We think London is one of the nicest and best cities in the world. There are uncountable things to do, it has many well-known highlights and no matter how often you go, there is always something new to discover. As we are based in the Netherlands, London is extremely easy and quick to reach. A weekend in London is often an easy decision.
This year, during our most recent trip to London, we wanted to add something new. Of course, there is nothing more classically British and English than a real high tea. According to social media there is one specific luxury high tea in London that stands out above the rest. I am talking about the London themed Afternoon Tea at the Dilly.
No matter how often we visit London, we are always looking for something new. Also to keep the visits fun. For example, during our previous visit we explored the city with The London Pass and we also did the Up at the O2 earlier.
This blog was written by travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley. She was invited toexperience and enjoy the London High Tea at the Dilly on behalf of Traveltomtom, and wrote this blog about her experiences.
The Dilly
The Dilly is a very well-known, historic luxury five-star hotel in the heart of London. The hotel was opened as the Picadilly Hotel in 1908. The hotel has a prime location at Piccadilly, around the corner of Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. In 1986 it was bought by Le Méridien and renamed to Le Méridien Piccadilly. Then in 2020 the hotel left the Marriott chain and was renamed again, to The Dilly, as we know it today.
The Dilly offers everything you can expect from a high-end luxury five star hotel. They have a health club with an indoor swimming pool, steam room and massage facilities. They are also home to a dance studio where world-competitors practice, and even two squash courts.
Terrace at The Dilly
The Dilly has two restaurants, one of them is Terrace at The Dilly. It's a botanical oasis with amazing views overlooking Piccadilly. The Terrace is located at the second floor of the hotel. So if you're visiting for the London Afternoon High Tea, make your way to the second floor using the elevators.
It's everything you can expect from a five star hotel. Expect elegant arches and a glass ceiling when you visit this vibrant restaurant. The Terrace at The Dilly is the only outdoor terrace overlooking Piccadilly. Terrace at The Dilly is the setting for the famous London High Tea.
Opening Times
The London Afternoon High Tea is served daily from 12.30 – 4PM. Reservations are not required but are certainly recommended. You can book a table for the London Afternoon High Tea through The Dilly website.
Price
The price for this unique Afternoon High Tea is £49 GBP ($63 USD) per person. For children, the price for high tea is £39 GBP ($50 USD) per child. This amount includes unlimited coffee and tea and an extensive selection of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. We zoom in on the menu and high tea selection later.
We agree that this is not the cheapest high tea in London, but it is a luxury unique in its kind experience.
Menus
The Dilly London Afternoon High Tea is available in various variants. So of course you have the standard menu, which we had during our visit. But they also offer a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and a kids menu as well. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements in addition to the extensive menus, you can of course let the staff know during your visit.
Luxury London Afternoon Tea Experience
This high tea experience has been on our bucket list for a long time and it was definitely worth the long wait. From the moment you enter The Dilly, you will notice that you have entered a luxury hotel. This continues on the second floor at The Terrace.
You will be warmly welcomed and guided to your table. This is equipped with London themed tableware, completely in line with the whole London high tea theme. The presentation of the sandwiches, scones and sweet treats is really great. These are served on a large red big bus. The London theme is carried out in detail.
Of course, a high tea is not complete without real English scones. These are absolutely included in the high tea. Both plain and with raisins. These are served with strawberry jam and clotted cream.
Then you also get four types of sandwiches. During our visit we had the following sandwiches:
- Pastrami and Horseradish Mayonnaise served on white bread
- Smoked salmon, cucumber, coconut cream cheese served on white bread
- Deviled eggs and cress served on malt country bread
- Beetroot Carpaccio and feta served on onion bread
And finally, of course, the world-famous sweet treats. Four pieces in the shape of well-known London landmarks. We had the following sweet surprises:
- Crown Jewel – Black forest cake
- The Dilly – Walnut and honey cake, strawberry ginger bus, milk chocolate cremeux
- London Eye – Mud cake
- Big Ben – Hazelnut praline and milk chocolate
Now you're probably thinking, two scones, four sandwiches and four sweet treats, is that all? But don't be fooled, because it really is more than you think. All four of us made the mistake of eating the sandwiches and scones first. However, by the time we finished it we were already so full that we all had no room for the best part of the high tea!
So hence our urgent advice, start with the sweet treats!!!
You really can't finish it? Don't worry, you can ask for a to-go box and take with you what you don't finish.
Traveltomtom's London High Tea recommendation
We think The Dilly London Afternoon High Tea is the perfect afternoon tea for travelers, visitors and tourists to London. The London theme is carried out to perfection and detail. The crockery, the sweet treats and even the bus on which everything is served, it's all London. It is therefore very Insta-worthy.
Is it the cheapest high tea in London? No, definitely not. Is it a high tea that you should do at leastonce in your life? Yes absolutely! There are certainly cheaper high teas to be found. But The Dilly's London Afternoon High Tea is unique in its kind and therefore an absolute must. Put it on your bucket list for your next trip to London!
The location of The Dilly and this London High Tea is super central. It is literally at walking distance from some of London's most popular attractions and many of West End's shows. Being around the corner of Piccadilly Circus means that the metro is literally at the doorstep as well. You can easily fit this Afternoon High Tea experience within your London plans.
We really had a wonderful afternoon during our visit to The Dilly for the London Afternoon High Tea. We have had high teas before, but the quality of the food here was just excellent. You can sense that you are in a place where quality is of paramount importance.
Make your next visit to London tasty and unforgettable and go for the London Afternoon High Tea at The Dilly.
Enjoy your trip to London!