What better way to celebrate afternoon tea in its birthplace than with a London-inspired tea at The Dilly?
In the heart of Piccadilly, where the rhythm of London hums just beyond its grand Edwardian façade, The Dilly Hotel has unveiled a revamped tea offering that promises to transport guests on an edible journey through the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Served on the hotel’s light-filled terrace overlooking the bustling streets below, the Iconic Landmarks Afternoon Tea is a celebration of London’s architectural wonders—a masterful fusion of culinary artistry, British tradition and a dash of playful creativity. The Dilly afternoon tea experience is a one-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Afternoon tea at The Dilly has long been a cherished occasion, but this latest iteration feels like a love letter to the city—a particularly fitting one. Nestled in one of the most storied corners of London, with the Royal Academy and the Burlington Arcade just a short stroll away, The Dilly’s terrace provides a front-row seat to the capital’s timeless elegance. As the sun filters through the glass canopy, casting a gentle glow across the delicate china and polished silverware, the setting is both intimate and quintessentially London— well, minus the sun.
A Journey Through London, One Bite at a Time
The concept behind the Iconic Landmarks Afternoon Tea is simple yet inspired: to reimagine London’s most recognisable sights in exquisite patisserie form. From the first glance at the impeccably curated tea stand, it’s clear that the kitchen’s pastry chefs have approached their craft with both imagination and precision. Presented as a dual-sided Red London Bus, each tier tells a story, paying homage to a different landmark while remaining rooted in the classic flavours of British afternoon tea.
The experience begins, as all good afternoon teas should, with a selection of finely cut sandwiches. Twists on classics are as playful as they are delicious; smoked salmon with coconut cream cheese and devilled eggs with cress are both elevated with meticulous attention to detail. The pastrami and horseradish is a particular triumph, offering a delicate balance of New York-style cured beef while nodding to one of the nation’s most beloved dishes. A beetroot and feta cheese sandwich served on onion bread provides a refreshing twist on tradition: light, fragrant, and impossibly moreish.
But it is on the sweet tiers where the concept truly comes to life. First to catch the eye are the Crown Jewels, reimagined as a delicate Black Forest Cake. The crisp shell gives way to a smooth cherry filling, with just a whisper of floral notes—a nod to our historic city, linked by fragrant parks and gardens. Next comes The Dilly itself, its grand silhouette mirrored in walnut and honey with strawberry jam. Rich, decadent, and architecturally perfect, it’s a showstopper both in flavour and design.
No celebration of London would be complete without Big Ben, here represented by golden hazelnut and rich chocolate. The exterior encases a silky praline cream, finished with a shimmering chocolate clock face—a playful reminder that tea time is a sacred hour in this city. Perhaps most charming of all is the London Eye, crafted as a sumptuous Mud Cake; its decadence and yet light notes evoke the joy of an afternoon on the South Bank.
Tea Fit for the Capital
The tea selection is as thoughtfully curated as the menu itself (let us not forget the pillow-like scones), with a range of loose-leaf blends from the renowned Camellia’s Tea House. The Dilly’s signature English Breakfast Blend—a robust, malty black tea with hints of bergamot—is a natural companion to the sweet creations, while the Hibiscus Bora Bora offers a more delicate, floral pairing. For those seeking something a little more celebratory, a chilled glass of Pommery Louis Rosé English sparkling champagne or a fragrant Buckingham Bliss gin cocktail adds an extra layer of indulgence.
A Celebration of Tradition with a Modern Twist
What sets this afternoon tea apart is its seamless blend of tradition and modernity—much like London itself. The service is warm and attentive, with staff offering insightful explanations of each creation without ever feeling intrusive. There’s a sense of playfulness woven throughout the experience, from the whimsical presentation of each course to the subtle nods to the city’s rich heritage.
The setting, too, strikes just the right balance between elegance and comfort. The terrace’s glass roof floods the space with natural light, while lush greenery and vintage-inspired furnishings create a sense of serenity high above the bustling streets below. Whether you’re a lifelong Londoner or a visitor discovering the city for the first time, there’s something undeniably special about seeing the landmarks of London laid out before you—both through the windows and on the plate.
The Final Flourish
As the last crumbs are savoured and the final drops of tea poured, it’s clear that The Dilly’s Iconic Landmarks Afternoon Tea is an experience. Every element, from the inspired patisserie to the impeccable service, has been carefully designed to celebrate the city in all its glory. It’s a reminder of why afternoon tea remains one of London’s most cherished rituals: a chance to pause, indulge, and savour the beauty of the moment, all with the city’s rich history unfolding just beyond the terrace.
For those seeking a taste of London that is as elegant as it is imaginative, The Dilly’s terrace offers an afternoon tea that is quite simply iconic. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon, this is a celebration of London’s landmarks that are not just to be seen – but to be savoured.
To discover more, visit: The Dilly
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All imagery courtesy of The Dilly Hotel.