A Whimsical Journey: Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel

Down the Rabbit Hole: Introducing an Alice-Inspired Tea Party

Imagine stepping into a world where teacups talk, rabbits wear waistcoats, and your afternoon tea is served with a generous helping of magic. This is exactly what I encountered at the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea, where Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale comes to life in the most delicious way possible!

For a friend’s birthday treat, we decided to do something special and booked ourselves into the Sanderson Hotel for their whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed afternoon tea.

The Setting: A Mad Tea Party

As we entered the outdoor courtyard, we found ourselves transported to the whimsical world of Wonderland. Well kind of transported- I could still tell that we were in a hotel courtyard.

The Menu: Eat Me, Drink Me

The food was presented on a three-tier stand with a teacup as part of the top tier.

The pastries in the menu were:

Tweedle Brothers: Valrhona dark chocolate tart, salted caramel Chantilly

Eat Me, Shrink Me, Bring Me Back: Rhubarb, orange and rosemary potion

Tea o’Clock: Macaron, almond, passionfruit, lime ganache

Queen Of Hearts: Madagascan vanilla cheesecake, Amalfi lemon, strawberry gel

Rabbit In The Hole: Edible flower pot, crumble soil, mousse, white rabbit

The Blue Caterpillar: Choux pastry, wild berries & white chocolate crémeux, fresh blueberries

I usually find scones quite heavy in afternoon teas—often, I can’t even finish them. However, these were a perfect balance of lightness and crumbliness. The clotted cream and jam complemented them perfectly. The menu draws inspiration from elements of the Alice in Wonderland books. Each food item looked so exquisite, it seemed a shame to eat it. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

A crucial part of any afternoon tea is the tea selection, and the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea didn’t disappoint. There was an extensive tea menu—I’d recommend trying something new. My favourite was the Queen of Hearts, a black tea infused with rose petals and hints of vanilla and chocolate.

In addition to sandwiches, there was also a light and fluffy quiche. To complete the experience, there were little glass bottles filled with fruity elixirs labeled “drink me”.

This Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. Guests are encouraged to don their own mad hats or borrow one from the collection.

My friend and I both loved the colourful plates and cups. The sugar was presented in a musical jewellery box which was a nice touch. A vintage book opened up to reveal the menu. I did feel there could have been more of a theatrical element, but it wasn’t too much of an issue.

The service was excellent- apparently the Sanderson Hotel isn’t renowned for its service, but we didn’t have any complaints.

Booking Your Adventure

Ready to tumble down the rabbit hole? I would advise booking beforehand. Don’t be late for this very important date!

In Conclusion: A Tea Party Like No Other

Whether you’re a devoted Alice fan or simply looking for a unique afternoon out, the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel offers a magical escape from the ordinary. So gather your curiouser and curiouser friends, and go to a tea party that would make even the Mad Hatter proud. After all, we’re all mad here!

To find out more, visit: https://morgansoriginals.com/sanderson/restaurants-bars/mad-hatters-afternoon-tea/