Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea. Alice In Wonderland.

One of my all time favourite books is Alice's adventures in wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Charles Dodgson, pseudonym Lewis Carroll, first told his surreal story to the daughters of his friend Henry Liddell, as they rowed down the Thames en route to a picnic. Ten year old Alice Liddell, the main characters namesake, badgered Dodgson to write the story down and Alice in wonderland was born.

The story tells of a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar anthropomorphic creatures. Considered to be one of the best examples of literary nonsense, the tale plays with logic and remains popular with both adults and children alike.

I have always liked the idea of attending a mad hatter's tea party, well on Sunday I did just that!

The Sanderson hotel in the heart of London's west end invites you to an Alice in wonderland inspired afternoon tea. My friend carron and I set off with her son Paris to 'tumble down the rabbit hole' and enjoy the wonderful world of a literary treat in the beautiful courtyard garden.

The whole experience was rather fantastical, from the beautiful bespoke crockery crafted by Luna and Curious, to the wondrous fare.

Menu's are hidden inside vintage books and napkins wrapped with riddles

We were served dainty rainbow sandwiches on homemade bread and classic home baked scones with herb butter and fruit preserves.......delicious.

                                                            Paris totally transfixed.

Our culinary whimsy continued with delights such as marshmallow mushrooms and melting mango cheesecake coated in rainbow patterned white chocolate.

Tea can be sweetened from a magical music box containing a ballerina dancing on a mound of sugar cubes to the tune of 'somewhere over the rainbow.'

Amidst zebras, birdcages, carousels and ticking clocks the fantasy continued with an apothecary bottle marked 'drink me'

'She had never quite forgotten that if you drink much from a bottle marked 'poison', it is almost certain to disagree with you, sooner or later.'

Sweets came in the form of strawberries and cream, mint choc chip or rhubarb and custard.

Carron and I enjoyed a glass of champagne......or two........

A highly recommendable treat, we all enjoyed a fun and magical afternoon although it doesn't come cheap with prices starting at £35 per person - available between 11 - 5.30pm.......don't be late for a very important date!

'Mad hatter: "why is a raven like a writing desk?" "Have you guessed the riddle yet?"
The hatter said, turning to Alice again.
"No, I give up," Alice replied: "what's the answer?"
"I haven't the slightest idea," said the hatter.'
- Lewis Carroll

Love Donna