Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea in London

The Delight of Alice in Wonderland

The Mad Hatter’s afternoon tea in London should be high on any book lover’s London bucket list. There are few children’s books that capture the heart of adult audiences like Alice in Wonderland. You can find the book in countless languages and continues to delight the hearts of millions. Readers flock to the idea of escaping monotonous, everyday life to slay jabberwockys, and save kingdoms.

After years of searching, I’ve finally found the best tea ever. 

Lewis Carroll is the author and wrote the book in the 1800s. Carroll based the book’s heroine, Alice, on Alice Liddel. She was a little girl he knew. Alice in Wonderland features all the sorts of concepts that dreamers of any age appreciate. There is nonsense language, psychedelic imagery, and a marvelous cast of interesting characters. Additionally, there is the hookah-smoking caterpillar (Absolom) and the ethereal Cheshire Cat. Did I mention the fearsome Queens of Hearts who instills terror in all of the subjects in Wonderland?

One of the most intriguing characters of the book is the Mad Hatter who often seems to be hosting outlandish tea parties of sorts. 

This story is an absolute delight. I love the world that Carroll has created. Being a first-timer to London, I knew that I couldn’t miss the opportunity for afternoon tea. After combing through possible venues for such an affair, I found the perfect one. I immediately booked a table for three at the Sanderson hotel. Why? Sanderson Hotel offers a Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea in London!

Arriving at Wonderland

The whole day preceding tea had honestly been a busy, blurry, rush. With a late start to the day, we spent most of it RUNNING to Westminster Abbey and trying to pack in every sight within the cathedral before our tea reservation. In Alice in Wonderland, there is a character whose name is simply the White Rabbit. He is always rushing everywhere, feels late, and is frequently commenting on there being “no time.” I think we felt a lot like him throughout the day and arriving at tea. Perhaps we were subconsciously method acting for our tea date.

All stress subsided once arriving inside the Sanderson Hotel. We were  instantly transported to Wonderland. There is both and indoor space for tea and an outdoor courtyard. Little decorative touches like pink flamingos, a decorative garden swing, and beautiful flowers give the experience a girlish and far away feel. 

As a literature nerd, I was literally GIDDY that vintage books hiding tea menus were on the table. It’s little touches like this that will make every Alice in Wonderland lover enthralled with the experience. You’ll get the opportunity to see which treats will accompany your tea when you “read” the book. My cousin has some dietary restrictions and the staff was very accommodating at subbing some items. In addition, there is also a list of cocktails, themed of course, from which to choose.

Afternoon Tea and Booze

The teapots are works of art representing the King and Queen of hearts and adorned with paper crowns. We received adorable glass vials with loose leaf tea to “sample.” You get to read the descriptions of each and pick the one that appeals to you. Choose wisely! 

Champagne is available to accompany tea and we decided to treat ourselves with some rose. Be warned the price of the ‘champs’, as well as the entire experience, will make a “rabbit hole” out of your wallet for sure. 

The Cutest Treats in the World!

The treats served at tea time are all entirely Alice in Wonderland themed. Each design and concept is perfectly executed I might add. For instance, the white rabbit is represented with vanilla macarons beautifully designed as pocket watches. I found myself wondering how the hell they pulled that off! However, if you are looking for a savory option, The King of Hearts Ham and Parmesan Croque Monsieur is a great savory treat. In addition, I loved the mocha chessboard gateau, chocolate and raspberry blue caterpillar, and the Queen of Hearts rose and strawberry jammy dodgers. All of this is a fraction of what is served!

For traditionalists, you will also find scones with Cornish clotted cream and fruit jam, of course. Above all, the hotel wants everyone to experience an authentic London afternoon tea.

The Wonderland marshmallow magic mushrooms were not just a great sweet, but a true work of art!

Alice’s exotic fruit “Drink Me” potion rounds out the spread to wash everything down. The carrot meringue flavored drink is delightful.  

What I Learned

In conclusion, this experience wowed me despite the cost! The small details attention to details from the organizers and chefs really left me impressed. The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea in London truly mirrors all the joy and excitement of reading the book itself. For anyone who is a fan of Alice, or just whimsical experiences, I cannot suggest this experience enough.

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