The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel is a wonderful tribute to Lewis Caroll’s. It is produced in collaboration with Luna & Curious, who designed the unique monochrome tableware and tea concept.
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Sanderson London Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea Review
I adore, so I really should have tried this afternoon tea before. It is served at the Sanderson Hotel, near Oxford Street. The 1950s building was once Sanderson’s wallpaper factory and while it may not look very special from the outside (English Heritage has given the building Grade II status, so it must be preserved), the hotel was designed by french designer philippe starck, making it theatrical inside.
Afternoon tea is served in the courtyard garden in the center of the building that was once the wallpaper factory workers’ lunch. Philippe Starck installed a beautifully designed Japanese-style garden with dining area on both sides that can be used year-round with heaters carefully placed on the ceiling. Although I sat outside, the only time I felt cold was when the restaurant door was opened.
Each table is already dressed when you arrive with the unique tableware and the napkins are wrapped in a riddle. An old book on the table contains the menu and I found a music box underneath that contained sugar cubes and tweezers.
There are tables to accommodate large groups and bachelorette / bachelorette parties are popular here. I also saw family celebrations and many friends enjoying an indulgent afternoon together.
Personal
I was extremely impressed by the Sanderson staff, especially in the restaurant area. The cakes were described with passion and knowledge and that confidence was truly appreciated.
Tea selection
The wonderfully disguised menu does not include the tea options, but rather four small glass bottles with stoppers, filled with flavored teas, with a ribbon to label each one, so you can choose. I chose strawberry and cream as it suited the occasion very well, but there was also rhubarb and custard, apple pie, and mint chocolate. If you prefer more simple teas, there is also a standard black tea and an Earl Gray which I enjoyed afterwards. They are all loose leaf teas and served in a delicious white teapot with a black paper crown.
Why a paper crown? To frame the pot with the face of a king, of course!
Salty treats
I’m always interested in seeing how sandwiches can be presented in so many different ways. At the Sanderson the sandwiches were like mini Swiss rolls. While the fillings were on the traditional side: smoked cumbrian ham with whole wheat mustard, cucumber and chive cream cheese, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise – the breads were adventurous and included sun-dried tomato bread, spinach bread, bread dark rye and even lemon bread. All were fresh and delicious.
In addition to sandwiches, there was also a mini quiche that was light and fluffy.
The scones fit into the sweet and savory categories, as we had a cheese muffin served with herb butter and a chocolate muffin served with cream and strawberry jam.
Sweet treats
The top layer of the three tier cake stand is a colorful wonderland. On top we had a striped tea cup with pea sprouts and a luscious carrot meringue resting on top. Next to the teacup were strawberry mushrooms and marshmallow cream.
I loved the traditional Victoria ‘Tick Tock’ sponge clock and the melted mango teardrop cheesecake covered in rainbow patterned white chocolate was divine. The smooth mango center was a wonderful surprise and oozed like an egg yolk. There was another surprise in the matcha green tea and white chocolate mousse, as not only was the dark chocolate cup of tea edible, but there were also sweets inside!
A ‘Drink Me’ potion came in a small brown glass bottle with a straw and we were advised to drink slowly because there were three flavors to enjoy. Literally everyone in the room had a smile on their faces as they sampled this delicious delicacy.
Jelly wonderland
In addition to the fabulous cake stand, all guests can visit the ‘Jelly Wonderland’ to see unusual fruit jellies made in Victorian jelly molds and presented in a luxurious Phillipe Starck cake cart. Happiness filled the room when we were able to enjoy these children’s desserts.
Conclution
Afternoon tea needs sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea and everything yes, all these elements are here but in a truly unique way. While afternoon tea changes seasonally, I am sure you will continue to delight yourself.
Afternoon tea information
Lugar: Hotel
Courtyard Garden
Sanderson
50 Berners Street, Londres W1T 3NG
Nearest metro station:
Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road.
Use Journey Planner to plan your route on public transportation.
Days and Hours: Served daily from 11am to 5.30pm.
Cost: from £ 35 per person.
Dress code: smart casual.
Reservations: 020 7300 5588
Photography: Allowed.
Families: Welcome.
Music: no background music.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer received ancillary services for review purposes. While you have not influenced this review, Dot Dash believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.
