The Tea Rooms at Edinburgh Castle unveiled by 442 Design

David Dunn, managing director of 442 Design, said: “The Tea Rooms are brought to life through an integrated interpretative theme which highlights food related anecdotes and recipes through the ages, featuring favourite foods of Mary Queen of Scots, James VI, Queen Victoria and others. We have adopted a colour scheme from Historic Scotland's own brand palette using orange as a subtle reference to Queen Anne. She built her own orangery at Kensington Palace and was a great fan of ‘taking tea’ as an act of diplomacy. A burnt orange coloured carpet warms the space and connects the three rooms front to back, while helping tone down and soften the extensive stonework.

“We want visitors to experience the enjoyment of eating in a historic setting and the design features strong period and original details which are accented with strong punchy colours, modern fixtures and light fittings. The new seating layout makes the space feel less formal and more in keeping with a modern Tea Room. The new food and bakery display reflects the way benugo operate the space and makes the offer more compelling.”

Jason Fox, benugo’s operations manager for Scotland, said: “The initial reaction from customers has been very positive. We are making a big play of the morning and afternoon tea service, where a tiered cake stand is served alongside a wide range of speciality teas.

“However, there is much more to be enjoyed here, with an innovative and wide ranging menu geared towards those who are seeking a quality eating experience in historic surroundings. The buildings have had various uses over the years, including a barracks block and a cannon store, so to sit in such historic surroundings, given a wonderful atmosphere by the work 442 Design has done, will make this a real highlight for many visitors - ‘Tea at the Castle’ will be a ‘must do’ part of a visit.”