Review of the Dormouse Haven Tea Room in Bartington

Davenports in Bartington has a new name and a new owner.

Now known as Dormouse Haven, the tea room has been taken over by award-winning chef Petra Sohna, following nearly a century under the Davenport family.

Having welcomed her first customers on October 2, Petra invited me to come and experience everything Dormouse has to offer.

Davenports has been renamed Dormouse Haven (Image: Newsquest)

What’s clear straight away is how much pride she has in her new business.

Each customer is given a tour of the premises, with Petra highlighting the changes she has made.

She has certainly wasted no time in making her mark, introducing a new Alice in Wonderland theme.

A number of decorations have been brought in to help bring Lewis Carroll’s tale to life, including an Italian dining room table decorated with 24 carat gold.

The bathroom has undergone a complete overhaul, now covered head to toe in mirrors, creating the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post.

The sparkly new bathroom (Image: Newsquest)

There are also custom-made chairs and two hand-painted murals – one of Alice entering Wonderland and another of the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

Speaking of, I opted for a pot of Mad Hatter – essentially your classic English breakfast tea.

There are more exciting options on offer, including a mint chocolate tea and a pineapple and osmanthus concoction.

For those looking for something a little stronger there are several cocktails available, as well as wines, beers and spirits.

One of the new chairs (Image: Newsquest)

Foodwise, our afternoon began with a board of sandwiches and a cup of mushroom soup, which I’m ashamed to say was far better than my own recent attempt.

Next up is a tower of sweet treats and savoury snacks, including cheese, tarts, black forest gateau and Victoria sponge.

Finally, you are handed a chest containing a pair of scones – one rose petal flavoured and the other blueberry.

Before we ate Petra said customers often tell her they leave feeling like they have just had Christmas dinner and I can understand why – we had to take some to go!

However, if you are still peckish, they are more than happy to provide seconds (thirds, fourths, fifths…) of whatever it is that takes your fancy.

A tower of treats (Image: Newsquest)

Fittingly, the bill arrives inside a book, written by ‘Petra and Team’.

Looking to the future, Petra says they are planning a wide variety of events, including masked balls, murder mystery nights and cooking demonstrations with professional chefs.

Before visiting Dormouse it had been maybe a decade since I last went for a proper afternoon tea.

Thanks to Petra and co I am certain I won't leave it so long again.

Whether it's the unlimited food, the thoughtful decorations or the exceptional customer service, you are sure to head home smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

Even the bill matches the theme (Image: Newsquest)