I’ve always rather liked Alice in Wonderland. A precocious child asking annoying questions
in another plane of existence. Plus –
well CATS! So when one of my closest
friends suggested The
Mad Hatters Tipsy Evening Tea at the Sanderson for my 40th, I
make a very unladylike “squee” of excitement and a Friday night was booked.
For those of you are not familiar with the Sanderson,
it is a gorgeous achingly hip hotel in the heart of London’s West End which doesn’t
take itself too seriously or set out to intimidate us normal people. One glass
of bubbly sitting at the bar ignites your inner Carrie Bradshaw and you can
almost glimpse ‘Big’ just around the corner.
But back to our tea!
Miraculously, we both arrived at about the same time
and were quickly seated in the little garden area at the front of the
hotel. Perfect to enjoy one of the few
warm days of summer in the UK. Having
explained that my companion was a vegetarian, we were soon presented with a
spread that the Mad Hatter would envy – complete with four little boozy potions
to wash these nibbles and a book to remind ourselves what we were enjoying.
Presented on a silver tray, the mini cocktails – a kir
Royal, fruit punch, martini and buckfast - edged towards the sweet and strawberry
inspired but were more than alcoholic enough to satisfy an exhausted Lawyer and
PR. O the
joys of getting older and more responsible when Friday nights are needed to
recharge rather than rave.
Although
given the amount of sugar we ingested I’m fairly sure I could manage at least a
few hours on the dance floor. And what
glorious sugar it was – off set with some truly scrumptious savoury treats.
Truffles
and ‘magic’ marshmallow mushrooms topped
the cake stand followed by a tier including crab roll, a smoked salmon scotch egg and a tomato pastry tart. Well, made tasty and definitely no scrimping on the filling.
The bottom tier included gorgeous (and I mean gorgeous) mustard and mozzarella scones with herb butter, sinful chocolate-rum gateau as well as the worlds cutest macaroons complete with royal insignia. The child inside me rejoiced when we were presented with Alice’s naughty orange and Cointreau “ Drink Me” potion - too cute for words although a little milky to be entirely adored.
More than generously, they also provided crouque monsieur on a separate plate and they left us alone to enjoy. And we did, putting the world to rights in the warm Friday night Soho buzz! Attentive while not intimidating the service was impeccable and we were persuaded to stay for a glass of champagne before toddling off into the night.
A gorgeous - thoroughly recommended indulgence with one of my favourite people in the heart of London.
L xx
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