WORDS: CARLA CARUSO
Decadent high tea, a bonkers and brilliant Mad Hatter’s theme, and a fun-filled school holiday activity … what more could you ask for?
The Stamford Grand at Glenelg is staging a series of Mad Hatter’s high teas in its ballroom these September/October school hols. And we checked out a preview to give you the rundown!
WE GET CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER
We were greeted by costume-clad guests at the door, with adults given a glass of sparkling on arrival, and the kids, colourful mocktails – all approved by the Queen of Hearts herself, of course.
Our table was perfectly decked out with Alice in Wonderland-style fare including quirky clocks and chinaware, playing cards, old books, bunnies, and a tonne of colour.
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
Then it was time for the scrumptious, served afternoon high tea, including an array of delicate sweets treats and delish savoury items. (Special dietary requests can be catered for.)
We disappeared down a rabbit hole of bliss while indulging. My faves included the chicken and mayo tea sandwiches, the porcini mushroom and truffle arancini, and the house-made carrot scones with cream cheese and jam. Savoury tooth here! My kids, meanwhile, made light work of the desserts like chocolate teacups with strawberry mousse, and mini cupcakes.
I washed it all down with a new favourite: peppermint and English toffee tea. You can choose from a bunch of green teas, infusions, and black and oolong teas.
SCHOOL HOLS, AHOY!
During the school holiday events, a talented magician will also entertain the kiddos. And you can get in the spirit by coming dressed in your ‘maddest’ outfit – the best dressed will win a prize.
To paraphrase the White Rabbit, don’t be late for this very important date!
Check out the kids’ and adult menus below:
Mad Hatter’s High Tea adult menu
- March Hare’s carrot scones with cream cheese and jam
- “Eat Me” Vanilla sponge with irresistible icing
- The Queen’s jam tarts
- Tick Tock macarons
- The Mad Hatter’s chocolate teacup with strawberry mousse
- Cheshire mini cupcakes
- Wonderland tea sandwiches of chicken and mayo, cucumber, and classic egg
- The Dormouse’s arancini of porcini mushroom and truffles
- The Duchess’ pepper mini quiche of roasted pumpkin and fetta
Mad Hatter’s High Tea kids’ menu (5-12 years)
- “Eat Me” Vanilla sponge with irresistible icing
- The Queen’s jam tarts
- The Mad Hatter’s chocolate teacup with strawberry mousse
- Cheshire mini cupcakes
Wonderland tea sandwiches of chicken and mayo, cucumber and classic egg - The Duchess’ peppery mini quiche of roasted pumpkin and fetta
Mad Hatter’s High Tea kids’ menu (under 5 years)
- “Eat Me” vanilla sponge with irresistible icing
- Wonderland tea sandwiches of chicken and mayo
(Menu items are correct at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.)
Sidenote: The Stamford also offers takeaway high tea, which you can indulge in where and when you please … perhaps even on the foreshore lawns just outside the hotel’s door.
MAD HATTER’S TEA AT STAMFORD GRAND ADELAIDE
Venue: 2 Jetty Rd, Glenelg
Dates & times:
Sunday, 26 September
Sunday, 3 October
Sunday, 10 October
2pm – 5pm
Adults – $49 per person
Child (5-12 years) – $29 per person
Child (Under 5 years) – $15 per person
[+ booking fee]
For tickets:
tickets.myguestlist.com/v261233773259da/mad-hatters-high-tea-/