Edinburgh Spring coffee and cakes

My thoughts on this are that it is possible - just - that the publicity stirred up by the launch of the new Local sites may attract people who are half persuaded to join us on Gransnet. They might be swayed if they can turn up and see us in the flesh. However if we price the coffee/cakes too high, they will only come if they are accustomed to paying that kind of money for their snacks.

It seems to me that for the average person £18 - £25 is an extravagance, £14.95 is a "treat yourself, you are worth it", and quite a lot of ordinary people would think £6 or £7 is the going rate for a cup of coffee or tea and a slice of cake, however nice and home-made it is.

The possibility of showing people the GN site on a lap-top or Ipad also attracts me. Part of this exercise (apart from having a good blether to you lot of course) is to promote GN.

I could tolerate the Brandenburgs played on Baroque instruments playing very quietly

So, really, my vote is NO MUZAK.

OK, gally, change my vote to HN! I'm easy really. Somewhere nice and not noisy with muzak, with nice tea, good cake and gransnetters will suit me.

Gulp! That's a bit steep for rice pud...

HN is only 5 mins from the station.............! Afternoon Tea at the Balmoral is £25 pp

or perhaps rice pud...

If I can, I shall do my best to join you lot...#carrotcakeafave

The Balmoral is right next to Waverley Station too. Although I lived in Edinburgh for seven years, I've never been in there so I think that gets my vote, but I'm happy to go elsewhere if others prefer.

Hello everyone, the good thing about Harvey Nicks is that is is so near the main bus terminal.
I don't have a preference where we go.
Is Hendersons in the St. John's crypt the Hendersons who do that lovely vegetarian wholesome food? I think it was in Hanover Street.
I grew up in Edinburgh but it has changed so much I don't really know it any more.
Oh, and I have an ipad so could bring that with me.

Good morning all, love to come, very long journey for me though, would like to do it there and back in the day. Depends of the date as I have granchildren duties on certain days. Look forward to hearing finalised date.

Haven't tried the Balmoral so can't compare. Do you think £22 is a bit steep for some people? I lean towards the Overseas club - lovely views.

I have tried Prestonfield House Hotel which is £18. That was amazing, comparable to Harvey Nicks but with easier parking, and gardens, but getting pricy.

Managed to sleep until 5 which is an improvement on 4 yesterday!
Tea at HN is about £22 but you get loads of savouries, a mini salad, cakes, scones and a sweet - far too much, but ok if you forego lunch and dinner! Oh and you get a huge choice of teas/coffees which they replenish, unlike Balmoral where they charge you

I think you've had a restless night again, Gally?

When though? I want to come....!

If you really want to splash out, afternoon tea at Harvey Nichs is to die for. Almost a meal in itself, far superior and cheaper than the the Balmoral.

I have had a quick look at afternoon teas in the centre of town. Some which look good are:-

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the National Gallery, Gardens afternoon tea £14.95 per person served 3-5 pm menu
Or their all-day coffee/tea and home-made traditional baking. Cakes are £2.25 to £4.25, coffee/tea usual sort of prices. Free wifi so anyone thinking of joining GN could be shown the site by an established member who has portable device.

Royal Overseas League Afternoon Tea: £14.95 per person.
2pm - 5pm menu View across Princes St. to Castle.

Henderson's at St John's (crypt under church, West End) Could not find a menu or prices. I've not used this since Henderson's have been there. Could be cramped. website

Wish I lived up there, you lot have such interesting meet ups, I LOVE cake!

baubles stop it!!!! Coffee and walnut is my favourite, and I cant come!

I too shall be there and am looking forward to it.

Mmmmm, coffeeandcake is one of my favourite things, I'll be there if I can

Ditto – to being there depending on the date. Lurve coffee and cake

I'll be there as well, depending on the date. I'm away the last week in April, but I'd love to be there! Looking forward to meeting Grannygreyhips, too! Gally's back today - hopefully she'll be able to come too?

Thanks. Looking forward to meeting you all

Welcome to Gransnet. I'll let you know when we get a date and place.