Afternoon tea week is soon upon us (12th – 18th August) so what better excuse do you have to book a lavish carbfest at one of London’s most iconic hotels?

Nestled in the heart of London’s bustling Piccadilly, The Dilly Hotel—formerly known as Le Meridien Piccadilly—offers a delightful blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury. Designed by Richard Norman Shaw and opened in 1908, this iconic hotel boasts a Neo-Baroque style inspired by 17th-century English Palladian architecture. Until the 18th of August, The Dilly invites you to indulge in a Parisian-themed afternoon tea at its Terrace at The Dilly restaurant, promising a unique fusion of British tradition and French culinary flair. After this date a different style of Afternoon tea will be served and probably even more fabulous…if this is even possible.

This year’s Parisian-themed afternoon tea at The Dilly is inspired by the Olympic Games, offering an exquisite pairing of savory sandwiches, delectable desserts, and a variety of fine teas. Whether you’re a London local or a visitor seeking to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry, this afternoon tea experience is designed to delight both adults and children alike.

Priced at just £49, the adult afternoon tea offers a tantalising array of both sweet and savoury treats. Sandwich options include the traditional Jambon-beurre, featuring sliced ham and cheese with orange marmalade on a French baguette, and the Crêpe, filled with roasted vegetables and soft cheese roll-ups. The Tartines present a luxurious smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers, while the Sandwich Lyonnaise features egg mayonnaise with mustard cress on focaccia.

The sweet selection is equally impressive. “The Medal” showcases a strawberry ginger confection, while “The Olympia Column” offers a rich cassis crèmeux. For a nutty indulgence, the “Mona Lisa” presents a pistachio and honey cake. The pièce de résistance, “The Eiffel Tower,” is a milk chocolate mousse with mandarin gel and a sable biscuit. Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without scones, and The Dilly delivers with both plain and raisin scones served alongside clotted cream and strawberry jam.

The Dilly caters to all dietary preferences with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free afternoon tea options. Vegetarian sandwiches feature marinated tomatoes and cheese on a baguette, while the vegan option includes marinated tomatoes with coconut soft cheese. The gluten-free menu ensures no one misses out, offering ham and cheese on gluten-free bread and a delightful selection of roasted vegetable and soft cheese sandwiches. We love it when a hotel caters to all dietary requirements and The Dilly doesn’t disappoint.

For younger guests, the children’s afternoon tea includes adorable kid-friendly versions of the adult offerings. The menu features “The Medal,” a strawberry ginger treat, and “The Mona Lisa,” a pistachio and honey cake, alongside chocolate scones and a selection of sandwiches such as Jambon-beurre and roasted vegetable crêpes. The children’s drinks menu offers silky smooth hot chocolate, fruit juice, and pretty mocktails including the gloriously pink “Strawberry Surprise.”

To complement the exquisite food, The Dilly offers a curated selection of teas by The Tea Makers of London, including classics like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, as well as unique blends such as Sencha Goji Berry and Vanilla Rooibos. Coffee enthusiasts can enjoy premium Illy coffee, and for those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, sparkling wine pairings are available, featuring Chapel Down Classic Brut NV and various offerings from Pommery.

The Parisian-themed afternoon tea at The Dilly is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to the charming streets of Paris while close to the vibrant hustle and bustle of Piccadilly. The Dilly’s commitment to accommodating dietary preferences ensures that everyone can partake in this elegant tradition. With a history spanning over a century, The Dilly is the perfect setting for this sophisticated and memorable afternoon tea.

We cant’t wait to discover what the hotel has in store for future afternoon tea offerings…