They say drinking tea is a British obsession. Well, it certainly is an obsession of mine.

As autumn weather blows into the city, I can think of nothing better than taking shelter in a teashop and lovingly wrapping myhands around a good old mug of tea. And I’ve found a new tea-shop, and what a cracker it is too.
Eteaket is hidden just minutes from the busy Princes Street but provides a welcome relief from the chains that dominate the high street.
This ‘tea boutique’ is quirky and charming - and there’s not a teabag in sight. Hand-picked tea leaves and more types of tea than you could ever dream up – this quaint yet funky tea room also does a fine range in accompanying cakes.
The etiquette here is to sit back and enjoy your cuppa, so why not give a try. The earl grey comes highly recommended. As does the scone and jam now you come to mention it.

www.eteaket.co.uk/
41 Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1EP
+44(0)1312262982
Google map: bit.ly/mUQ6Ot

* Rachel is our Been there local for Edinburgh. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/edinburgh-local-rachel-brown.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/RachelBrown

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Hidden on a corner of George Street, you can’t fail to breathe in the sweet coffee aroma as you walk past Wellingtons. Change your plans and make time to head down the steps and into the shop.
You might not get a table in this small but charming haunt, but find a spare stool and make friends with someone new.
Try a flat white and one of the large slabs of the cake that adorns the counter.
If you encounter a sunny day, pull up a pew at a pavement table, and watch the people of Edinburgh hurry by.

33a George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HN
+44(0)131 225 6857
Google map: bit.ly/olHTy5

* Rachel is our Been there local for Edinburgh. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/edinburgh-local-rachel-brown.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/RachelBrown

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Castle Rock’s smaller sibling is Calton Hill, a grassy spot some 450ft above sea level at the east end of Princes Street. It is from this spot that every postcard shot of the city has been taken, so take a wander up and take in the view for yourself.

Explore the strange structures at the top – including the locally named ‘Edinburgh’s disgrace’ – an overambitious attempt to replicate the Parthenon in the ‘Athen’s of the North.’

Take a picnic and take this short walk to one of the finest views of Princes Street, the Castle and beyond.

Google map: bit.ly/qNhCjl

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends