10.21.2015

time for tea @ sanderson

March took us down the rabbit hole, and straight into the courtyard garden of The Sanderson Hotel to indulge in their lush signature Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea.



I'm not really sure where to begin on quite how wonderful this tea was, as a whole experience. I'm sure you can tell from the pictures that no detail was too small; and it really made all the difference. From the menus printed in vintage books, to the hand written 'drink me' potion labels, to the sugar cubes hidden in musical boxes with a dancing ballerinas, everything had been thought about to encompass the theme, and executed to such a high standard, it was simply impossible not to be awed.

To start, we selected some classic combinations to sample in the less classic form of tea. Rhubarb and custard and strawberry and cream were the teas we chose, displayed on the table in gorgeous glass bottles. I have to say they were unusual to taste but fun to sample all the same. Once we settled down with a more familiar cup of earl grey, we moved on to sandwiches.

Previously I had assumed that really there's only so much you can do with a sandwich. At The Sanderson, however, they did so much more. Spirals of different coloured and flavoured breads, wrapped around scrumptious fillings of smoked salmon, ham or cucumber and cream cheese. There was a small tart which was divine, and even a savory scone which I surprisingly enjoyed, alongside the sweet scones.

You've probably guessed by now that I do have a pretty epic sweet tooth, and oh my... those cakes did everything to satisfy it. Every dessert held a surprise to discover, which made each bite an adventure to enjoy. A dark chocolate cup holding green tea mouse, layered strawberry cake and white chocolate mousse with a ball of mango puree hidden inside, all designed to perfection and tasting of nothing less. The sweet treats didn't just take the form of more classic desserts, the very top of our tea tower was decorated in sprouting carrot meringues and pea shoots and adorable marshmallow toadstools to send us blissfully into sugar highs. Not forgetting, of course, the 'drink me' mousse, a foamy passion fruit potion which was surprisingly refreshing. There was even a 'jelly wonderland' of which you could delve into as you liked.

Taking a look now, the menu has changed since I've been, and  I'm so tempted to go back and do it all again! Although on the pricier of the afternoon teas I've experienced, there is currently an offer on and I do really feel you get your moneys worth, and more, at The Sanderson. The display is exquisite, the food delicious and the staff could not have done more to help, to the point where when I was alone at the table for a few moments the maitre d' came over just so I wasn't sitting by myself, an act which speaks volumes of their view on service. If you're a literature fan, a fun loving foodie, or just would love an afternoon in blissfully sweet wonderland, I would definitely definitely recommend the Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson.

80 comments:

  1. I am so jealous, I have wanted to do this for like 2 years now. It sounds absolutely amazing

    Lauren x | www.laurenapowers.blogspot.com

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  2. Beautiful photos and I love love love your style of writing! Keep it up!



    Ole Henriksen “Little Wonders” Set Review

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  3. Oh wow, great photos! This seems like such an awesome, unusual place, I like the atmosphere :) <3

    Kay
    https://shoesandglitter.blogspot.com/

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  4. Wow! I wish I could get a group of my friends to go to afternoon tea!! I love the Alice in Wonderland theme!! =)

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  5. I love your photos dear! Thanks for sharing.

    Mommy Rockin' In Style

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  6. Wow! The place is so cool, its unique and very stylish cafe! Thank for your comment on Qing's Style. Please always keep in touch!

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  7. Such great photos!

    Liz | LotsofLoveLiz

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  8. such a great post! i hope you have a lovely day :)

    mfashionfreak♥blog

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  9. It all looks so beautfiful! I love the plates and detail. Food looks sooo yum as well! Thanks for sharing, I love trying new places xx

    Sophie Elizabeth
    www.popcornandglitter.co.uk

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  10. Having tea at the Sanderson is a lovely experience! It's so cosy and chic :) Love your photos!

    Check out my blog if you want: www.theglamandglitter.com

    Tamara xxx

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  11. Temptingly delicious!!! love the post and the pics :)
    http://www.scentsuncorked.com

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  12. This looks so fun and pretty! Looks like a really great time <3

    coralbuttons.wordpress.com

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  13. I love how quirky this afternoon tea is, it looks so atmospheric.

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  14. perfect for a tea party!
    beautiful!

    love the blog too girl! if you get the chance, I would love for you to check out my blog and let me know what you think! (maybe even follow, no pressure though!)

    love, rach.
    So, hi.

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  15. This looks lovely!

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  16. What an incredible place! I am pretty much obsessing over the teapot. The Sanderson sounds like the ideal place to have an unusual but awesome experience. :]

    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

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  17. That was one lovely experience. I'm a sucker for afternoon tea sessions like this :)
    Xoxo,
    Jaimie of MERMAID IN STILETTOS

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  18. Nice photos ! xD

    www.theclassicv.com

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  19. looks lovely x
    www.vicariousLA.com

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  20. May I know what camera did you use to take these photos? They look amazing! <3

    My Cup of Tea

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  21. Amazing post. Well done! Keep going

    Please check my last post blog www.welovefur.com
    Many kisses
    Lady Fur

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  22. This looks so cute!

    http://claresloves.blogspot.com/

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  23. this looks amazing! Love those plates, they're so cool!

    -Lily from With Love Lily Rose

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  24. Such beautiful photos. This post is just #goals. Hope you have a wonderful day. xo, Teng

    https://itsjustteng.wordpress.com/

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  25. I am a huge fan of afternoon tea! This set up looks amazing and delicious. Gorgeous pics! :)

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  26. What a lovely arrangement. I love tea so much!
    ♡ Kristina
    TheKontemporary

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  27. It sounds like a stunning experience! Thanks for sharing Miss!
    ♥♥♥
    Jeanne
    http://fashionmusingsdiary.com

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  28. This looks like such a lovely experience, the photos make it seem like you had a lovely time! xx

    Sam // Samantha Betteridge

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  29. Looks amazing, i've wanted to go for so long!! xx

    Suki and the City

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  30. What a great experience! I am sure you had a lovely time there. Everything looks so good (tea pot, plates, food... I want them all!) :)

    www.elabellaworld.com

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  31. Rhubarb tea sounds like it would be amazing! Looks like you had a great time, I love doing things like this! Anything involving tea or food and I'm in.

    www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

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  32. It looks so lovely! :)

    xx Sera | STARDUSTBOHEMIAN.COM

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  33. Wow this looks amazing. I wish I get to go out for tea sometime soon and enjoy something nice like this! P.S. where was my invite? :p

    Heba xx || The HebaBloglovinInstagram

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  34. Yummy! So cute, I love tea!

    God bless,
    XO, Claire
    Http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.com

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  35. Brilliant photos!
    Charlotte // charlottespicks.blogspot.com

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  36. Photos are amazing and looks so yummy:))

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  37. Being a huge fan of Carroll's Wonderland masterpiece, I'm experiencing a slight awe and envy looking at these photos through pixels and a screen. The details are wonderful, and oh, how riveting the sandwich must've been; it sounds amazing! I'd pay any price to go to a Mad Hatter tea party any day.

    May | THE MAYDEN | Bloglovin'

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  38. This is like a childhood dream! It looks so true to the Alice books, down to the little 'Drink Me' bottles! It must have been an incredible experience and the food looks insane too

    Rachel xx
    http://www.thedailyluxe.net

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  39. I really have to go out and get afternoon tea soon. The only question is: Should I go with the husband or treat my mother?

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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  40. Love your photos !! x

    www.aishettina.blogspot.it

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  41. The place looks awesome
    I love the setup

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

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  42. This looks like such a beautiful place to have tea <3 I love the sugar in a music box!

    Gisforgingers xx

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  43. This place looks too good to be true, I love Alice in Wonderland!
    http://carolinapage.eu

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  44. Lovely photos and the place looks really great!

    x, Kat of Nested Thoughts
    Follow me! // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Snapchat: katherineannika

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  45. This place looks amazing! Great photos!

    http://www.theaisleofstyle.com/

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  46. Anonymous25.10.15

    Great photos dear!

    Please click on the link on my post
    http://helderschicplace.blogspot.com/2015/10/lazy-sunday.html

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  47. This place looks awesome! You visit some really neat restaurants!
    And your pictures are fabulous.

    Great post :)
    www.lindseyginge.com

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  48. beautiful photos. i am in love with cups and plates.

    Tega Enai
    www.tegaenai.com
    xoxo..

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  49. Oh my goodness, I totally adore this service and the whole decoration! Plus the food sounds really yummy, too!
    xx

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  50. My, my! This is certainly some afternoon tea! I adore the whole alice in wonderland theme but this is on another level isn't it? Everything is so detailed and beautiful, I'm seriously jealous!

    Musings & More

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  51. Gorgeous! I absolutely love the Alice In Wonderland inspiration, one of my favorite books ever. Lovely post!
    xo Kiki
    http://colormekiki.com/

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  52. Love your Afternoon Tea posts! Great fresh updated take on a classic activity. Love that zebra print!

    Sarah
    sarahjustinestyle.blogspot.com

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  53. So incredibly detailed and wonderful!!! I think this may have been my favourite of this series to read! Rhubarb and custard and strawberry and cream teas! :O And, YES - another epic sweet tooth person! :D

    P.S. Random, but I love that nail colour of yours! :)

    Raashi
    http://raashiagarwal.blogspot.com.au

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  54. Wow that tea set is so cool
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  55. What a gorgeous spread and tea set!


    www.rosyoutlookblog.com

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  56. I've always wanted to go here for tea! I've been to sketch for tea in london, and that's about it!
    So happy I found your blog! Would love it if you could check my blog out too!
    ♡Nicole | thegreenraybans.blogspot.com

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  57. Such a pretty setting! Love the tea set! And how delish does everything sound!
    Chichistashan.blogspot.in

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  58. Wow! This tea looks fabulous. I love going to tea but I've never seen one like this. It sounds like it was a fantastic experience. Your photos are amazing! Thanks for sharing them with us.

    Kathy
    http://www.glamsimplified.com

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  59. Ah! This is all so cute, everything looks so adorable!
    WritingMonique

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  60. Great post. This is so nice!

    ** I'm inviting you to join Love, Beauty Bloggers on facebook. A place for beauty and fashion bloggers from all over the world to promote their latest posts!


    xoxo;
    VISIT MY BLOG: BEAUTYEDITER.COM
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  61. Beautiful photos !



    New post is up on UNIQUEYEAH !
    uniqueyeah.blogspot.com

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  62. Sounds like amazing place, good to hear that it has great stuff, it's really important :)

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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  63. I just love the ambiance of this entire place. I love the tea cups and everything else that's on that table. I so wish I could be there enjoying everything this place has to offer. Thanks for sharing this with us.

    Kia / KTS
    www.houseofkts.com

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  64. I love the post! Have a nice day:)

    irenethayer.com

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  65. Wow so nice, it looks truly amazing!
    thefancycats.blogspot.com

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  66. This looks adorable
    All this tableware is beautiful

    Kiss kiss.*Jo
    http://joandcompanystyle.blogspot.com/

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  67. wow ! This looks amazing !!! I heard about this place before ( I think in another blog) and I really need to go at some point :)

    Lovely pictures too . xx

    http://allornothing-blog.blogspot.co.uk/

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  68. Ohn darling, thanks a lot <3

    Amazing phots, amazing post and amazing place. Congrats for your work on blog dear :D

    NEW PERSONAL POST | All about my Laser Surgery
    InstagramFacebook Oficial PageMiguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

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  69. It sounds like such an awesome idea!!

    Candice | Beauty Candy Loves

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  70. Anonymous27.10.15

    OMG, this is like heaven and I have always been fond of Alice in Wonderland! The printed crockery and plates look so visually pleasing and I love how themes from Wonderland have been used :)

    Pop over to my blog!

    Sarah
    https://everydayconcepts.wordpress.com

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  71. AHHH! I wanna go there so bad. Such a great place for afternoon tea!

    ashrealasitgets.blogspot.com

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  72. AHHH! I wanna go there so bad. Such a great place for afternoon tea!

    ashrealasitgets.blogspot.com

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  73. I absolutely love the look of this place!!! Looks like such a fun (and yummy!) place for afternoon tea! Xx

    www.theemasphere.com

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  74. AMAZING! Their plates, and cakes, and all these small details, everything!

    www.randomstein.com

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  75. AAA i need to go there! HAHA thanks for sharing the place looks so pretty<3 you have a lovely blog btw. Do you want to support each others blog by following each other? Please let me know so I can follow you right back:)

    xoxo
    www.theclosetelf.com

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  76. Wow such amazing clicks, Raj!! Loving the place.
    xo
    Epsita

    New Post: http://www.thepositivewindow.com/2016/02/brand-name-clothing-why-does-it-even.html

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