Palm Court
1 Princes Street
- Food served: Mon–Sun 9am–5.30pm. [Afternoon tea: noon–5.30pm]
- Bar open: Mon–Sun 9am–midnight.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 13
- Private dining: Up to 26 covers
- No. overnight rooms: 188
- Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Live music, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: Lounge music.
- Capacity: 60
- Largest group: 18
- Open since: 1902
Tell us more about this place.
- Average price:
£15 (lunch) - House wine: £24 per bottle
The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.
Through the foyer and into the heart of the Balmoral Hotel lies one of Edinburgh’s grandest and most striking bars, a plush room with faultlessly polite staff and a bright, lightwell-effect high ceiling. In its vintage and its air of pricey refinement it feels like a throwback to the days of Empire, and its main selling point doesn’t dispel this notion – the afternoon tea, whether served with or without a glass of Bollinger Special Cuvee, is definitive, with sharp-edged rectangular sandwiches, light scones and a selection of inventive petit four-sized cakes served on a vintage tiered stand. The lengthy tea list and a harpist playing through the afternoon add to your money’s worth, while oysters, smoked salmon, individual sandwiches and champagne cocktails are also available.
- High point: One of Edinburgh’s most opulent and venerable locations
- Low point: Decidedly pricey
The Balmoral’s sophisticated Palm Court Bar is to undergo a renovation and is reopening as a Tanqueray® No. TEN™ martini cocktail bar where customers can enjoy a modern martini cocktail experience.
The new styling is inspired by the Art Deco movement and recreates the chic atmosphere of the 1930’s martini cocktail bars when the drink first came into fashion. New features include a dramatic back bar display and black and white wall coverings - reflecting the sleek, art deco exterior of the Tanqueray No. TEN bottle. Ambient green lighting that echoes the iconic bottle colour will enhance the atmosphere in the evenings.
Text supplied by venue or third party.
Reviews of Palm Court (The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh)
- 2. frommywindow, Edinburgh – 11 October 2011, 11:32pm
Palm CourtReport -
Took my mum here for a treat on Sunday and was slightly underwhelmed. The Palm Court room and atmosphere was wonderful, and the tea blend was delicious, but the food was disappointing. Very bland sandwiches, no cream for the scones, and two of the petit-fours relied heavily on sickly-sweet butter-icing. I was also annoyed at being asked repeatedly if we wanted a glass of champagne. Overall, it was a lovely experience and my mum enjoyed it, but it didn't quite reach the standard I'd hoped for.
- 1. Lynda, Edinburgh – 3 February 2010, 12:50pm
Palm CourtReport -
I had afternoon tea before Christmas and the whole experience was wonderful. The sandwiches were plentiful and tasty and as for the cakes, I honestly think they were the most delicious cakes I have ever eaten!!! We had filter coffee and you could get as many top ups as you wished. It really was a fantastic treat and I can't wait to go again.
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