How I miss living in Bath! At the end of last month, I headed back to my former home city of nearly three years to attend the annual Christmas market. I wanted to return for it a few years ago now, but I never got to, so this was the year to do it. I have told many a person that Bath's Christmas market is my favourite in England. In addition to the wonderful cabins selling a vast array of goods not found in most markets, Bath has a lot of independent and interesting shops and restaurants. The Mad Hatter's Tea Party is a cafe located on Orange Grove in Bath, and it's just around the corner from the views of the famous Pultney Bridge and gardens and Bath Abbey. I believe the cafe started trading sometime in 2014, and it appeared on the BBC in 2015.
I booked in advance, and I was glad that I did because the place was already busy with a large party and one other group of two. I also stated dietary requirements in advance. With the afternoon tea, visitors can choose two different types of sandwich. We had cheese, cucumber, pesto and tomato, and ham. I had the vegetarian options. The sandwiches were great quality, and there was more than enough. We were well-fed.
The afternoon tea also comes with unlimited hot drinks, and this can include tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. I had chai and standard black tea and also tried the hot chocolate. I am not a coffee drinker.
The top tier of the afternoon tea included a scone each, some fruit, and the cake. (Fruit included slices of strawberries and red grapes.) Visitors were asked their preference of a cake slice on arrival, and there were three to choose from on the visit: Red Velvet, Lotus Biscoff, and carrot cake. Neither of us care for Red Velvet, so we had one carrot cake and one Lotus Biscoff. The cake slices were generous portions.
I managed to eat the sandwiches and the scone somehow.
The scone was served with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and they were promptly warmed up when we were ready. We were looked after very well with cups of tea or hot chocolate soon replenished.
Also, I forgot to mention the decor. In keeping with the "Mad Hatter" theme from the "Alice in Wonderland" book, the decor consisted of a lot of quiky items. It gave it a homely feeling. There were rabbits, the mad hatter, tea pots, playing cards, clocks, artwork, and much more to set the theme of the story. I liked how the plates and cups were also the "Alice in Wonderland" theme.
As the portions were so large, the two cake slices ended up going home after one bite sample of each.
We were really looked after well, and the food was delicious. Afterwards, we spent more time wandering around the market and shops to attempt to walk off some of the meal. We had a quick look at Pultney Bridge, which is always a view that I enjoyed when I lived in Bath.
I recommend The Mad Hatter's Tea Party in Bath, and as the cafe is small, booking is essential to secure a place.
Leave a comment