Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson

Now first things first. I'm not your average afternoon tea customer. A few tiny cakes and some dainty cups of Earl Grey don't tick many of my "fun day out" boxes so it was going to take a lot to wow me. However, after two trips to The Sanderson for their excellent Mad Hatter inspired spread, I can truly say that it has surpassed my expectations. On my first visit in the summer, it was held in the central courtyard, next to a bubbling water fountain which just added to the garden party jolliness of the whole expedition. This time, in the midst of an English November, my sister and I ducked into the Sanderson just as a particularly thundery rainstorm was brewing. I really hoped we were not going to be relegated to the faceless interior of a hotel restaurant for the tea, and thankfuly we were not. The courtyard had been transformed via a waterproof marquee so we were safe from the elements yet still in the open air to make the most of the "garden party" effect. We were welcomed in and presented with a choice of four teas, aside from the usual offerings. Rubharb & Custard, Apple Pie, Strawberries & Cream and creamy scented Chocolate Peppermint tea leaves were placed before us in delicate glass vials to tickle our fancy. We declared Apple Pie as our choice for the afternoon and were soon presented with silver strainers and a musical jewellery box full of sugar cubes to play with. The menu came within a vintage book, detailing Alice in Wonderland themed delicacies to whet our appetite. Our cake stand was brought to the table piled high with delicious tiny sandwiches, mini quiches, desserts and more. The creativity was the best part - tiny carrot meringues with peashoot stalks and marshmallow toadstools set the scene. Tiny glass bottles complete with hand written "drink me" labels contained a fantastic layered passionfruit syrup which was much more than just a gimmick. The desserts were extremely sweet and could do with a little tweaking to even out the balance but the aesthetics were truly delightful. The self service Jelly Wonderland trolley with unusual and intense flavours completed the afternoon and drew it to an entertaining close. I left the Sanderson on a sugar high but full to the brim with praise for the entire concept and execution. A grown up Disney. Now that's what I'm all about.