The esteemed Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge has collaborated with illustrious East End artisan baker, Lily Vanilli, to unveil a novel dining concept. Throwing tradition out of the window, the aperi-tea initiative reimagines the quintessential English afternoon tea for a discerning clientele. The experience, aptly named London by Lily Vanilli, will be hosted in the hotel’s opulent Rotunda Bar and Lounge. As daylight gives way to evening, the atmosphere will transform; the lighting will soften, and the menu will transition to engage guests with an aperitivo-style service that embodies an invigorating nighttime energy.
Lily Vanilli, renowned as a vanguard of the contemporary bakery renaissance, is celebrated for her exquisite cake designs and vibrant creations. Her clients include Elton John, Madonna and Lady Gaga. In collaboration with the team at Rotunda Bar and Lounge, she has curated an afternoon tea that transcends the typical fare of tea and scones, catering to the refined tastes of the modern guest. The outcome is an enchanting experience, showcasing divine cakes, indulgent bakes and delectable savoury morsels, all elegantly paired with mini cocktails. As twilight approaches, the menu will gracefully evolve into an aperi-tea offering, poised to establish London’s own interpretation of aperitivo hour. This concept embraces the finest elements of the traditional English afternoon tea, augmenting it with an array of cocktails that reflect the shift in ambience from day to night.
In a striking departure from the conventional tiny cakes and crustless sandwiches, the innovative afternoon tea will feature some of London’s most fashionable dishes, reinterpreted in Lily’s distinctive style. The accompanying whimsical drinks menu includes mini-cocktails such as the Lily Royale, a sophisticated blend of Beluga Noble vodka, cacao blanc, raspberry cordial and Champagne, garnished with a fresh raspberry enrobed in white chocolate. Another highlight is the Salted Espresso, an inventive take on the classic espresso martini, comprising Patrón tequila, Los Siete Misterios mezcal, freshly brewed espresso, Pedro Ximénez and salted caramel syrup, topped with a crisp sesame tuilé.
The menu is set to transform with the seasons. This season’s opening menu pays tribute to the pastel hues and invigorating spirit that spring ushers in. Featured will be Lily Vanilli’s opulent celebration cakes, adorned with her signature sumptuous icing, a delectably creamy crème brûlée basque cheesecake accompanied by a sour cherry compote, and a tiramisu tart crafted from coffee and brandy-soaked sponge, oozing with custard mascarpone cream and coffee caramel within a crisp chocolate tart. Furthermore, Lily will present her renowned delicate cake-like scones, served with clotted cream and seasonal fruit compote.
Complementing this exquisite aperi-tea experience will be an array of bite-sized savoury delicacies, including the house specialty gilda, featuring anchovy, green olive and pickled chilli — an original bar snack from the Basque region. Guests will also savour light and airy parmesan goujères, enveloped in freshly grated parmesan — a nod to Samuel Pepys, who famously resided nearby and buried his cherished wheel of parmesan during the Great Fire of London. Additional offerings include cheddar, feta and spinach savoury scones with pickled cucumber and dill, and crispy, delectable confit potatoes topped with smoked salmon, crème fraîche and a hint of lime.
Served with a slice of grandeur, the experience is perfect for celebrations.
Images courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel London At Tower Bridge
