This post may contain affiliate links. Please see Disclosure Policy for details.
Our afternoon tea at Beetroot Sauvage Cafe was provided for us by the restaurant. All opinions however are my own.
My sister Debbie and I arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland yesterday, after 22 hours of travel. Originally scheduled to land in Edinburgh at 9:10 am, we actually arrived at 2:30 in the afternoon due to a five hour delay in New York City.
Tired but excited to be back in Edinburgh, we unpacked at the Braid Apartments by Mansley and headed out into the misty rain.
It was tea time. And we had an afternoon tea at Beetroot Sauvage Cafe waiting for us.
Being Vegan in Edinburgh
Maintaining a vegan or plant based lifestyle is easy in this busy city. There are many, many vegan restaurants to choose from. And, most regular restaurants have vegan options.
I researched many of the all-vegan cafes before the trip and reached out to several. In exchange for an afternoon tea or lunch, I offered a blog post feature and social media shares. There were two cafes in particular that caught my interest. Both responded positively.
Beetroot Sauvage Cafe & Wellness Centre
Beetroot Sauvage offers a vegan cafe plus wellness activities including yoga and meditation, holistic therapies and events for the community.
The cafe’s menu features plant based meals for breakfast, brunch and lunch. They also provide sweet treats that are vegan, with some desserts that are gluten free as well.
And, they offer a vegan afternoon tea.
During my first visit to Scotland in 2014, I adopted the practice of afternoon tea. I love that refreshing pause mid-afternoon. At home I enjoy an herbal tea and a simple treat such as a piece of fruit.
How exciting to experience my first vegan afternoon tea, in my favorite city in the world!
Outdoor seating in the back gardens at Beetroot Sauvage Cafe. Live music is offered on Sundays.
Exploring the Cafe
Upon arrival cafe manager Diana greeted us kindly and directed us to a table. We selected an herbal tea called Strawberries and Cream. While our treat was prepared, Diana gave me permission to wander around and take photos.
The cafe is attractive, homey and pet friendly. Tired as we were, we felt the peace and joy that permeates the entire space.
The pretty back gardens provide outdoor seating in a natural environment. In fact, Sauvage is a French word meaning “wild” in a natural way. Beetroot Sauvage Cafe perfectly fits its name.
Upstairs I slipped into the empty yoga studio to snap a couple of photos. Natural light fills that large room due to an abundance of windows. Marie-Anne had graciously invited us to attend a 10:00 am yoga class that morning, however our plane did not arrive in time.
Yoga studio upstairs
Cafe interior
Vegan Afternoon Tea
Shortly after I rejoined Debbie at our table, a pot of tea arrived along with china cups and saucers.
As we exclaimed over the pretty teapot and cups, Diana carried out a three tiered serving stand, filled with treats both sweet and savory…and all vegan.
Sampling each delicious offering, one wouldn’t know they are plant based.
In the previous 30 hours, Debbie and I had only eaten airport or airline food. We limited our meals to simple vegetarian options as we flew. This magnificent afternoon tea completely wowed us and revived us.
More than a snack, the tea time meal satisfied our hunger, physically and soulfully. We didn’t eat again until this morning.
A Special Beginning to Our Time in Edinburgh
I deeply appreciate Marie-Anne, Diana and the staff at Beetroot Sauvage Cafe for their warm welcome and for the amazing vegan afternoon tea. The cafe and wellness centre is located at 33 – 41 Ratcliffe Terrace, Edinburgh.
I highly recommend Beetroot Sauvage Cafe for the food and for their dedication and commitment to feeding others in a way that nourishes the body and warms the heart while promoting healing for people and for the earth.
They kicked off our visit to Edinburgh in the most phenomenal way by showing that it’s possible to explore a city and eat in a healthy way at the same time. We are grateful.
Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that provides a way for sites to earn advertising fees, at no extra cost to you.
How absolutely lovely! The last time I was in Europe, it was so difficult to find vegetarian let alone vegan options, and it makes me happy to read it’s gotten better. Scotland is actually next on my list of European countries to visit (haven’t been there!) and I am definitely adding Beetroot to my list! Thank you!!
Wonderful! I’ve been to Italy, England, Ireland and Scotland in the last two years and I’ve been pleased with all the vegan options. I had no problems eating plant based at all.
This looks so fun! I would love to do an afternoon tea!
I love afternoon tea time! Changing to a plant based diet I’ve not had a traditional afternoon tea in three years however this vegan tea was AMAZING!!
Outdoor seating and a yoga studio? Sign me up! What a great local gem.
It truly is remarkable! Peace just flows through this space and the food is extraordinary!
As a vegetarians and yoga enthusiast, this is exactly my type of place! What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Yes it’s such a lovely place!
What an interesting place!
It was! And the food was excellent!
Sounds lovely! When I first read the name of the cafe I thought it said Beetroot “Sausage” and I thought that was an odd name for a vegan cafe. LOL.
Ha ha! I looked up “Sauvage” when I wrote the post. It means “Wild”.
I love afternoon tea. However I am the opposite of you in a way as grains are not my friend. So it is hard for me to find grain free (not just gluten free) options when traveling. I am glad that overall, there are just more options period out there! Pinky up, cheers!
Totally grain free is a challenge but not impossible! At home most of my afternoon teas are accompanied by fresh fruit.
This looks like such a great time. My husband and I visited Edinburgh several years ago but we never had afternoon tea. Will make sure I plan it on our next trip. 😉
I love my afternoon tea time!
Scotland is on our bucket list and we will definitely do this when we make it there.
It’s a beautiful country with warm and friendly people!
Oh, how lovely that looks! I am envious on many levels!
It was gorgeous and delicious!
What a special trip. We are planning a trip to Europe next year and plan on a taking some time to visit Scotland. How lucky you are to visit. Tea time looked awesome!
How wonderful! Enjoy your trip!
The outdoor seating looks so simple yet beautiful.
It had such a peaceful and homey atmosphere!
I love afternoon tea! Looks lovely and a must add to my vacation options for Scotland next year!
Yes you would enjoy!
My kind of cafe…one I would visit!
I hope you get to! It’s a lovely place.
I did an afternoon tea for the first time a couple of months ago and absolutely loved it! It has definitely become one of my favorite activities. It looks like you had an amazing experience. Thank you for sharing.
Don’t you love afternoon tea?! I practice it at home but not in such an elaborate way. This was a joy to experience.
What a charming place to have tea! I’m glad they had vegan options available for this experience!
Yes it was amazing!
I love Edinburgh! My friend is moving there soon so I will definitely recommend these places 🙂
Wonderful! Thank you. 😊
This looks like so much fun!
It was an amazing experience!
I would love to do that. And Edinburgh is so fun!!!
I love Edinburgh! It’s my favorite city in the world.
What a great experience! I would love to visit that area!
It was amazing! And so delicious.
Such a quaint and beautiful place. Lovely!
It was!
I love tea and Scotland is on my list to visit. My nana’s family was from there and I would love to explore my roots. When we do go, I am keeping this lovely establishment in mind.
Wonderful! You will love Scotland. It’s such a beautiful country.
We go to England annually, but my husband is from Scotland so we try to get up North during our visits too! Cool to know about this place! Thanks!
I love that country!
Edinburgh is on my list, unfortunately my list is far too long! It’s so great that you can find lovely spots that focus on what you’re looking for, and not just having to make due! Looks like you had a great time.
I did! It’s very easy to eat in a healthy way in Edinburgh. 😊
I’m not vegan, but it looks and sounds delicious – even for the carnivore in me!
I don’t think anyone could tell it’s vegan food. It was so good!
What a delightful place! I think the outdoor settings are so neat!
Yes the garden area out back was so pretty! They often have musicians performing out there. It’s a wonderful place.
I have a friend who has invited me over to England for a visit and I am desperately trying to find a way over there. You just elevated that desire even more. This place looks absolutely adorable and charming. Sounds like you had a fantastic time!
I hope you get to go! You’d love it there. I visited England in 2017.