‘London by Lily Vanilli’ offers a modern take on afternoon tea
‘London by Lily Vanilli’ tea features cocktails and cakes
A new afternoon tea experience is set to shake up London’s dining scene as renowned artisan baker Lily Vanilli teams up with the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge. Launching on March 28, 2025, ‘London by Lily Vanilli’ will bring a contemporary twist to the traditional afternoon tea, blending decadent cakes, mini cocktails, and an evening aperitivo-style service in the hotel’s stunning Rotunda Bar and Lounge.
Lily Vanilli, celebrated for her imaginative cake designs and signature bakes, has worked closely with the Rotunda’s newly formed culinary team to craft an afternoon tea experience designed for the modern Londoner. Moving beyond conventional tea and scones, this menu offers indulgent sweet and savoury treats complemented by a selection of carefully crafted mini cocktails. As the sun sets, the tea service will evolve into an ‘Aperi-tea’ experience — London’s own take on Italy’s famed aperitivo hour. With dimmed lighting and an ambient shift, guests can enjoy an evening of elevated bites, refined drinks, and a sophisticated social atmosphere.
One of Lily Vanilli’s beautiful bakes
A Modern Afternoon Tea, Lily Vanilli Style
Forget dainty sandwiches and predictable petit fours — this afternoon tea embraces bold flavors and stylish presentation. The menu features seasonal treats inspired by the freshest ingredients and Lily’s unmistakable flair. Guests can indulge in Celebration Cakes adorned with lavish icing, a Crème Brûlée Basque Cheesecake with sour cherry compote, and a Tiramisu Tart layered with coffee and brandy-soaked sponge, mascarpone custard, and coffee caramel, all encased in a crisp chocolate shell. Her famous cake-like scones will also make an appearance, served with clotted cream and seasonal fruit compote.
Savoury selections take a similarly innovative approach. Highlights include the house Gilda — an anchovy, green olive, and pickled chili skewer inspired by the Basque region — alongside airy Parmesan gougères generously dusted with grated Parmesan, a nod to historical Londoner Samuel Pepys. Additional bites include cheddar, feta, and spinach scones with pickled cucumber and dill, as well as crispy confit potatoes topped with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and lime.
Aperitivo-Inspired Cocktails
The drinks menu is just as playful and sophisticated, featuring signature mini cocktails designed to pair perfectly with the menu. Standouts include the Lily Royale, a luxurious mix of Beluga Noble vodka, cacao blanc, raspberry cordial, and Champagne, topped with a white chocolate-dipped raspberry. Meanwhile, the Salted Espresso offers a bold take on the classic espresso martini, blending Patrón tequila, Los Siete Misterios mezcal, fresh espresso, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and salted caramel syrup, finished with a crunchy sesame tuilé. Guests can also choose from a variety of classic cocktails and mini martinis, ensuring a seamless transition from afternoon tea to an evening tipple.
The Rotunda at Four Seasons London at Tower Bridge with doorman © Four Seasons
A Social Experience for Londoners
Lily Vanilli is thrilled to bring her signature touch to the Four Seasons. “I am so excited to bring my take on the perfect afternoon tea experience to the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge. The Rotunda Bar and Lounge is a truly special backdrop to our menu of sweet and savoury delights. Guests can expect a contemporary spin on both the Lily Vanilli and English classics, all served with a slice of grandeur only the Four Seasons could provide. The aspect I’m most looking forward to seeing come to life is how the vibe evolves over the course of the day, with the evenings bringing great music, dimming lights and a fabulous menu of sweet and savoury bites that perfectly pair with champagne and cocktails. We will also offer a mini version of the menu for anyone who wants a smaller selection – this is an afternoon tea for Londoners – somewhere you can come for drinks after work – or even after dinner,” she says.
Victoria Lebedeva, Director of Food and Beverage at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, echoes this sentiment. “The ‘London by Lily Vanilli’ promises a feast for the senses with delicious bites, perfectly paired cocktails and a stylish vibe. Whether it’s a mid-afternoon graze, late night tipple or special occasion blow out, this is the only afternoon tea date you need in your diary. The Rotunda bar will ooze Lily’s signature style all year round as the menu evolves with the seasons, bringing Londoners trending tastes and flavours from spring to winter.”
‘London by Lily Vanilli’ will be available from March 28, 2025, running from Friday to Sunday. Guests can book their experience from 2 PM to 7 PM, with prices starting at £48 per person.
Exterior of Four Seasons London at Tower Bridge as seen from Trinity Square Gardens © Four Seasons
Entrance to Four Seasons London at Tower Bridge with doorman © Four Seasons / Richard Waite
FOUR SEASONS LONDON AT TOWER BRIDGE
10 Trinity Square
City of London
London
EC3N 4AJ
Web: fourseasons.com/towerbridge
Tel: +44 (0)20 3297 9200
Online Booking: opentable.com
Instagram: @fstowerbridge