Alice in Wonderland Afternoon Tea Experience

A Whimsical Culinary Journey Through Lewis Carroll's Wonderland

The Brief

Following the launch of Adventures in Storyland, Fairmont Singapore wanted a second literary high-tea experience for ANTI:DOTE. The challenge was to reinterpret Lewis Carroll’s The Nursery “Alice” and John Tenniel’s celebrated illustrations as a playful but sophisticated hospitality experience for adults, families and literary audiences.

ARTiSTORY's Role

ARTiSTORY continued the collaboration between Fairmont Singapore and the British Library, selecting the collection source and guiding the cultural, rights and narrative framework. We developed creative direction and briefs that helped the culinary, beverage and venue teams translate Tenniel’s characters, symbols and scenes into a cohesive visitor journey.

The Collection

Available from 1 to 31 August 2024, the experience combined character-led canapés and pastries, themed cocktails and mocktails, framed Tenniel illustrations, an expanded King’s Courtroom scene and an interactive photo backdrop. Details referenced the Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit, the enchanted forest and other elements from The Nursery “Alice”.

The Outcome

The Nursery “Alice” became the second Adventures in Storyland instalment and extended the British Library collaboration into a repeatable hospitality series. The project demonstrated how archival literature and illustration can shape an integrated experience spanning menu development, spatial styling, beverages and guest participation.

Featured Literary Elements & Character Inspirations

Lewis Carroll & John Tenniel - Victorian Literary Masters

Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson, 1832-1898) created one of the most enduring children's stories in English literature. His 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and its adaptation 'The Nursery Alice' continue to captivate readers with their blend of nonsense, logic, and social commentary wrapped in whimsical storytelling. Sir John Tenniel's iconic Victorian illustrations brought Carroll's characters to life with remarkable detail and artistic mastery. His drawings remain the definitive visual interpretation of Wonderland, inspiring countless adaptations and artistic interpretations, including this culinary experience that transforms his artwork into edible art.

The Queen of Hearts Playing Cards

Inspired by: Queen of Hearts Signature Item: Queen of Hearts Salmon Canapés Smoked salmon canapés artfully designed to mirror Queen of Hearts playing cards, complete with heart-shaped salmon cuts and rose cream cheese. Each piece captures the regal yet whimsical nature of Carroll's most formidable character, representing the arbitrary nature of authority in Wonderland.

The White Rabbit's Timepiece

Inspired by: White Rabbit Signature Item: White Rabbit's Time Treats Egg mayonnaise and Earl Grey tea presentations crafted into clock shapes, paying homage to the White Rabbit's perpetual anxiety about time. These delicate morsels remind guests of the urgency that drives Alice's adventure and the Victorian obsession with punctuality that Carroll both celebrated and satirized.

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