The Mackintosh Tearooms

Tearooms

The Mackintosh Tearooms were first opened by Miss Cranston in 1903 and were designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in collaboration with his wife, Margaret Macdonald.

Mackintosh had already worked for Miss Cranston, designing elements for her other tearooms in Glasgow. But in Sauchiehall Street, Mackintosh was given responsibility not only for the interior design and furniture, but also for the full internal layout and exterior architectural treatment. The early 20th-century patrons of the tearooms had never seen anything like these designs before, and it quickly became a popular place in which to socialise, particularly for women.

A view looking through railings on a staircase down across the Front Saloon of the Mackintosh Tearooms. A series of green and blue beads, evoking an abacus, run along the top, and lime-green lozenges are suspended down to sway gently.

The Mackintosh Tearooms can be found in an internationally recognised, A-listed property. The restaurant seats up to 200 people across two floors and boasts a variety of beautiful spaces, each with their own character and unique design.

The Front and Back Saloons are on the ground floor, and feature an impressive canopy, skylights and linen wall panels – all designed by Mackintosh and Macdonald. The Gallery is located on the mezzanine floor.

Book a table

A tearoom with lots of square tables and ladder-back chairs. A gallery is on the mezzanine level at the back, with Mackintosh panels running along the front. A long wooden counter runs along the right-hand side of the room.

A tea room with a square table, covered in white linen. The table is set for afternoon tea and with Blue Willow crockery. Visitors can be seen dining in the background.

A view from the first floor balcony of the tearooms, showing Mackintosh ladderback chairs arranged around a wooden floor. Long pendant ceiling lights hang down through the balcony space.

Tours

The famous Salon de Luxe and Billiard Room can be enjoyed on a special tour that must be booked in advance. Your host will guide you through the story of how art, social change and business influenced the making of a famous Glasgow tearoom.

Book a tour

Sustainability

Being more sustainable is a key part of our planning. We are committed to cutting our emissions and striving to implement thoughtful, socially and environmentally conscious policies which will contribute to real measurable change. These include:

We ask all customers before we print receipts whether they require a copy.
We do not use disposable plastic cups/plates in our meeting rooms.
All of our takeaway packaging is compostable and recyclable.
We use a trusted list of local suppliers in our gift shop and kitchen.
Our head chef is a great believer in using local Scottish produce – from the land, sea and air.
All menus focus on food waste reduction, striving to use every part of the product.

An enormous chandelier hangs from the ceiling in a tearoom designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Glass panels line the walls, and velvet-cushioned chairs sit around tables.