Alice in Wonderland Afternoon Tea Experience
A Whimsical Culinary Journey Through Lewis Carroll's Wonderland
The Challenge
ANTI:DOTE at Fairmont Singapore sought to create an immersive dining experience that would transport guests into the magical world of Lewis Carroll's beloved classic 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.' The challenge was to translate the whimsical and fantastical elements of Carroll's story into an elegant afternoon tea service that would appeal to both literature enthusiasts and discerning diners seeking memorable cultural experiences. The venue needed to capture the essence of Victorian storytelling while maintaining the sophistication expected from a premium hospitality brand, creating an experience that would be both nostalgic and contemporary.
Our Solution
In collaboration with the British Library and ARTiSTORY, we developed 'Adventures in Storyland: The Nursery Alice,' a theatrical afternoon tea experience that transforms Lewis Carroll's 'The Nursery Alice' into an immersive culinary adventure. Each element was carefully crafted to represent key characters and scenes from the story: Playing card-inspired canapés featuring the Queen of Hearts, forest mushroom selections evoking Alice's journey through the mystical woods, and clock-shaped treats reminiscent of the White Rabbit's perpetual time anxiety. The experience includes John Tenniel's celebrated Victorian illustrations adorning the walls, themed cocktails and mocktails, and interactive photo opportunities that allow guests to become part of the Wonderland story.
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
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
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.
The Enchanted Forest Journey
Forest mushroom and porcini caviar selections that evoke the mystical woodland Alice encounters on her journey. These earthy, sophisticated flavors represent the unknown territories Alice must navigate, combining familiar English countryside elements with exotic, otherworldly presentations that mirror her transformative adventure.
Experience Gallery
