When you visit somewhere completely amazing in your home county, you have to talk about it! So, there’s an amazing place in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex that offers themed afternoon teas. It’s not usually my first choice of days out as my lovely little family are mainly dairy-free and when you think afternoon tea, your first thoughts are clotted cream scones and sandwiches, am I right? BUT this one was very different. So, hands up all you fellow vegan Harry Potter nerds (meeee!) – this one’s for you!
First off, Mad Dogs & Englishmen is a beautiful boutique shop that sells the most exquisite furniture and little bits of trinkety type treasures - you can spend a lot of time and money in that place! But there's also the added gem of a teashop out back…
WELCOME TO DOGWARTS
As a mini hen do (mum couldn’t make the big London day), my mum treated the kids and me to a Harry Potter themed afternoon tea (of course!). We were welcomed to Dogwarts with our very own acceptance letter and a special password to get us through the portrait of the fat lady and into the magical tea room.
We’ve been here before and they always go above and beyond with their quirky décor and this experience was no exception! Literally every nook and cranny was crammed with cool and colourful tributes to wizards and witches. From flying keys to spell books, they have quirky covered!
EYE OF RABBIT, HARP STRING HUM, TURN THIS WATER INTO RUM!
It wouldn’t be Harry Potter without a potion and when we arrived at our table there was a potion laid out to make and a spell book full of sweets. For me, it’s always these kind of little touches that really make the experience. Plus, I love a jelly bean!
VEGAN AFTERNOON TEA
My two children and I are dairy intolerant, my step-daughter eats a normal diet and my mum is vegetarian and also dairy intolerant. Super accommodating doesn’t even cut it. They were fantastic! We had a mixed afternoon tea spread of vegan for us and a regular afternoon tea for my step-daughter.
From chickpea rolls, dairy-free cheese and pickle sandwiches to roasted pepper sandwiches and a special cauldron of curly fries that looked like worms – it was all extremely delicious. Scones were served with coconut cream and desert was a selection of tasty vegan cheese cakes, sponges and moose.
The music, atmosphere and food were all amazing and all the staff were lovely. Thank you for a super special vegan TREAT!
Now, where’s my wand, so I can cast a cooking spell on the chef in my house?
Claire x
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