A BOTANICAL CELEBRATION OF TRADITION, FLAVOUR, AND MAYFAIR ELEGANCE

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon | Press Invite

Stepping into Lilli by Akira Back at Montcalm Mayfair, for the Into The Garden Afternoon Tea feels like wandering into a Mayfair greenhouse brought to life. The space is beautifully styled with loads of greenery, warm gold accents, and florals that lean slightly festive with their red and green tones. It all ties in perfectly with the garden theme without feeling over the top. It’s a space designed for lingering, sipping, and conversation, and it absolutely delivers on that promise.

I was invited to the media preview of Montcalm Mayfair’s new Into The Garden Afternoon Tea at Lilli by Akira Back. And from the moment I stepped inside, it was clear this was going to be a proper Mayfair experience. The dedicated afternoon tea area feels immersive and stylish, with décor that nods to the theme in a really polished, modern way. It’s immersive without feeling staged, and it creates the perfect backdrop for the menu that follows.

SWEET TREATS, BOUJI BITES & BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED FLAVOURS

The presentation of the afternoon tea was delicate, thoughtful, and artistic, with every detail reflecting the inspiration behind the menu. While I skipped the Amuse Bouche of Forest Mushroom Velouté (mushrooms aren’t my friend), everything else more than made up for it. On the savoury side, the Coronation Chicken on Granary was easily my winner, very fitting considering Constance Spry invented the dish. The Dressed Crab Brioche Roll was a luxurious twist on the standard afternoon tea offerings and really added to the bouji feels.

The sweets were where the theme really came alive. I tried matcha for the first time with the Matcha Opera Cake. I loved the pairing of sponge, buttercream, and ganache, but I’m not sure I’m ready for a full matcha latte just yet. The Vanilla Mille-Feuille was delicate, light, and beautifully executed, but the Mini Macarons (dipped in chocolate) were the standout for me. Especially the raspberry with white chocolate.

Of course, you can’t have an afternoon tea without Scones, and these were spot on. I swapped clotted cream for butter (judge me if you must), and the team didn’t hesitate. And yes, I may have gone a little overboard with extra rounds of jam, because you can never have too much.  Everything was presented beautifully, right down to the tiny details.

A THOUGHTFUL TEA EXPERIENCE ROOTED IN HERITAGE, SERVED WITH A MODERN MAYFAIR TWIST

To wash it all down, I had the Oolong Tea, which was light, subtle, and a gentle contrast to the richness of the food. Perfect for someone like me is not a hardcore tea drinker. And obviously, Champagne was a must as well, because when in Mayfair, it just feels right… Ok, it always feels right for me! There’s also a children’s version, which makes this experience family-friendly without compromising on sophistication.

Overall, Into The Garden Afternoon Tea is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. It’s playful yet polished, and while it leans heavily into luxury, it never feels stuffy. This is a perfect stop for anyone looking to indulge in a creative twist on a traditional afternoon tea, all while soaking up one of Mayfair’s most beautiful settings. Perfect for a catch up, a celebration, or just a treat-yourself kind of afternoon.

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