24 September, 2013
Photo Diary: Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea
Comments : 6 Posted in : Food, London, Restaurants on by : Reema Tags: afternoon tea, alice in wonderland, London, mad hatter, sanderson hotel, sandwiches, scones
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.
The gorgeous birthday girl and I – excited for afternoon tea in wonderland!
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.
Each table has a musical jewellery box containing a twirling ballerina and sugar cubes.
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.
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.
The tea is served in individual tea pots adorned with kings and queens – also designed by Luna and Curious.
The gorgeous cake stand arrives with unique, creative and the most decadent, sweet and savoury treats. Definite wow moment.
The top layer: Sweet carrot meringues served on a bed of pea shoots and mushroom-shaped marshmallows flavoured with strawberries and cream! Lovely.
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.
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!
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
6 thoughts on : Photo Diary: Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea
wow Reema, looks amazing. I adore the crockery and the cakes look divine!
Reeshma it was amazing! The crockery set retails for £400 on the Luna & Curious website – I am tempted!
OMG! The afternoon tea looks so yum and of course both Hina and you look gorgeous :-). xx
Thanks Tilo!! It was yummmy 🙂
What a lavish spread for afternoon tea! I am sure you must have enjoyed with your lovely friend Hina!
Haha yes, it was lavish indeed! We had a great time!