Different themed afternoon tea has become quite the phenomenon and has taken the UK by storm. So, without further ado, let’s look at one of the most bonkers-yet-luxurious themes – all the best things are, after all!
Enduring Popularity of Wonderland
Whilst Lewis Carroll’s novel was published back in 1865, its vibrant world and characters have remained popular into the 21st century. Today, the concept has been translated into a wide range of modern entertainment options for adults, which, in turn, continue to evolve from developing techniques and technologies.
There are many games inspired by Wonderland aimed at younger audiences, but that doesn’t mean adults have to miss out on the loveable world. Just take online casino games, for example. There is even Adventures Beyond Wonderland – a popular live online casino game that adds a twist to the mechanics of Wheel of Fortune, with Magic Dice, Wonder Spins, and augmented reality (AR) representations of characters like the Mad Hatter appearing on-screen to assist the real, human host. It is a popular live game available at Betfair https://casino.betfair.com/game/live-adventures-beyond-wonderland-cptl and other reputable platforms.
Elsewhere, the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser and Curious Alice exhibitions at the V&A provided the public with an immersive dive into the cultural impact of the novel through historical artefacts, real-life narratives, digital adaptations, art, design, performances, and more. This experimentation of combining the physical and the digital is what the V&A has become known for, thanks to the success of these exhibitions.
But Wonderland-themed entertainment isn’t just limited to digital mediums. With the resurgence of the Great British afternoon tea and unique culinary techniques, this has led to many innovative themed dining experiences. From unique tea blends created to reflect each character’s personality to culinary delights crafted to resemble the fantastical land of the novel, Wonderland-themed afternoon tea has quickly become one of the top indulgences for us Brits. So, without further ado, let’s take a deeper dive into some of our favourite luxurious Wonderland-inspired afternoon teas in London.
Sanderson Hotel, Fitzrovia
The Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel is perhaps one of the most renowned and recognisable Wonderland-themed afternoon teas in the country, nestled in the heart of Fitzrovia.
The china from which you’ll be served your tea is decorated with intricate depictions of kings and queens, with delicate loose-leaf tea blends based on all your favourite characters. The Alice blend has a base of Chinese black tea, uplifted with notes of blackcurrant, vanilla, bergamot, caramel, and citrus, decorated with blue flowers. For a secret, guilt-free indulgence, the Cheshire Cat blend sings with a marmalade orange oolong tea with rich hints of chocolate and orange.
Diners can also enjoy a wide selection of sandwiches and pastries that play with creative flavour combinations. The Mad Hatter french toast is served with a truffle and parmesan custard, washed down with a Drink Me Potion.
The Capital Hotel, Knightsbridge
As part of the Chelsea in Bloom competition, the Mad Hatters Tea Party was born at The Capital Hotel. The floral installation by Michael Hilbrown is the inspiration behind the innovative, multi-sensory experience, setting the perfect backdrop to enjoy quaint, traditional flavours.
The Mad Hatters Tea Party has everything you want out of a Great British afternoon or high tea (you can find out more about the difference here: https://www.thespruceeats.com/high-tea-vs-afternoon-tea-765832) – coronation chicken vol au vents, cucumber sandwiches, and rare roast beef, as well as a selection of sweets and, of course, homemade scones.
But, it doesn’t all adhere to tradition. The striped macarons are designed to represent the patterns of the Cheshire Cat, and the mushroom-shaped bites hide a mystical and fantastical flavour explosion ready to be enjoyed.
The Cheshire Cat, Notting Hill
The Cheshire Cat is a hidden gem in Notting Hill. Whilst it might be better known for its liquid creations, the Mad Hatter Tea Party at The Cheshire Cat also boasts a delightfully kitsch selection of nibbles to share.
With a modern twist on traditional flavours, the pork and chicken liver Brussels Pate baguette incorporates the Mediterranean flavours of red pepper hummus and pickles. The poached salmon terrine with Alaska Pollack mousse is another light, delicious dish. The experience is marketed as an immersive journey, with the hosts dressed up as the Mad Hatter himself, and many other characters tend to make an appearance.
And there you have it – just a few of the best Wonderland-themed afternoon tea dining experiences in London. You can also find many more of the fantastic afternoon teas you can get in and around Mayfair in our Drinking and Dining section: https://www.mayfair-london.co.uk/drinking-dining/.
With so many culinary, entertainment, and cultural experiences to try based on this magical world, all that’s left to do is jump down the rabbit hole and enjoy!
