Tickets now on sale for an afternoon where the love of food, friends and literature intertwine

One Square is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Rare Birds Books to launch the ultimate Book Lovers Afternoon Tea. This unique ‘make friends mixer’ will take place in the private dining room at One Square on Saturday, 14th September, from 3pm.

The brand new event is an extension of One Square’s highly-popular Storytellers of Edinburgh Afternoon Tea menu, which is inspired by Edinburgh’s most famous authors and their iconic stories. The collaboration with Rare Birds Books – one of Edinburgh’s top independent book shops – will offer guests an immersive experience where literature and culinary artistry come together, creating a perfect afternoon for book lovers and food enthusiasts alike to mix and mingle.

Tickets for the event are now available at £29 per person and include afternoon tea served alongside unlimited teas and coffees. Tickets can be purchased via the booking link below on the Rare Birds website.

One Square’s expert chefs have meticulously crafted the menu, taking guests on a literary journey through Edinburgh’s rich storytelling heritage. Dishes inspired by the city’s great authors—such as Robert Burns, Irvine Welsh, and Robert Louis Stevenson—are paired with thematic elements that reflect the stories and characters they created.

Highlights of the menu include Robert Burns’ Haggis Bon Bons with soured neeps chutney, Irvine Welsh’s Lind & Lime Gin cured salmon with smoked poppy seeds, and a flavour-changing cucumber-based sandwich inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The sweet section pays homage to beloved storytellers with a wizard-inspired Jelly Bean tart for J.K. Rowling, a raspberry cranachan for Arthur Conan Doyle, and a dark chocolate, sweet vermouth-laced sponge as an ode to Rob Roy.

Nick Durham, Director of Food and Beverage at The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, shares his excitement: “Edinburgh, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, is home to some of the greatest storytellers, past and present. At One Square, we’re passionate about championing local brands and our partnership with Rare Birds Book Shop does just that. It also allows us to celebrate Edinburgh’s literary heritage and heroes in a new and creative way.  ”

Rachel Wood, Founder of Rare Birds Books, said: “We love bringing people together through a shared love of books, and we can’t think of a better way to do it than by hosting one of our famous ‘make friends mixers’ during afternoon tea. We’re so excited to come together and enjoy some delicious treats, discuss the books we love and make new friends along the way!”

Tickets are available now for £29 via https://rarebirdsbooks.com/collections/events/products/afternoon-tea-make-friends-mixer  For more information