Norton House Hotel & Spa

There are those who think that afternoon tea is a civilised forum for polite discussion.

And then there are others who see it as the best time to exchange news about the latest misdeeds perpetrated by the black sheep wing of the family.

We like to mix our afternoon tea with a bit of both.

Get cosy with today’s Big Deal on a sparkling afternoon tea for two at the gorgeous Norton House Hotel & Spa.

The award-winning, four star hotel is just a twenty minute drive from Edinburgh city centre.

Set in 55 acres of its own grounds, it has a charming country house hotel feel and is a great destination for a day out – especially when afternoon tea is part of the fun.

Sparkling afternoon tea

Available seven days a week, today’s Big Deal is for afternoon tea for two accompanied by a chilled glass of Prosecco.

A real treat, afternoon tea at Norton House Hotel features freshly prepared finger sandwiches; warm scones with preserves and clotted cream; a selection of pastries and specialist cakes.

Also look out for whisky-infused delicacies, including Dundee cake and cranachan meringue – a modern take on a traditional Scottish dessert.

The food will be accompanied by your choice of fresh leaf tea: Assam, Earl Grey, peppermint, green, Darjeeling, decaffeinated and, of course, a traditional English blend.

There is a £3.50 supplement per person for Saturday and Sunday bookings, payable directly to Norton House.

Fascinating country house setting

Built in 1840, the early years of Norton House are shrouded in mystery (oo-er). But the property was eventually bought by the wealthy Usher family, owners of Glenlivet Whisky.

They added on a Renaissance porch, marble pillars and an oak-panelled staircase, all of which can still be admired today.

This offer is the perfect excuse to have a nosy at a historic country house and grounds.

Happy customers

Visitors to Norton House Hotel & Spa have not been slow to tell others of their experiences. These are excerpts from longer reviews:

‘The staff could not do enough for us. Every member of staff made us very welcome… the food is amazing… clean, beautiful grounds… we enjoyed afternoon tea, lots of gorgeous teas to choose from. You will go a long way to find hotel as excellent as this one.’

‘I returned to the Norton Spa yesterday as a birthday treat for my friend. Once again I wasn’t disappointed. Staff from arrival were fantastic. Rodney served our coffees and afternoon tea, great service… once again everything was spot on… brilliant day.’

This guest enjoyed the parkland grounds:

‘The grounds are beautiful and we enjoyed strolling along the woodland walk.’

Perfect gift idea

Valid until the end of September, this Big Deal would make a lovely and thoughtful present.

Scotland looks beautiful in the summer and autumn months, so guests can enjoy a walk around the grounds of Norton House before settling down to a fizzy afternoon tea. Aah, perfect.