The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Sanderson London is a themed afternoon tea built around the world of Alice in Wonderland, served daily at one of Fitzrovia’s hotels. Colourful sets, wildly original teapots, a mango “Drink Me” potion: the theme runs through every course, and that’s exactly what makes it one of the afternoon teas kids love most in London.
What is the Mad Hatter’s Tea?
The Mad Hatter’s Tea has been running at the Sanderson for years now, and it hasn’t lost any of its appeal. The idea is simple: transpose Lewis Carroll’s world into a full afternoon tea service, with enough care in the details that the experience never feels gimmicky.
The scene is set the moment you sit down. The teapots are decorated with illustrations recalling Alice in Wonderland. The sandwich plates feature zebras, birdcages and clocks. Sugar cubes come tucked into music boxes. Nothing is left to chance, and the attention to detail holds up for the whole service, which isn’t always the case with London’s themed teas.
You’ll probably notice some wear around the edges though: the menus could use a refresh, and so could the decor.
Alice’s world in a teapot
The Sanderson itself is a hotel with character, designed by Philippe Starck, tucked away on a quiet Fitzrovia street just steps from Oxford Street. The afternoon tea was held in the outdoor patio, with a slightly dated feel I’m not entirely sure was intentional.
The tea list is named after Carroll’s characters. The Mad Hatter: green tea with passion fruit, guava and mango. The Cheshire Cat: oolong with orange marmalade, chocolate and orange. The “Drink Me” potion, meanwhile, is a bubble tea served in a small labelled vial. Our daughter had a very firm opinion on that one.
What we loved…
What our daughter loved
She loved the overall atmosphere and the originality of this afternoon tea. She also loved the vegetarian sandwiches and the fruit pastries.
Worth knowing: there’s a dedicated kids’ menu, Little Hatters Tea (for ages 4 to 11), with age-appropriate options.
What we loved
On the savoury side, the sandwiches are solid and varied, though they’re not the first thing you remember. That said, special mention for an afternoon tea that comes in both vegan and vegetarian versions. The sandwiches were varied even in their fully plant-based form.
The house scones, sultana and plain, served with jam and thick clotted cream (or plant-based butter), sit at the high end of the category. We liked the pastries, vegan or vegetarian, without finding them especially memorable.
The tea list is broad enough that you could spend the whole sitting working your way through several.
FAQ
FAQ: Mad Hatter’s Tea at the Sanderson
Do you need to book ahead?
Yes, booking is essential, especially on weekends. The Mad Hatter’s Tea is one of London’s best-known afternoon tea experiences, and slots go fast. Weekdays are easier to book short notice, but it’s still worth reserving a few days ahead.
Is the Mad Hatter’s Tea suitable for children?
It’s one of its clearest strengths. The Little Hatters Tea menu is designed specifically for ages 4 to 11, with age-appropriate options and the same staging as the adult menu. The Alice in Wonderland theme works especially well with kids who already know the story and characters.
How long does the service last?
An afternoon tea at the Sanderson runs about 1.5 to 2 hours. That’s enough time to work through the whole menu, explore the tea list, and take everything in properly, which, given how much detail goes into the staging, takes a bit longer than a standard tea.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
The Sanderson can adapt certain menu elements on request. It’s best to flag this at the time of booking so the team can prepare alternatives accordingly.
Where exactly is the Sanderson relative to major sights?
The Sanderson is at 50 Berners Street in Fitzrovia, about a 5-minute walk from Oxford Street and 10 minutes from the British Museum. It’s an easy address to combine with a day of shopping or sightseeing in central London.
Can you take the teas home?
Yes. The tea list is available for purchase at the Sanderson. It’s a good way to extend the experience at home with whichever flavours you liked best during the service.
Practical Information
Details
Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Sanderson London 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG Tel: +44 (0)20 7300 1400
Hours: Daily, 12:30pm to 7pm
Booking is essential, especially on weekends.