Botanics launches vegan and gluten-free afternoon teas
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is now serving its new indulgent afternoon tea menu, that for the first time includes completely vegan and gluten-free experiences.
Created by Sodexo, the foodie team behind the restaurant and cafés at the Botanics, the new addition launches in time for Mother’s Day. Available from 6 March, the new offer is inspired by the gardens, bringing the outdoors in and onto the plate.
Served from 2.30pm each day, the Botanical Afternoon Tea features an edible plant pot and mini cone topped with candy floss along with a selection of seasonal sandwiches and sweet treats.
A highlight of the vegan option is the sausage roll made with locally sourced wild mushrooms and on the gluten free menu, the venue has introduced a savoury quiche. The chocolate trough, inspired by a window box features on all three menus as does the quintessential scone.
Commenting on the new afternoon tea, Susan Holligan, catering general manager at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “We want to ensure everyone can enjoy the decadent afternoon tea experience regardless of dietary requirements, so with an estimated 600,000 vegans in the UK and 8.5 million people on gluten-free diets, we have worked hard to create the perfect alternatives.
“We don’t believe in simply substituting certain items to fulfill allergy requirements, we have worked just as hard on our full vegan and gluten-free stands so that everyone has the perfect Botanical Afternoon Tea experience.”
The afternoon tea costs £24.95 per person with unlimited tea and coffee, or £29.95 per person with a glass of fizz. The gluten-free and vegan options have to be ordered 24 hours in advance.