Mad Dogs & Englishmen Interiors — Restaurant in England

Visited yesterday for their Great Gatsby afternoon tea. Enjoyed the theme but the whole place was far too dark to see what we were trying to eat & the lighting that WAS available was just all wrong. Staff were friendly but sadly no questions as we sat down about whether we had any allergies (believe I may have stated this when I booked but still best practice to double check as you seat your guests). The sandwiches were just OK, not very flavoursome & even though they were finger sandwiches, they were exceptionally small. No offer to refresh them after we had eaten the first round & no offer to refresh the pot of tea, had to ask for everything we could've wanted - I asked for another plate of salmon & cream cheese & it was as if I'd insulted her grandmother! The response was "well I'll just check with the chef but would you mind if I brought out the desserts at the same time because you only have the table until 1.45pm then we have to re-lay it for the next sitting?" This really was rude & we felt very rushed - if this had been explained right at the beginning & we had been advised there was a cocktail lounge upstairs we could have made use of after we'd finished our afternoon tea, it would've made the whole thing feel less awkward. We didn't realise there was an option of having plain scones rather than fruit - again, not explained & when I asked for plain, it felt like another real inconvenience to them. The only saving grace was the desserts - they were all delicious but there was no offer for us to take extras home - what was left was what you got to take home (do it yourself as well) & the bill was presented before we had a chance to blink. The table next to us asked about disabled - accessible toilets for one of their party to be told they didn't have any, they'd have to use the staff one which was only up one or two steps. This is bad form in this day & age especially when all ages should be able to attend something like afternoon tea for whom accessibility is a must. All in all it was distinctly average for the price & just an awkward experience all round. As far as I've been told there are much better value for money afternoon teas in this area that knock spots off this one. Sadly won't be returning or...

We went for the Jazz evening, we arrived at 7pm thinking the jazz musicians would be already there or at least starting to set up but sadly not. It was a good 40 mins it felt before any actual live Jazz music had started and we didn't actually know when the music would start as it didn't state on the booking original form about this, the Jazz musicians were great performers but I feel Mad Dogs could have informed people actually when the Jazz musicians would play and how long the evening goes on for. The Jazz music actually stopped for a break about 45 mins in and this was when we had to leave due to booking a table for late dinner as none of food on the Jazz night menu was fulfilling due to only being small starter kinda platers not actual meals, they also didn't have enough vegan and vegetarian options. We did purchase some olives to nibble on due to being so hungry but would be alot better for customers and for their venue for the Jazz nights to cater a set menu with more options. The cocktails in the botanical room are always perfect and made with love and attention, the glasses they use are always beautiful as well. Just a shame they don't explain when the Jazz music runs on for and times and things when booking as well as providing better food options. I would still go back to the Jazz evening just probably eat before hand if possible rather than afterwards and just go for cocktails. This wasn't possible for me though due to having work before hand and only being able to pick the 7pm slot booking. Plus, the table arrangements for looking and viewing the Jazz musicians wasn't ideal, felt slightly awkward where we where put on a table for two and in the way of other people getting in and out...

A really special treat with brilliant visuals.

I had The Jungle Book afternoon tea recently. I can't do justice to the setting, where they have decorated every spare centimetre with dressings and props that give you a real sense of occasion over other afternoon teas. Staff are warm and also dressed appropriately! Vast range of interesting teas, cocktails and non alcoholic drinks also available, with music finishing the mood.

I only have a slight issue with the food which is good but not up to the level of the decoration. The sandwiches are tasty but very ordinary - not on theme, some frozen fries and a couple of pieces of vegetable on a stick aren't blowing anyone away, a bit stingy on the jam for the scones too, however the cakes were pretty and delicious.

I feel bad knocking them a little but it is £45 per person so you expect exceptional food to match the surroundings.

Parking is difficult (true of all London Road), with only 1 hour available out the front. Try to find parking in a nearby residential street.

Do go for a special occasion as the setting deserves it, but don't expect the most...