love the croque Monsieur.

Took my mum for Afternoon Tea for her Birthday and we both thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Staff very attentive, helpful yet discreet and we loved the whole atmosphere. Very cosy and homely and extremely relaxing. Well done Greywalls......we look forward to our next visit.

A lovely way to spend an afternoon - so welcoming and comfortable. The food was a treat, the service discrete and efficient. Highly recommended.

Looking for somewhere to go for afternoon tea, then look no further. The atmosphere created is simply excellent. Food was superb with original little twists re the sandwiches. Scones were perfect and the cakes were delicious. Fresh tea was provided without hesitation when we required it. I will be returning without doubt and will not be waiting for a special occasion.Well done to the team who provided an excellent attentive service without being in your face constantly.

This was not my first visit to Greywalls and it most certainly won't be my last. I love the way the Greywalls staff make you welcome. From the time you enter the building and are led into the library for drinks and time to savour the menu to the table where the waiter service begins - and a very knowledgable service it is too. Your meal is rounded off with coffee/tea and petite fours in the library. You don't have to do it this way but to ensure you have the full experience I'd highly recommend that you do. This is not a restaurant or an experience you want to rush.I have never been to another restaurant where the food, service and atmosphere is so consistent and consistently excellent. If I want that special meal with friends or family or a quiet meal with my partner, this is my restaurant of choice.

Delicious mini 4 course taster lunch served in one of the charming understated sitting rooms.Hot pea soup, cold smoked fish followed by warm pan fried cod on a pea risotto and finally warm bread and butter slices with summer fruits and ice cream. Most enjoyable. Efficient and respectful service. Lovely house and pretty gardens. Murfield golf course on the door step of course.Cannot believe it hosts so many golf celebrities as the hotel is like a family home. Not flashy or glitzy thank goodness. Spent some time in the ladies loo reading the amusing golfing stories.Would love to return, perhaps to stay and enjoy a good Scottish breakfast.

Beautiful setting for a high tea. The gardens and general atmosphere was so nice, calm and relaxing.The food was lovely and the cakes fantastic. They catered well for my gluten free diet and I didn't feel I was missing out. I also wish to add that the staff were so nice and an asset to Greywalls. We look forward to returning again very soon.

See my main review for full details but in summary delicious and excellent value. Service excellent and lovely setting . Make sure you book .

Myself and 3 others visited for afternoon tea. I can only comment on the gluten free option. The venue was really beautiful. Very peaceful and quiet. Staff all lovely and very helpful. Gluten free sandwiches were really nice. Very fresh soft gluten free bread and lovely fillings. However I wasn't as impressed with the gluten free cakes. They were very dry and didn't taste as fresh as I would have expected. The gluten free scones were very nice however. They were served warm and tasted very fresh. I don't know that I would visit again for the gluten free option but it is of course only my personal opinion. I don't believe gluten free cakes should taste any less delicious then normal cakes. I bake my own and can confirm you can make very tasty home baked gluten free cakes