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Into the Garden Afternoon Tea at Lilli by Akira Back, Mayfair

Step into Lilli by Akira Back and into a different kind of afternoon.

Into the Garden is Lilli by Akira Back Signature afternoon tea — a refined, floral-inspired interpretation of a great British tradition, served in a restaurant that has become a destination in its own right in the heart of Mayfair. Alongside hand-crafted finger sandwiches, guests enjoy a Dressed Crab Brioche Roll and six artisan teas sourced from Taiwan, China and the Himalayan regions, in partnership with Camellia’s Tea House.

The experience draws its heart from Constance Spry — the pioneering florist who called Mayfair home, and who co-created Coronation Chicken alongside Rosemary Hume for Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation luncheon in 1953. Her conviction that food, flowers and beauty belong together remains the creative spirit of everything on the table.

A quiet acknowledgement is also given to Elizabeth Montagu and the Blue Stockings Society, whose spirited gatherings in Mayfair’s drawing rooms shaped the neighbourhood’s enduring identity as a place of conversation, culture and considered company.

Highlights of the menu include the Coronation Chicken sandwich, Matcha Opera Cake and a curated selection of seasonal patisserie. Guests may elevate the occasion with Billecart-Salmon Champagne, or explore six bespoke blends from Camellia’s Tea House — London’s celebrated artisan tea specialist.

A dedicated children’s afternoon tea menu means younger guests are equally welcome at the table. And for those arriving this summer, the new Summer Floral Afternoon Tea awaits — a fresh, floral-led chapter of Into the Garden, available year-round. Scroll to discover more.

Opening Times

Afternoon Tea

Daily

12.00pm-4:30pm

Into the Garden – Summer Floral Afternoon Tea at Lilli by Akira Back, Mayfair

Each year, the arrival of summer in London marks a moment when the city shifts into light and colour. At Lilli by Akira Back, this moment has its own expression.

Introduced in celebration of Chelsea Flower Show season, the Summer Floral Afternoon Tea is a new chapter of Into the Garden — inspired by Constance Spry’s botanical legacy and the heritage of British garden entertaining. Launched on 19th May 2026, it is now served year-round.

Every element of the Summer Floral menu has been considered with care — from the provenance of each ingredient to the story it carries to the table. Guests may expect:

A selection of hand-crafted finger sandwiches, including the iconic Coronation Chicken — a heritage recipe created by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume for the 1953 Coronation luncheon of Queen Elizabeth II

  1. A Dressed Crab Brioche Roll and seasonal savoury bites
  2. Freshly baked scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve
  3. Floral-inspired patisserie, crafted for the season — botanical, beautiful and designed to be savoured slowly
  4. Botanical tea pairings created in collaboration with Camellia’s Tea House, London’s celebrated artisan tea specialist, sourced from Taiwan, China and the Himalayan regions
  5. Billecart-Salmon Champagne available as an optional addition
  6. A dedicated children’s afternoon tea menu for younger guests

The Summer Floral Afternoon Tea is served daily, 12:00pm to 4:30pm, in the warm surroundings of Lilli by Akira Back — a restaurant that has made afternoon tea in Mayfair its own.

SUMMER FLORAL AFTERNOON TEA

AT A GLANCE

Menu nameInto the Garden — Summer Floral Afternoon Tea
Launched19th May 2026 (Chelsea Flower Show season)
AvailabilityYear-round — served daily
Service hours12:00pm – 4:30pm (last seating 4:30pm)
DurationApproximately 90 minutes
InspirationConstance Spry — florist, hostess, culinary pioneer
Tea partnerCamellia’s Tea House — six artisan blends
ChampagneBillecart-Salmon (optional addition)
Children’s menuYes — dedicated children’s afternoon tea available
Dress codeSmart elegant
LocationLilli by Akira Back, 2 Wallenberg Place, London W1H 7TN
Nearest tubeMarble Arch (Central line), approx. 5 minutes’ walk
ReservationsStrongly recommended — book via OpenTable

An Afternoon Tea Like No Other

Lilli by Akira Back is proud to partner with the acclaimed Bridge Theatre production of Into The Woods — Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s beloved musical.

The land on which this restaurant now stands was, centuries ago, a thriving forest — just like the enchanted woodland at the heart of Sondheim’s story. It is a connection that feels entirely apt for a place built on the conviction that great experiences begin with a sense of where you are.

Follow the path below to discover more, or to purchase your tickets to the production

Contact Us

For enquiries about afternoon tea at Lilli by Akira Back — including dietary requirements, group reservations, private dining and the Summer Floral menu — please contact the team. We shall be delighted to assist.

Summer Floral Afternoon Tea with botanical patisserie at Lilli by Akira Back, Mayfair London

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Into the Garden Afternoon Tea? caret-down

Into the Garden is Lilli by Akira Back’s signature afternoon tea — a refined, contemporary interpretation of the classic British tradition. The menu features hand-crafted finger sandwiches, a Dressed Crab Brioche Roll, Matcha Opera Cake and a curated selection of seasonal patisserie, served with six artisan teas from Camellia’s Tea House. Billecart-Salmon Champagne is available as an optional addition.

What is included in the afternoon tea menu? caret-down

Guests enjoy a full afternoon tea service: savoury finger sandwiches including the iconic Coronation Chicken, a Dressed Crab Brioche Roll, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, Matcha Opera Cake and seasonal patisserie. Six artisan tea blends are included; Champagne is available to elevate the experience.

What is the story behind the Coronation Chicken sandwich? caret-down

Coronation Chicken was created in 1953 by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume for the Coronation luncheon of Queen Elizabeth II. Constance Spry was a pioneering Mayfair florist whose philosophy — that beauty and nourishment are inseparable — is at the heart of the Into the Garden experience. Her recipe on our menu is a heartfelt tribute to that legacy.

Who are Camellia’s Tea House? caret-down

Camellia’s Tea House is one of London’s most respected independent tea specialists. In partnership with Lilli by Akira Back, they have curated six artisan blends sourced from Taiwan, China and the Himalayan regions — each chosen to complement the flavours and occasion of Into the Garden.

What is the Summer Floral Afternoon Tea? caret-down

The Summer Floral Afternoon Tea is a new chapter of Into the Garden, introduced in celebration of Chelsea Flower Show season. It features floral-inspired patisserie, botanical tea pairings by Camellia’s Tea House, the iconic Coronation Chicken sandwich and a curated seasonal menu that brings the British garden to the table. Launched on 19th May 2026, it is now available year-round.

Is the Summer Floral Afternoon Tea available all year? caret-down

Yes. Following its summer launch in May 2026, the Summer Floral Afternoon Tea is served year-round, alongside the classic Into the Garden menu, daily from 12:00pm to 4:30pm.

What time is afternoon tea served? caret-down

Afternoon tea is served daily from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. The last seating is at 4:30pm. We recommend allowing approximately 90 minutes to enjoy the full experience at a leisurely pace.

Do I need to book in advance? caret-down

We strongly recommend booking in advance. Both afternoon teas are popular experiences — particularly at weekends and during the summer season. Reservations can be made online via OpenTable. Walk-ins are welcomed when availability allows.

Are children welcome? caret-down

Absolutely. Lilli by Akira Back warmly welcomes families. A dedicated children’s afternoon tea menu is available, thoughtfully designed with child-friendly savouries and sweet treats. Every younger guest is made to feel equally special.

Where is Lilli by Akira Back located? caret-down

Lilli by Akira Back is located at 2 Wallenberg Place, London W1H 7TN, in the heart of Mayfair. The restaurant has its own entrance on Wallenberg Place and is open to all guests. The nearest Underground station is Marble Arch (Central line), approximately five minutes’ walk away.

Where in London does the best afternoon tea? caret-down

Mayfair, Marylebone, and Park Lane are all renowned for their afternoon tea traditions. Situated at the crossroads of Mayfair and Marylebone, Lilli by Akira Back is perfectly placed in the heart of London’s afternoon tea scene. It’s no surprise that our afternoon tea is considered one of the capital’s finest experiences.

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