There are few rituals more quintessentially British than afternoon tea, and at The Dilly Hotel in London, it’s served with just the right mix of grandeur and whimsy. Tucked just a scone’s throw from the bustle of Piccadilly, this iconic hotel pairs Edwardian elegance with a modern sense of fun, delivering a teatime experience that’s as polished as it is playful. Think perfectly cut finger sandwiches, still-warm scones begging for clotted cream, and pastries that are miniature works of iconic London art.

The Dilly has been part of London’s story since 1908. With its enviable location—just steps from the West End theatres and luxury shopping streets—it’s the kind of place that makes exploring the capital both effortless and elegant. Inside, the hotel blends heritage charm with modern comfort, offering 283 spacious rooms (28 of them suites), plus a few unexpected extras: an indoor pool, squash courts, a Golfzon simulator, and a full fitness and treatment centre.

But we are here for their Iconic London Afternoon Tea. Served in their gorgeous Terrace daily from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, The Dilly offers a delightful midday respite. Whether preparing for further exploration or enjoying a moment of personal indulgence, this experience, priced at £49 for adults and £39 for children, provides a luxurious yet accessible treat. Guests can savour a taste of London luxury with opulent surroundings and exceptional service, making it an experience to be savoured for weeks to come.

The menu, equal parts delicious and delectable as it is Instagrammable, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available, is a celebration of everything that makes London unique, with the flavours, both sweet and savoury, changing with the season.

Served on their Iconic Red Bus ‘Cake Stand’ - you can expect classic sandwiches done well. We had Coronation Chicken that came with a slight spice, but beautiful sweetness and tender meat. And the Carrot, Cucumber and Cream Cheese was a lovely twist on the classic.

Fluffy, light and slightly warm scones were next on our bus of delights. Both plain and raisin were paired with homemade preserves and thick clotted cream and were every bit as mouth-watering as they looked.

But it’s the patisserie that truly steals the show—each delicate dessert is inspired by iconic London landmarks and almost too beautiful to eat. From a chocolatey Big Ben to a detailed London Red Bus, these miniature masterpieces are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate. Crafted with precision and a playful imagination, they add a sense of theatre to the tea stand—and a touch of sightseeing without ever leaving your seat.

It’s not every day you get to say you took a bite out of St Paul’s Cathedral and nibbled on Big Ben. But here, at The Dilly, anything is possible, and their use of combining unique flavours and textures is unmatched.

No longer available on the menu, as like their flavour changes, they swap up the landmarks to keep everything fresh, but The Red Bus, for me, was the star and still deserved a mention. Not only was it perfectly designed with each detail captured, the temper on the chocolate had that perfect snap. The technical detail is now shared across the board and reflected in the shine of the Crown Jewel - a Black Forest Cake, and their own miniature recreation of the venue you are seated inside. Their Walnut and Honey Cake with Strawberry Ginger and Milk Chocolate Cremeux recreates The Dilly. While a Mud Cake London Eye and Hazelnut Praline, and Milk Chocolate Big Ben sits as impressively on the stand as it tastes.

Each dessert is lovingly handcrafted by their expert pastry team. The details painstakingly created through incredible chocolate and sugar work, and the insides filled deep with layers of texture and deep, rich flavours with sweet floral and fruit notes. Truly outstanding work and a memorable visit, with an extensive list of teas and a selection of Pommery bubbles to make that occasion even more special.

A high recommendation for the Pommery Louis Rose English Sparkling at £18 per glass. It’s a fantastic option as it’s delicate on the palate but with just a touch of berries and stone fruits to pair perfectly with your sweetened desserts.

The experience as a whole is elevated by the attentive and genuinely friendly staff, who strike the perfect balance between polished service and warm hospitality. Nothing feels rushed, and every detail is handled with care. The setting itself is clean, chic, and effortlessly stylish—with soft lighting, elegant tableware, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to linger just a little longer. It’s the kind of place where you feel truly looked after from the moment you arrive.

Afternoon tea at The Dilly is more than just a meal—it’s an edible love letter to London, wrapped in elegance. From the iconic setting and standout service to the playful, patisserie-driven storytelling, every element is thoughtfully crafted to surprise and delight. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a midweek treat, The Dilly’s afternoon tea delivers a whimsical, flavour-packed journey through the capital—one bite (and landmark) at a time.

Landmarks on a Plate: Discovering The Dilly’s Iconic Afternoon Tea

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