The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is now serving its new indulgent afternoon tea menu, that for the first time includes completely vegan and gluten-free experiences.
Created by Sodexo, the foodie team behind the restaurant and cafés at the Botanics, the new addition is the perfect way to enhance a fantastic day at the Gardens.
Launching in time for Mother’s Day, The Gateway Restaurant provides a relaxed and contemporary backdrop to enjoy a mouth-watering afternoon tea, whilst overlooking the gardens from this world-renowned sustainable venue. Available from 6 March, the new offer is inspired by the gardens, bringing the outdoors in and onto the plate.
Served from 2.30pm each day, the Botanical Afternoon Tea features an edible plant pot and mini cone topped with candy floss along with a selection of seasonal sandwiches and sweet treats guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds.
A highlight of the vegan option is the sausage roll made with locally sourced wild mushrooms and on the gluten free menu, the venue has introduced a savoury quiche.
The chocolate trough, inspired by a window box features on all three menus as does the quintessential scone. Served on individually decorated stands afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the restaurant, or al fresco on the terrace.
Commenting on the new afternoon tea, Susan Holligan, Catering General Manager at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This new immersive afternoon tea provides guests with a complete Botanics experience.
“The menu has been designed to showcase the best of the garden and reflect how it changes during the year. It will feature seasonal dishes that illustrate the changing flora and fauna surrounding our restaurant.
“We want to ensure everyone can enjoy the decadent afternoon tea experience regardless of dietary requirements, so with an estimated 600,000 vegans in the UK and 8.5 million people on gluten-free diets, we have worked hard to create the perfect alternatives.
“We don’t believe in simply substituting certain items to fulfil allergy requirements, we have worked just as hard on our full vegan and gluten-free stands so that everyone has the perfect Botanical Afternoon Tea experience.
“Afternoon tea is always a popular occasion, but it certainly peaks around Mother’s Day when families come together to spoil their mum or grandma. And with this literally just around the corner, we’d advise early booking to avoid disappointment.”
Available from 6 March, afternoon tea costs £24.95 per person with unlimited tea and coffee, or £29.95 per person with a glass of fizz. The gluten-free and vegan options have to be ordered 24 hours in advance.
Pre-booking isn’t essential but recommended.
