There never needs to be a reason for my girlfriends and I to indulge in a spot of afternoon tea. Since Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley, nothing had quite matched up to the quirky but intricate standard set, and of course the fashion theme is a winner.
Long on the wishlist had been Mad Hatter’s Tea at The Sanderson. The Long Bar at the Sanderson is one of my favourite bars in London, however the hotel in daylight hours had a completely different atmosphere. The tea room is in the gorgeous Courtyard Garden, light, airy and well heated. The tea was £35 each and well worth the price. The 15% service charge is expected, however the staff could have been more attentive.
The Mad Hatter’s theme is cleverly run, making it more of an experience, rather than simple afternoon tea. You tumble down the rabbit hole, into a true wonderland!
The attention to detail, menus in story books, themed crockery, napkins wrapped in riddles, and a musical box holding sugar cubes all added to the magical experience.
Food was of extremely high standard and plentiful. The savoury sandwiches were presented as rolls rather than traditional triangles, and the bread was green! Ok, not the neon green you are all imagining, but the spinach bread was a nice touch and all added to the quirkiness. The hotel were also very accommodating in providing us with vegetarian varieties of sandwiches.
The pastries were the most entertaining part, but far to pretty to eat! The watch was my personal favourite. The chocolate teacup had an unusual green tea mouse topped with popping candy. I’m not a huge fan of marshmallow, so the carrots and mushrooms were not my cup of tea (excuse the pun).
The ‘drink me’ potion was scrumptious! We were instructed to keep the cute little bottle upright and drink without tilting to enjoy each of the layers separately. It was innovate and really delicious.
The scones were great, but looking back on the menu now, there was an item called ‘ jelly wonderland’ which we didn’t receive! To be honest we had all eaten far too much (and a huge sugar rush), however it would have been nice to experience it.
Anyhow, we were all brought back to reality, and out of the magical wonderland, as we strolled slowly down a crowded Oxford Street on our ways home. X
the little drink-me bottle is adorable – have been wanting to try this for awhile!
you must go! its really good fun!