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24 September, 2013

Photo Diary: Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea

Comments : 6 Posted in : Food, London, Restaurants on by : Reema Tags: , , , , , ,

Warm scones, pretty cakes and dainty finger sandwiches – what’s not to love about a traditional British afternoon tea? What started off in the early 19th century as an inventive way to ward off royal 4pm hunger pangs is now a hugely popular ‘activity’ enjoyed by  tourists AND locals all around the UK. 🙂

I love tea and scones so when a friend invited me to join in for a birthday celebration at an Alice in Wonderland themed tea party, my answer was a very quick YES!

Here are some snapshots from the lovely Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel in London’s West End.

reemahina

 

The gorgeous birthday girl and I – excited for afternoon tea in wonderland!

madhattermenu

The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea menu comes hidden inside a vintage book. One can choose between the regular Mad Hatter’s Tea at £35/person or the Champagne Afternoon Tea at £45/person.

musicbox

Each table has a musical jewellery box containing a twirling ballerina and sugar cubes.

madhatterplate

I was in awe of the gorgeous, bespoke china specially designed by Luna & Curious, a design collective based out of Shoreditch. The napkins are wrapped with a riddle, fitting perfectly with the Alice in Wonderland theme.

tea

The special tea choice for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party included Strawberries & Cream, Rhubarb & Custard, Mint Choco Chip & Apple Pie. The loose leaf teas are displayed in small, glass bottles decorated with a simple satin ribbon. Of course, one can also call for Earl Grey, English Breakfast, coffee…whatever you fancy.

 

teapot

The tea is served in individual tea pots adorned with kings and queens – also designed by Luna and Curious.

cakestand

The gorgeous cake stand arrives with unique, creative and the most decadent, sweet and savoury treats. Definite wow moment.

mushrooms

The top layer: Sweet carrot meringues served on a bed of pea shoots and mushroom-shaped marshmallows flavoured with strawberries and cream! Lovely.

cake

 

The middle layer: Tick Tock Traditional Victoria Sponge (layers of strawberry jam, vanilla crème and thin sponge iced with a fabulous clock design on top) Matcha Green Tea and White Chocolate Mousse served in a chocolate tea-cup & Melting Mango Cheesecake (teardrop shaped creamy cheesecake with a gooey  yolk of mango purée hidden inside. Super sweet and extremely indulgent.

drinkme

 

Bottom layer: Drink Me Potion (tiny bottle filled with sweet, fruity layers of passion fruit, coconut and banana purée), Quiche and a selection of delicious and uniquely rolled finger sandwiches including Smoked Cumbrian Ham, Cucumber/Chives/Cream Cheese & Egg Mayonnaise with Cress. And of course, sweet and savoury scones served with herb butter, clotted cream & jam. What a treat!

drinkmepotion

Here’s me sipping the magical Drink Me potion, feeling very much like Alice in Wonderland….and praying I don’t shrink!!

Looking through these photos, I can’t help but wish I had done a better job with the lavish spread placed before my eyes. The afternoon tea was a visual and gastronomic treat and the experience was truly unique and memorable.

The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea is a lovely  way to spend the afternoon and I highly recommend it for a special occasion or an extremely indulgent tea break! Make sure you arrive hungry and be ready to roll out of the Sanderson Hotel in a food coma.

For more information, visit the Sanderson London website

There is a range of other delicious afternoon teas on offer around the UK and you can find them all by visiting www.afternoontea.co.uk 

 

 

6s COMMENTS

6 thoughts on : Photo Diary: Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea

  • Reeshma
    September 24, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    wow Reema, looks amazing. I adore the crockery and the cakes look divine!

    • Reema
      September 24, 2013 at 3:07 pm

      Reeshma it was amazing! The crockery set retails for £400 on the Luna & Curious website – I am tempted!

  • Tilo
    September 24, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    OMG! The afternoon tea looks so yum and of course both Hina and you look gorgeous :-). xx

    • Reema
      September 24, 2013 at 3:07 pm

      Thanks Tilo!! It was yummmy 🙂

  • veena Kalra
    September 24, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    What a lavish spread for afternoon tea! I am sure you must have enjoyed with your lovely friend Hina!

    • Reema
      September 24, 2013 at 3:08 pm

      Haha yes, it was lavish indeed! We had a great time!

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