I did one of my whirlwind London visits, though not quite as whirlwind as the past. Three full days. The focus of this was to see friends and that’s what I did. There will be more on that, plus a quick visit to Liberty and some other bits soon. Right now, I’m just tired and can only come up with a small post.
On the evening of the day I arrived – that day was gorgeous at 17 degrees C, the warmest we’ve had a long while – I met up with a friend I actually first met through our sons at nursery – ie, they became friends and then we did (so, 20 odd years ago).
Anyway, the evening meet up was for an afternoon tea, though we had it for dinner.
Probably one of the most fun and nicest food-wise teas I’ve ever had.
It was called the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and was in a small Alice-ish room at the Sanderson hotel in central London.
As with afternoon teas we had sandwiches, scones, pastries and tea. Everything AiW themed.
The sandwiches were glorious. Mashed aubergine (eggplant), onion chutney, chicken etc all on different breads, like carrot and fancy white.
The scones were nice scones – the least interesting part of things, though scones are always nice unless they are dry (as happened on day 2).
The pastries were awesome: an Alice tea cup made of chocolate with goo inside, a weird blue drink that my friend tried but I didn’t, a chess Battenburg, a Queen of Hearts wobbly vanilla and lemongrass crème. I would go back there in a London second.
It all started with this strange smoking drink which was blue and then turned purple when you dropped lemon juice in it.
We had such an incredible time catching up.
If you find yourself visiting London this is not cheap but it is so worth it for a celebration of whatever (in this case, a long friendship).
Pics: mine and pexels
a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party sounds right up my alley..
What’s not up my alley is having to log in to comment because otherwise I am marked as spam. I wonder how many people try to comment and then give up because WordPress thinks it’s 1977 Studio 54 and they’re working the door..
It was truly fun.
I too wonder if people get marked as spam and give up.
Sometimes deleting all Perfume Posse cookies does the trick – but only sometimes.
It’s good to get away for from the same routine even if for a few days. Your tea and meetup sounds wonderful. I just wish I hadn’t read this when I’m already a bit hungry!
Agree. Sometimes a few days away can really help you reset. I hope you got a snack.
I’m pleased you had a good time. The afternoon tea sounds a treat! I look forward to reading the rest of your exploits
Thank you. It was really enjoyable. The people next to us were odd though. Couldn’t sit still and constantly on their phones.
That’s normal for now isn’t it?
I don’t know. Every other party in the room was focused on sharing a lovely time. These were endlessly on their phone and also kept wandering around on their phones. It was quite childish and peculiar.
That is odd. High Tea is a special occasion anywhere never mind at the Sanderson! Maybe they were spies or other “operative”? More likely just rude & entitled
Oh that TEA!!!! I’m overdue for a fancy tea in a fancy hotel, what a treat. I’m glad you got to get “into town” and do this and catch up with a friend!
One day I’d love to do the Ritz in Paris. The pictures look incredible.
That tea sounds GLORIOUS! And congratulations to you both for maintaining and celebrating your friendship – that’s not always easy, especially when circumstances change.
Yes, definitely glorious. It was so wonderful to see her in person.
Cinnamon,
This tea party sounds amazing! I love afternoon tea, and adore theatrical, whimsical things. Sounds super! I’ve heard of that tea drink that changes color — butterfly tea I think it’s called? What a fun experience.
It is very much a treat but so worth the extra money vs the regular teas in London.
Sounds fantastic Cinnamon. You know how I loathe a high/afternoon tea.
Very excited to read your sniffing adventures.
Portia xx
It was so much fun. Apparently there’s a tea somewhere in London based around the solar system which sounds worthwhile.