SINGAPORE – In proud collaboration once again with the British Library and ARTiSTORY, Fairmont Singapore presents Adventures in Storyland: The Nursery “Alice”, a playful high tea experience inspired by the imaginative world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Following the successful launch of Adventures in Storyland earlier this year, designed around the timeless tale of Cinderella, the second instalment of this groundbreaking dining experience is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s The Nursery “Alice” as illustrated by John Tenniel. Aligned with the introduction of a brand-exclusive series known as Fairmont Rituals, which includes a high tea experience among them, guests can look forward to a theatrical and meticulously curated teatime where every detail follows a cohesive theme, providing a memorable sense of wonder and enchantment.
The Nursery “Alice” is a beloved adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ for younger readers, published in 1890. Part of the British Library collection, it features over 20 illustrations by Sir John Tenniel, retaining the charm of the original while simplifying the language. Lewis Carroll, a pen name for Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was a renowned English writer whose imaginative tales have captivated readers for generations. The Nursery “Alice” preserves the story’s sophistication and whimsy. Inspired by this classic tale and Tenniel’s iconic illustrations, the award-winning culinary team at ANTI:DOTE, Fairmont Singapore has designed a high tea experience that invites guests to journey through Wonderland, experiencing a piece of literary history through a culinary adventure.
From 1 to 31 August 2024, guests can delight in an artistic and fantastical culinary experience with beautifully crafted savoury and sweet treats inspired by the classic tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Available at ANTI:DOTE daily from 3 pm to 5 pm, and additionally on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 2pm, the high tea will take guests on a journey of story-telling through the art of gastronomy.
William J. Haandrikman, Managing Director at Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford, shares: “We’re excited and proud to continue our close collaboration with the British Library and ARTiSTORY to bring the beloved adaptation of Alice in Wonderland to life through this enchanted culinary experience. This creative partnership also reinforces our values on delivering distinct and signature guest experiences that are exclusive to the brand known as Fairmont Rituals, one of which is the cherished tradition of high tea. These rituals are consistently implemented across all Fairmont hotels around the world, creating familiarity and enhanced guest satisfaction. With the unveiling of this next chapter of Adventures in Storyland, our Chef de Cuisine Jacky Lai and Executive Pastry Chef Yong Ming Choong as well as our Head Mixologist Kingston Chin have poured their creativity and passion into conceptualising the menu. We can’t wait to welcome you to experience it first-hand.”
Caroline Brown, Director of Commercial Services at the British Library echoed: ‘We are delighted to partner with Fairmont Singapore again to launch their second high tea, this time inspired by Lewis Carroll’s The Nursery “Alice”. Lewis Carroll’s original story and the illustrations of John Tenniel have an enduring power and continue to excite people over 150 years since they were first published. As the national library of the UK, we want to engage everyone with memorable cultural experiences, and this collaboration is a great opportunity for the Library’s collection to inspire and entertain people in a new way.”
Fei Yu, General Manager of APAC and Greater China at ARTiSTORY said, “We are delighted to unveil our latest artistically inspired dining experience, The Nursery ‘Alice’, in partnership with Fairmont Singapore and the British Library. The immersive high tea is a veritable feast for the senses, with food, drink, and decor curated to reflect the wonderful eccentricity of Alice’s story. The collaboration perfectly embodies ARTiSTORY’s mission and demonstrates the value of cultural and art IP licensing as a means of creating innovative and immersive brand experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
Step into a transformed ANTI:DOTE that pays tribute to John Tenniel’s celebrated illustrations, with framed pictures from the book adorning the walls and expanded prints such as ‘The King’s Courtroom’ taking centre stage. Renowned for his Victorian and imaginative illustrations, Tenniel’s work brings the whimsical world of Wonderland to life. At the entrance to ANTI:DOTE, guests can capture themselves in scenes from the fairy tale with a themed photo backdrop, setting the stage for an enchanting experience within.
Crafted by Chef de Cuisine Jacky Lai and Executive Pastry Chef Yong Ming Choong, the menu draws inspiration from familiar and memorable moments in Alice’s journey through Wonderland. Among the savoury selections, the Smoked Salmon, Rose Cream Cheese, and Trout Roe are artfully designed to mirror a Queen of Hearts playing card, paying homage to this central character in the tale. Every detail is meticulously executed, including the use of a miniature heart-shaped cutter to sculpt the Salmon. The Forest Mushroom and Porcini Caviar evokes the enchanting and mystical forest that Alice encounters on her adventure, while the Egg Mayonnaise and Earl Grey Tea is presented as a clock, reminiscent of the scene where the White Rabbit anxiously consults his pocket watch.
Among the array of sweet treats, the Caraway Chocolate 72% Macaron features Tenniel’s iconic illustrations, while the Pomme Cinnamon and Fluffy Puff Pastry is crafted into a book with a rabbit on the cover, symbolising the rabbit hole that Alice ventures into. Reflecting the scene of painting the white rose tree red to avoid the Queen’s fury, the Pistachio Cream and Raspberry Rose Marmalade offers an elegant depiction. Completing the treats are ANTI:DOTE’s signature Madagascar Vanilla Scones, served with Devonshire cream, lemon butter curd, and strawberry marmalade.
Guests can choose to complement their high tea experience with a specially handcrafted cocktail or mocktail inspired by the imaginative fairytale. Inspired by Alice’s curiosity and Tenniel’s creativity, ANTI:DOTE’s Head Mixologist Kingston Chin combines the unlikely pairing of Oolong Peach Milk Tea and Watermelon for the beverages. The Imagine ($25) features gin, hibiscus, coconut mezcal, clear melon, honey and oolong peach milk tea and the Why Alice? Mocktail offers a harmonious mix of Lyre’s London Dry, hibiscus, agave, clear melon, honey and peach tea.
The high tea experience is priced at $68++ per adult with a choice of two non-alcoholic beverages (mocktail, coffee, or tea) and $35++ per child (6 to 12 years old). Additionally, National Library Board, Singapore app users can enjoy 10% off the high tea menu when they present their eCard upon payment. Click HERE to view the full menu. Reservations can be made at +65 6431 6156, email at dining.singapore@fairmont.com or online at http://www.antidotebar.sg/ .
