Glasgow’s best tea shops

Tchao-Ovna House of Tea is a bit of an institution in Glasgow. Home to over 80 loose-leaf teas from around the world, tea is ‘not only their passion, but their journey and way of life’. Open for over 20 years, the staff here seriously know what’s up: everyone is happy to advise and offer their recommendation. Tchao-Ovna is Scotland’s first speciality tea house and they pride themselves on their products being ethnically sourced, Fair trade, organic and directly sourced. Everything is blended in house and alongside their tea you’ll find a delicious food menu, serving up homemade vegetarian and vegan food. The interiors are quirky and cosy and everything is great value for money. One not miss!

Cup Tea Rooms in Merchant City is an award-winning cafe, specialising in teas and home-made treats. Expect friendly service in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Check out the cute décor as you sit back and enjoy one of their 48 uniquely hand-blended teas, from classics like Assam and Earl Grey to less obvious choices like their Tahitian Vanilla or Chocolate Chilli!

Inspired by the works of Glasgow’s greatest artist and architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Willow Tea Rooms offer up an array of homemade, traditional Scottish food and bakes – alongside, of course – a spectacular selection of teas. The atmosphere is second to none and the staff are helpful and professional. All of their teas are loose-leaf and the choices are extensive. Choose from their ‘Willow Tea Rooms Blend’ – a blend of Ceylon and Assam – the famous Honey and Almond blend (complete with small Almond pieces), or even their Blood Orange iced-tea! All of their teas pair beautifully with their famous, freshly-baked scones (plain or with fruit) and prices are reasonable. Not one to miss!

For the quaintest tea in town, head to the Hidden Lane Tearoom, located along one of Glasgow’s artist-inhabited side streets. Nestled amongst multi-coloured and higgledy piggledy studios, the tearoom offers a varied menu – from pancakes at breakfast, home-made soups, sandwiches and salads at lunch to homemade cakes and bakes – there’s something here for everybody. The tea selection is immense: with a range of over 30 loose-leaf teas, expect to be served a steaming cup of tea in a vintage teapot and teacup. Spread over two floors and decked-out in kitsch décor, The Hidden Lane Tearoom is inviting and makes the perfect destination to catch up and have a natter with friends and family.

Step back in time as you enter The Butterfly and the Pig’s shabby-chic tea room situated on the ground floor of their restaurant townhouse. Discover their delectable selection of homemade breads, cakes and pastries – as well as an extensive selection of herbal and fruit teas, all supplied by Tea Pigs. Their afternoon tea is splendid, and very reasonably priced, but if you’re looking for a savoury treat to accompany your tea, why not pick something from their sumptuous lunch menu?