Willow Tea Room Glasgow Review: Everything You Need to Know

Willow Tea Room Glasgow Review | Afternoon Tea at Mackintosh at the Willow [Updated for 2025]

Afternoon tea in Glasgow feels extra special when you spend it somewhere iconic.

Back in 2017 I visited the famous Willow Tea Room Glasgow with my best friend, and I still remember every detail of that day.

Since then, the tea rooms have been beautifully refurbished and are now known as Mackintosh at the Willow.

This transformation has only added to the charm, keeping the history alive while giving the space a modern and fresh feel.

If you’re wondering where to enjoy afternoon tea in Glasgow, this post will take you inside the experience.

From sandwiches stacked high to cakes that arrive bigger than expected, here’s everything you need to know before booking your visit.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Willow Tea Room Glasgow Review

When we arrived, the queue stretched out the door.

That alone told me the Willow Tea Room in Glasgow was worth the wait.

A place doesn’t stay packed unless it offers something special, and the buzz around the entrance set the scene so perfectly.

Luckily though, we only waited about five minutes before being seated.

I did feel a little cheeky skipping ahead of others in the queue, but our table was ready and waiting.

Upstairs, I spotted some signs for the Chinese Tea Rooms and the toilets, both clearly marked so no one gets lost.

Drinks at Willow Tea Room Glasgow

The staff were really friendly and welcomed us warmly while handing over the menus.

I decided to start with a can of Coke while my friend Lisa went for Scotland’s classic Irn-Bru.

But since we were there for afternoon tea in Glasgow, I couldn’t resist ordering an apple tea as well.

When the pot arrived, complete with a strainer and the cutest little setup, I knew I was in for a real treat.

The apple tea was light, fragrant, and tasted absolutely incredible!!

If you ever go, I genuinely can’t recommend it enough. It really set the tone for everything that followed.

The Food | Afternoon Tea in Glasgow

For food, I went for the Willow Club Sandwich.

Think layers of chicken, Ayrshire back bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo stacked between toasted white bread.

Sounds delicious right?

When it landed at the table, I realised this was no dainty little sandwich! Instead it was a full on meal.

The portion was generous, and honestly, it defeated me after a couple of bites.

I powered through as much as I could because of how delicious it was.

Every mouthful was hearty and satisfying. The side salad also added a crisp, fresh touch, making the whole plate feel well balanced.

Lisa decided to go for the Scottish mature cheddar with red onion, and by the look on her face, and the way she described it, it was every bit as tasty!

For the price, the serving size was quite impressive.

Sweet Treats at Willow Tea Room Glasgow

After sandwiches, we couldn’t resist diving into the cakes. When they arrived, we realised the word “little” didn’t apply here. The portions were huge!

I picked the homemade strawberry tart while Lisa chose the lemon meringue pie. Both looked stunning, and the flavours matched the presentation.

My tart tasted heavenly, with just the right balance of sweetness and freshness.

It’s the kind of dessert I’d happily bring my gran to try after a day of shopping in Glasgow.

If you’re a cake lover, this is where Mackintosh at the Willow really shines.

The cakes alone are reason enough to visit.

Décor and Atmosphere

The interiors at the Willow Tea Room Glasgow really stood out.

Even the toilets matched the elegant vibe as they were bright, clean, and perfectly kept.

I remember thinking you could easily snap a well lit selfie in there.

That attention to detail really sums up the whole experience. Everything feels cared for and thoughtfully designed.

The staff also added to that atmosphere! They were smiling and chatting while keeping everything running smoothly.

It definitely felt relaxed, friendly, and welcoming.

From Willow Tea Room to Mackintosh at the Willow

Now for a bit of an update for 2025!

Since my first visit, the Willow Tea Room in Glasgow has been lovingly restored and is now known as Mackintosh at the Willow.

The refurbishment brought the original designs by Charles Rennie Mackintosh back to life and it’s just beautiful.

The iconic Art Nouveau style has been preserved, but the space feels refreshed and even more inspiring.

Oh, and the building itself is steeped in history, dating all the way back to 1903!

Today, Mackintosh at the Willow celebrates that heritage while still offering a modern afternoon tea experience.

There’s even a visitor centre where you can learn more about Mackintosh’s work and Glasgow’s cultural history which I highly recommend.

If you’re looking for afternoon tea in Glasgow that blends history, style, and flavour, this is the place for you.

Why You Should Visit Mackintosh at the Willow

So, should you add Mackintosh at the Willow (formerly Willow Tea Room Glasgow) to your must visit list?

Absolutely!

And here’s why:

• The afternoon tea menu is generous and satisfying.
• The cakes are some of the best I’ve tasted in Glasgow.
• It’s a cultural landmark as much as it is a tea room.
• The décor and design carry Mackintosh’s timeless signature style.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting Glasgow, this spot offers you something unique.

It’s perfect for a day out with friends, a family treat, or even a solo escape with a good book and a pot of tea.

Final Thoughts on Willow Tea Room Glasgow

My visit to the Willow Tea Room Glasgow back in 2017 was one of the best afternoon tea experiences I’ve ever had.

From the overflowing sandwiches to the unforgettable strawberry tart, every detail made it special.

Now, as Mackintosh at the Willow, it’s even more exciting.

The refurbishment adds depth, history, and a sense of wonder to the experience.

You’re not just enjoying tea, you’re stepping into a piece of Glasgow’s cultural heritage and its a must try experience.

If you’re planning a trip to Glasgow, make sure you stop in for a spot of afternoon tea at Mackintosh at the Willow.

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