Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery: Sydney’s Best Milkshakes & Cafes

foodcraft-espresso-and-bakery

Like the rest of Sydney, I’m a bit obsessed with milkshakes right now. I’m particularly partial to Nutella and have very fond childhood memories of making myself ill by eating entire jars of Nutella with a spoon.

Foodcraft Espresso & bakery have made a name for themselves recently with their Instagram-breaking Tella Ball Shake – basically a Nutella-filled donut stuck on top of a Nutella milkshake. Basically my dream food, with a straw shoved in the middle. Of course we had to go and get one.

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery: Sydney's Best Milkshakes & Cafes via christineknight.me

I’d heard stories of long waits to get in due to the recent popularity, but when we arrived at 10am on a Saturday we only waited five minutes for a roomy table. The staff were some of the friendliest I’ve ever encountered at a cafe anywhere. All smiles, asking Cheese what her name was, really giving the place a friendly laid-back vibe that was incredibly welcoming.

Families and young couples alike were all there for the shakes. Diners with dogs sat outside with their pooches under the tables, with babies perched in highchairs at the table next door. The cafe really sums up this part of the inner west – a bit more family-friendly and chilled out. Not as much of a “we’re so hip you’re not welcome” attitude that makes erm, less hip people like myself feel out of place.

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery: Sydney's Best Milkshakes & Cafes via christineknight.me

The food! What good is a great atmosphere if the food is rubbish? Luckily, the food was delicious and decently priced. The famous Tella Ball Shake was $10 – and really enough for two people to share. The milkshake was so full of Nutella and ice cold, with a big fluffy donut on top. Cheese eye’s lit up like it was Christmas day when she saw it.

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery: Sydney's Best Milkshakes & Cafes via christineknight.me

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery: Sydney's Best Milkshakes & Cafes via christineknight.me

For meals, we ordered the Smashed Avocado ($16, with poached eggs, marinated feta, fresh lime and sea salt) with extra salmon ($4), Eggs on Toast ($10, free range eggs, any way you like it), and the Haloumi Stack ($16, balsamic glazed tomato, poached eggs, baby spinach and avocado). The food was served pretty quickly, and was all spot on. Perfectly cooked eggs, great bread that was lightly toasted (don’t get me started on how hard it seems to be to be served toast that isn’t burnt these days!), and fresh, bright ingredients. Just delicious. Everything.

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery: Sydney's Best Milkshakes & Cafes via christineknight.me

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery: Sydney's Best Milkshakes & Cafes via christineknight.me

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery: Sydney's Best Milkshakes & Cafes via christineknight.me

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery: Sydney's Best Milkshakes & Cafes via christineknight.me

Right across the street from the cafe is a little park with some strange torpedo-shaped sculptures that kids were enjoying playing on before and after eating.

While we came for the Tella Ball Shake, we left converts of the cafe for completely different reasons. Incredibly kid-friendly and delicious, well-priced food: Foodcraft Espresso, we will be back!

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery
33 Bridge St,
Erskineville NSW 2043
Phone: (02) 9557 8656
Prices: $$
Hours: Tue-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat & Sun 8am-4pm
Get Directions

Foodcraft Espresso & Bakery Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

The Tea Salon’s Katherine Sabbath High Tea: Sydney’s Best Afternoon Teas

the-tea-salon-katherine-sabbath

The promise of a high tea created in collaboration with the amazing baker Katherine Sabbath beckoned me to The Tea Salon in Sydney’s Wesfield this week. The limited edition high tea only runs until October 31st, so if this amazing tea looks good to you, make a booking post-haste!

Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me

I hadn’t thought to try a high tea at The Tea Salon until now as I was a bit put off by the thought of a relaxing high tea … in a shopping centre. Like I said, it took the promise of Katherine Sabbath goodies to draw me in with my fellow food-loving blogger friend Jayne Gorman of Girl Tweets World.

tea-salon-katherine-sabbath-3

The Tea Salon is indeed right in the middle of Westfields, but the atmosphere was very quiet, and I forgot very quickly that I was in a shopping centre. The decor is whimsically playful and delightful – a little bit Alice in Wonderland with the cutesy pastel china and white furniture.

Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me

We ordered the Katherine Sabbath high tea for two – at $39.95pp for the basic tea, it’s pretty good value. Kids up to the age of 13 can order a children’s version of the Katherine Sabbath high tea for $19.95 per child.

I didn’t bring Cheese with me on this occasion, which is a shame as the venue is incredibly kid-friendly.

Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me

Onto the high tea! Each tea come with pot of Premium Loose Leaf Tea or Espresso Coffee. We chose tea, which arrived quickly in large pots. The tea menu was quite extensive with some interesting selections to be had. We chose the “Creme Brûlée” – a black tea with caramel notes. The tea was a bit on the sweet side, but not sickeningly so. It was a great accompaniment to the food, and we managed to get at least three cups out of the pots.

Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me

As I requested vegetarian substitutions to the regular menu, we were given our own three-tiered stands. The teas were identical with the exception of the sandwiches, and our choice of scone.

Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me

Tier 1: Scone
One scone per serve. I chose the Katherine Sabbath Blueberry & White Chocolate Scone with raspberry cream.

Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me

Pinwheel Sandwiches:
Smoked Salmon, Rocket, Lemon & Capers
Cucumber & Dill Butter
Savoury Tartlets:
Beetroot, Goats Cheese & Caramelised Onion Jam
Pumpkin Feta & Pesto
Vegetarian sandwiches: 
Cucumber and Dill Butter
Pesto

Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.meSweet Treats:
Rose & Pistachio Pannacotta with Persian Fairy Floss
Lemon & Raspberry Zig-Zag Gumball Donut
Banana Cupcake with fresh Raspberry Cream
Dark Chocolate & Orange Fudge Tart with Salty Toffee Shards

Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me

The verdict:
I really enjoyed my vegetarian sandwiches. They were light and soft, freshly made, and the pesto sandwich in particular was really tasty. The scone, while being very blueberry-y, was a bit cake-y and lacked the sharp flavour that Australian scones usually have. This one was a bit more like a sweet American scone. The desserts were super cute and nicely bite-sized. My favourites were the Banana Cupcake and Rose & Pistachio Pannacotta with Persian Fairy Floss. The Pannacotta in particular was amazing – it tasted quite like Turkish Delight. I found the chocolate tart a bit rich for my taste, and the doughnut a little dense.

I really enjoyed the service at The Tea Salon. The staff were extremely friendly and attentive, and our waitperson was very knowledgable in teas, which I really appreciated!

The size of the teas were actually perfect. We were both so full that we needed to take one of the sweet treats home for later (little plastic take away containers were brought to our table to help facilitate a smooth transition of the cakey goodness to our homes).

Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me Katherine Sabbath high tea at The Tea Salon #Sydney via christineknight.me
I highly enjoyed the high tea at The Tea Salon. For the price in particular, it is exceedingly good value. The Tea Salon has a very kid-friendly atmosphere – a lot more so than most traditional high tea venues – so I will definitely be back with my kid in tow next time.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

The Tea Salon
Westfield Sydney, Lvl 4,
Cnr Pitt St Mall and Market St,
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9233 2231
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 10am-6:30pm
Get Directions
Bookings recommended. Email: sydney@theteasalon.com.au

The Tea Salon Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Sydney Opera House Open Day

Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me

Today we head on down to the Sydney Opera House their once a year open day. Even though this is the tenth year in a row the landmark has thrown its doors open to the public, this is the first year I’ve actually heard of the event.

For one day a year, the Opera House lets the public inside for free, to see areas of the house typically off limits to your regular Joe.

I had intended to get up early and get down before the crowds, but, like all good plans, ours went pear shaped, and we arrived at midday, along with about a hundred other locals and tourists.

After a very long wait, we finally were able to set off on the self-guided tour through the concert hall and other areas like backstage rehearsal spaces.

The Sydney Opera House is one of those Aussie things I take for granted as I see it all the time. Days like today remind me how special it is.

Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me
Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me
Sydney Opera House Open Day via christineknight.me

Adventures in Parenting: This is FOUR

Adventures in #Parenting: This Is FOUR via christineknight.me

I’m going to say it—age four has been the most fun age my daughter has turned thus far. Sure, I think the same thing every year (I was convinced three was the best!), but for the first time, I kind of wish I could freeze her at this amazingly beautiful age. It’s okay to want to treasure the wonder of four just a little bit more, right? Here are six of the highlights of having a four-year-old in the house:

1. All drama, all the time
While some of the drama is a bit much (like those even bigger tantrums now that are thrown), most of it is pretty entertaining. Everything is a big event to a four-year-old—a new toy, a surprise visit from the grandparents or a birthday party. I mean, is there anything else in life that can create such excitement in a small child like the prospect of games, cake and presents?

2. Singing and dancing
I can’t believe that the power of Frozen has lasted so long. This kid has been a devoted Elsa fan for almost two years now, and has perfected her “Let It Go” routine, complete with hand movements and dramatic exit. Our home is filled with songs, sung in the sweetest high pitched voice with just a touch of a lisp, and our guests are treated to impromptu musical performances and dance routines.

3. Imaginary play
Often she pretends to be Elsa (and I’m Anna), but her imagination takes her far from Disney stories as she creates amazing worlds with her dolls. The conversations she has with her dolls replicate those she hears around her—never have I been more aware that everything I say is falling onto very receptive ears.

4. Conversations had
Suddenly, there are actual conversations being had. Hilarious ones, such as “Who’s the boss of the family?” and “Mommy’s the boss!” to questions I don’t quite know how to answer (“Why do people eat animals?” and  “What does dead mean?”).

5. Lack of self consciousness
Is there anything cuter than a naked little bottom dashing around the house? I absolutely love that at age four she is still happy to be a “nudie bum” and perform little butt wiggling dances with reckless abandon. While, of course, I know that time is coming to an end, if nothing else, I wish I could preserve her self confidence the way it is right now—before she starts to worry about how she looks and her body shape.

6. Joie de vivre
The simple joy of being alive is really what a four-year-old is about. Every single thing my daughter experiences is cause for amazement—whether it’s collecting sticks from the sidewalk or watching a caterpillar inch its way along a tree branch. Every day, I think to myself, “Wow, we could all learn a lot from a four-year-old’s sense of fun.” She’s entertained for hours by a cardboard box—it becomes a plane, a home and a rocket ship. There’s nothing like a four-year-old to teach you that you that “less is often more.”

This article was first published on MommyNearest.

Where to Eat, Play and Explore in Sydney – The Kid Bucket List

The Kid Bucket List Tour of Sydney

Sydney is such a huge city that it’s impossible to visit every amazing cafe or playground. To get another blogger’s suggestions on where to eat, play and explore in Sydney, I asked Leah from the wonderful Kid Bucket List.


The Kid Bucket List Tour of Sydney
Where to Eat
Sydney has such a diverse mix of options that you could close your eyes, spin around and place your finger on a map of the city and find a foodie delight nearby. Asking a Sydneysider for their top place to eat is liking asking a mother to choose her favourite child. It just can’t be done. I thought I would reveal three places that we seem to head back to again and again.

Earlier this year we discovered Daisy’s Milkbar in Petersham. It is on a main road which could be problematic for some families, but the milkshakes, sundaes and homemade cakes are to die for. It’s a great spot for an after school treat and a place the kids keep asking to visit.

The Kid Bucket List Tour of Sydney
Some weekends we travel out to Camden to meet friends and we almost always end up at the
Italian Food Project (above). The kids both adore this vibrant and busy restaurant not only for the pizza, but for the dough they’re always given to play with between dishes.

The Kid Bucket List Tour of Sydney

The Grounds of Alexandria (above) is always abuzz and has enough room to accommodate even the most exuberant of children. The food never fails to delight the adults and the kids are kept busy with the animals, the cubby house and everything else. If you’re only in Sydney for a few days, make sure you visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

The Kid Bucket List Tour of Sydney
Where to Play
Occasionally a weekend will sneak up on me before I can plan a trip to a new destination. On those days I am likely to head to the Blaxland Riverside Park in Homebush (pictured above). It’s the perfect park for all age groups and features almost every playground feature you will have favoured at your local park. There are swings, slides, climbing frames, a gigantic climbing tower, a water play area, bike tracks, nets…..everything! It’s free and has clean toilets, BBQ facilities, a small takeaway store and the divine Armory Café.  

The Kid Bucket List Tour of Sydney
Where to Explore
Barrenjoey Lighthouse is one spot that intrigues and delights me every time we visit. Overlooking the famous Palm Beach, it is a bit of a walk but the view is the perfect reward especially during whale season when you can spot the cows and calves making their trek south for summer. If you make the climb on a Sunday you can access the Lighthouse for a small fee, which is totally worth it, and a real treat for the kids.

Leah is an award-winning family adventure blogger documenting her family adventures around Australia and overseas on her blog, the Kid Bucket List. 

36 Ways Kids Make it Impossible to Leave the House On Time

36 Ways Kids Make it Impossible to Leave the House On Time via christineknight.me

Having a preschooler is like living with a tornado in human form. A non-stop whirlwind of enthusiasm, defiance and, let’s be honest, complete and utter craziness, getting out the door with your preschooler can be the second toughest part of the day (let’s not talk about bedtime just yet!). Here are 36 of the thoughts that run through my head when I’m trying to leave the house with my four-year-old. (*All names have been changed to protect late running parties!)

1. Where’s the child?

2. Where are her shoes?

3. Did I really dress her in that outfit? Oh wait, no, she did that herself.

4. Is it really important that I brush her hair?

5. I’m sure just shoving it in a ponytail will be fine. Voila! Messy chic!

6. Where’s a wipe, there’s breakfast on her chin.

7. How did cereal get so crusty in such a short time?

8. How on Earth can she still be hungry?

9. Fine, have a yogurt pouch. What do I care if your teeth rot.

10. I do care if your teeth rot. Here’s your toothbrush, now brush your teeth.

11. Still no shoes—can you go pick a pair?

12. No, sandals are not appropriate when it’s looking like snow.

13. You want to change your outfit again? No you can’t wear the Elsa costume.

14. Fine you can wear the Elsa crown and take the Elsa doll with you instead.

15. What about Anna? Why does Anna always get left out?

16. Personally, Anna is my favorite.

17. Crap, where has the child gone again?

18. Why is it when I need to make a phone call or go to the bathroom she refuses to play by herself, and yet when it’s time to leave the house, I find her playing quietly in her room?

19. Argh. I’m going to have to clean up all these toys again.

20. Or am I? Surely four is old enough to put away her own toys?

21. I really need a coffee.

22. Where’s my bag?

23. No snacks in the bag—rookie mistake. Where are the rice crackers, Goldfish and popcorn packets?

24. And the water bottle—better refill it quickly.

25. Do I have enough spare clothes and a pack of baby wipes?

26. When can I stop carrying snacks, water bottles and baby wipes with me everywhere I go?

27. I feel like a sherpa.

28. Coffee’s cold. Ice coffee it is!

29. Phone, jackets, scarves, hats, shoes, scooter, helmet, check.

30. Where’s the child? Get out of my perfumes!

31. Go to the potty! I know you need to go!

32. Where are my keys?

33. The dog. Crap. Literally.

34. We’re late. So so so so late.

35. That’s alright, Sandra* will be later than us.

36. Ok, we can do this! Where’s that coffee?

This article was first published on MommyNearest

Sydney’s Best Chocolate Shops: Coco Chocolate Kirribilli

Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me

I love chocolate sooooo much. I particularly love handmade chocolate made with high quality ingredients – it just tastes that much better.

One of my favourite places to buy chocolate in Sydney is Coco Chocolate in Kirribilli. Coco Chocolate specialises in handmade, graded organic chocolate of the finest quality.

If you stop by the Kirribilli shop front you can sample some of their chocolate that’s filled with amazing ingredients like lavender, nuts, fruits and liquors. You can also have what I think could be the best hot chocolate in Sydney. Coco Chocolate has 12 types of hot chocolate on offer, as well as Sacred Grounds organic, fair trade coffee.

Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me

My personal favourite is the May Gibbs collection. Coco Chocolate have the exclusive license to produce these amazing chocolates using Snugglepot and Cuddlepie images. Even better, every May Gibbs Box by Coco Chocolate sold raises donations to Northcott, providing services and support for people with disabilities, their families and carers

Coco Chocolate Kirribilli via christineknight.me

These pink champagne truffles run a close second. Amazing.

Kirribilli via christineknight.me

Near the store is Bradfield Park, home to this extraordinary view of Sydney, lots of room for kiddos to run around, and a covered, fenced in playground.

Coco Chocolate
3a/9B Broughton St,
Kirribilli NSW 2061
Phone: (02) 9922 4998
Prices: $$$
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm Sun 8am-4pm
Get Directions

Coco Chocolate Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Ruby’s Diner: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Waverly, Eastern Suburbs

Ruby's Diner Queens Park via Christineknight.me

This cute little cafe is the epitome of Eastern Suburbs chic. Tucked away in Queens Park, Ruby’s Diner is the kind of cafe you need to know about to be able to find.

Ruby's Diner Queens Park via Christineknight.me

Seating spills over the sidewalk edges, giving plenty of room to park strollers at the tables. The seating system is very democratic – write your name on the clipboard at the door when you arrive and the host calls you when your table is ready.

Ruby's Diner Queens Park via Christineknight.me

We dropped by Ruby’s on a busy, hot public holiday. There was a decent crowd and we were seated within 10 minutes. The turn over of tables is pretty quick.

Ruby's Diner Queens Park via Christineknight.me

We ordered an Iced Latte ($4 milk coffee over ice w/ vanilla syrup), the H BOMB juice ($8 pineapple, orange, watermelon), a kids’ Banana Smoothie ($5), kids’ Plain Scrambled Eggs On Toast ($6), Avocado & Roast Tomato (w/ apple balsamic on 5 grain $15, add poached egg + $3) and Ruby’s Organic Beef Burger ($19 w/ beetroot relish, vintage cheddar, tomato, rocket, pickles & brioche bun).

Ruby's Diner Queens Park via Christineknight.me

Ruby’s has a very thoughtful kids’ menu, with items such as ham, cheese and tomato toastie, milkshakes, juices, yoghurt cup, gluten-free weetbix and kid’s club sandwich. I really liked that the kids menu had vegetarian and gluten-free options. The main menu also had a lot of dietary requirements covered, with gluten-free and dairy-free options, plus plenty of things for vegetarians like me to choose.

Ruby's Diner Queens Park via Christineknight.me Ruby's Diner Queens Park via Christineknight.me Ruby's Diner Queens Park via Christineknight.me

Our food was well cooked and was delivered by smiling staff. The eggs on toast were a good size for kids, and the kiddie smoothie arrived in a takeaway cup, which is always a good idea. My dish had a great zing to it thanks to the balsamic dressing. My toast was a bit burnt however, and the poached egg was slightly undercooked – I prefer mine with the white solid and just the yellow yolk oozing out.

The staff at Ruby’s were very helpful and friendly, it’s worth noting – a small detail that encourages us to return again another day.

Ruby's Diner Queens Park via Christineknight.me

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Ruby’s Diner
1/173-179 Bronte Rd,
Queens Park NSW 2022
Phone: (02) 9557 8656
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 7am-4pm
Get Directions

Ruby's Diner Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

12 Ways To Entertain Kids In Central Park: Best of NYC for Kids

A Guide To Central Park For Kids via christineknight.me

Central Park is one of the best places for families to enjoy in NYC. In every season, the park is endlessly entertaining for kids of all ages, from itty bitty babies who are content to sit in their strollers and look at leaves, to busy preschoolers who can’t sit still, and tweens and teens who are beginning to take an interest in history.

Tips on making the most of your day in Central Park:

  • Bring a picnic lunch or lots of snacks. There aren’t many places to buy food in the park apart from hot dog vendors. If you’re entering from the south end of the park, you can pick up a delicious picnic lunch from Whole Foods at Columbus Circle. For reasonably priced food within the park, Pain de Quotidien on 69th street has light lunch and snacks. If you’re after a bit of a nicer meal, drop by Tavern On The Green at 67th street or the Loeb Boathouse.
  • Pack plenty of water for the same reason.
  • Pick up a physical map or download one to your phone. Even if you have internet on your phone, it’s hard to get in the park, making it easy to get lost.
  • Note bathroom locations before entering the park – they are also few and far between.
  • In summer, pack water shoes and swim suits as many of the playgrounds have water features.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and pack sunscreen and a hat.
  • Don’t take a carriage ride around the park without reading up on the animal welfare concerns surrounding these horses.
  • Bring a picnic blanket – like one of these Skip Hop blankets that zip all the way around.
  • Remember small and light toys like a ball or frisbee.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me

What to see and do
Wander the bridges.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me
Spot wildlife (go looking for turtles at Bethesda Terrace and Belvedere Castle).

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me
Playgrounds
! There are 16 to discover.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me
Climb rocks. This alone can keep your child busy most of a day.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me
Visit Alice and climb her like many generations of New York kids.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me
Ride the carousel. It’s super fast, so hold on!

Central Park Zoo via christineknight.me
Pat animals at the Tisch Children’s Zoo.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me
Listen to buskers at the Bethesda Terrace.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me
Row a boat around the lake.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me
Throw a frisbee in the Sheep Meadow.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me
Visit the angel on the Bethesda Fountain that has featured in too many movies to mention.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me

Snap selfies with cherry blossoms around the Obelisk and the Reservoir.

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me Central Park for Families via christineknight.me Central Park for Families via christineknight.me

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me

Central Park for Families via christineknight.me Central Park for Families via christineknight.me Central Park for Families via christineknight.me Central Park for Families via christineknight.me Central Park for Families via christineknight.me
Central Park for Families via christineknight.me

Looking for more things to do in NYC with kids?

London’s Best High Teas: Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

On our recent trip to London we dropped by the Sanderson Hotel for a Mad Hatter’s High Tea.

The tea coincides with the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland (my favorite book as a child), and is the perfect way to introduce kids to both a high tea AND this classic book.

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

The hotel does offer a children’s high tea, but Cheese is such a fussy eater that she is happy to pick at bits of ours rather than needing an entire tea for herself yet. She was extremely happy playing with the music box that was home to the sugar cubes and books that opened up to reveal the menus. Delightful touches.

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

The menu we enjoyed has changed since our visit, but I’ve included it below so you can get an idea of what to expect.

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

Savoury
Scottish salmon and cream cheese on lime bread
Wiltshire ham and wholegrain mustard on sun-dried tomato bread
Cucumber and goats cheese on parmesan bread
Egg and mayonnaise and baby watercress on curry bread
Daily quiche

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

Sweet
Carrot meringue served on a bed of pea shoots
“Strawberries and cream” homemade marshmallow mushrooms
“Tick tock” traditional Victoria sponge
Melting mango cheesecake
Matcha green tea and white chocolate mousse served in a chocolate tea cup
“Drink me” potian
Selection of homemade savoury and sweet scones, served with herb butter and fruit preserves with clotted cream

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

Jelly wonderland – help your self unlimited jelly station.

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

Things to note:

The sandwiches and teas are unlimited. The special teas are actually brought around for you to smell, and diners are encouraged to try multiple kinds. I always devour the sandwiches, so it was also refreshing to be encouraged to order more when they also ran out.

Vegetarian/vegan options are available. If you don’t eat gelatin, there is a non-gelatin option available too, both with the tea platter and the jelly wonderland station.

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

We really enjoyed this tea. The scones were small and hard – the low point of the tea. The high points were the “drink me” potion, which was kind of like a fruit smoothie, the Victoria sponge, the mushroom marshmallows for Cheese and the fresh sandwiches.

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

If you’re in London with kids and want to take them to a special foodie outing (or if you’re there without kids and want a quiet afternoon tea!), book ahead and try this whimsical Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea.

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea #London via christineknight.me

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea
Sanderson Hotel
50 Berners St,
London W1T 3NG, United Kingdom
Phone: 020 7300 5588
Prices: Between £48 and £65 per person excluding service, £35 per child for children 4-11 years old.
Hours: Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
Get Directions

Mad Hatters Tea - Sanderson London Hotel Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato