Cocktails At Afternoon Tea? This London Hotel Is Leading The Change

Forbes

28-03-2025

In partnership with renowned East End baker Lily Vanilli, Four Seasons Hotel at Tower Bridge has ... More launched Aperi-Tea, an evening rendition of afternoon tea with Aperitivo-inspired service.
When you think about afternoon tea, chances are you imagine meeting friends sometime in the mid or early afternoon. However, the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge is looking to reinvent the typical afternoon tea experience. In partnership with renowned East End baker Lily Vanilli, the hotel has launched Aperi-Tea, an evening rendition of afternoon tea with Aperitivo-inspired service.
Vanilli is known for her incredible cake designs and other colorful baking creations, so it only makes sense that the service will feature some of her signature creations. As a Londoner, Vanilli wanted to create a tea that went beyond typical tea and scones, which is where the decision to incorporate evening service and cocktails came into play.
'I've always felt afternoon tea needed reinventing —it's such a fun concept and there's so much scope for creativity, but it always felt stuck in this pantomime of the past,' says Lily Vanilli in an interview with Forbes. 'I wanted to update the menu to suit a modern palate, and create something myself and my friends would go to often - vs just a tourist spot or for special occasions.'
During the day, the afternoon tea will be just as one expects—think scones, cakes, teas and more. However, once the evening draws in, the lights in the Rotunda Bar and Lounge will dim and the service will feature accompanying mini cocktails.
Lily Vanilli wanted to create a tea that went beyond typical tea and scones, which is where the ... More decision to incorporate evening service and cocktails came into play.
'The London by Lily Vanilli promises a feast for the senses with delicious bites, perfectly paired cocktails and a stylish vibe,' explains Victoria Lebedeva, director of food and beverage at the Four Seasons Hotel Tower Bridge. "Whether it's a mid-afternoon graze, late-night tipple or a special occasion, 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 flavors from spring to winter.'
Featuring mini cocktails like the Lily Royale, a blend of Beluga Noble Vodka, cacao blanc, raspberry cordial and Champagne garnished with a fresh raspberry dipped in white chocolate, and the Salted Espresso (a twist on an espresso martini with Patron tequila, mezcal, espresso, Pedro Ximénex and salted caramel syrup), the Aperi-Tea is perfect for a girls get together or date night.
Changing seasonally, the first menu will play ode to spring.
Changing seasonally, the first menu will play ode to spring. It will include one of Vanilli's extravagant Celebration Cakes decorated with an elaborate icing pattern, alongside a Creme Brulée Basque Cheesecake and a Tiramisu Tart with a coffee and brandy-soaked sponge, custard mascarpone cream and coffee caramel. The service will also feature Vanilli's beloved scones with clotted cream and changing seasonal jam.
For savory bites, expect dishes like the house Gilda (featuring anchovies, green olives and pickled chili), cheddar, feta and spinach scones, salty confit potatoes topped with smoked salmon, creme fraiche and lime, and Parmesan goujères (a nod to Samuel Pepys who previously lived around the corner and buried his wheel of parmesan under the building during the Great Fire of London).
'The Rotunda Bar and Lounge is a truly special backdrop to our menu of sweet and savory delights,' says Vanilli. "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 savory 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!'