Remember when you were a kid, wanting to walk into your pop-up story book? Well, thanks to one of Nottingham’s newest tea room and milk shake bar, now you can!
Located on Upper Parliament Street in Nottingham, this new venture, or even adventure, offers diners something a little different than your standard sarnie, because not only is all the food fresh and made to order, but whilst tucking into it, you might be joined by some very special guests.
Don’t be surprised if you spot Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell or the Mad Hatter casually chatting or Dorothy trying to escape the Wicked Witch of the West. It’s all in a bit of fun as they bring the famous stories to life, right before your eyes as you eat.
The business is the brainchild of local entrepreneur, Ash Hudson, who previously ran the Alice in Wonderland Cafe, just below Hopkinson’s near the Train Station. Since acquiring the premises, which used to be part of Murphy’s bar, they have completely transformed it with magical features and decor.
With 29 seats the new spot is not only easier to find and user friendly, but also able to cater for parties or just families wanting to keep the kids entertained. It’s all included in the price at this whimsical new tearoom. If you visited the Alice in Wonderland Cafè, you might recognise some of the more popular decor, the wall is adorned with giant mushrooms, the beautiful sparkly tree has also made the move. There’s the Lost Boys hideout, and as the venue is smaller than the previous premises, the pictures have not gone been left out, they now adorn the ceiling of this unique tearoom.
The Once Upon a Time Menu offers Toasties, Dorothy’s Cream Tea with a Scone, as well as Afternoon Tea with a Mad Hatter version for adults and a smaller Tinkerbell’s Teaparty option for children. We tried the adults afternoon tea. You get to choose your sandwich filling from Beef & Mustard, Salmon & Cream Cheese, Cheese & Ham, Cream Cheese & Cucumber. All come served with a mini pork pie and crisps, plus a scone with jam & clotted cream and a tasty macaron. All this whilst watching The Wicked Witch of the West banter with Peter Pan!
I can’t believe I’ve only just discovered Freak Shakes! I had my first only the other week and loved it, so I definitely need to go back for of those. Flavours include Strawberry Unicorn, Chocolate Fudge, Salted Caramel and Vanilla Pic N Mix. Of course if you fancy some thing less sweet, there are tea and coffee options with over 30 types of tea to choose from.
Everything is available as takeaway too – even afternoon tea, with sandwiches, scone with jam and clotted cream, macaron and a hot drink for £5.99.
Fancy escaping reality for a bit? Storybooks is open seven days a week from 11am until 4pm weekdays and later at the weekends.
Disclaimer: Our meal was complimentary but my views are my own. By Tanya Louise
Editor
@tanyalouise_
tanyalouise.net
