Curiouser and Curiouser Afternoon Tea in Northwich
Welcome To Dormouse Haven Restaurant And Tea RoomCuriouser and Curiouser
Afternoon Tea in Northwich
Welcome To Dormouse Haven Restaurant And Tea Room
Would You Like An Adventure?
Or Shall We Have Tea First…
Few things rival the simple pleasure of truly good food—except, perhaps, the perfect pot of tea. Or a really tasty cocktail. Step through our doors and you’ll find it all: afternoon tea served with all the trimmings, but in a delightfully unorthodox style. Plus, a well stocked bar for those feeling the need for something a little stronger than tea. We created Dormouse Haven with a dream to embrace the fantastical and indulge in a little whimsy. After all, everyone needs a touch of escapology. Our restaurant and tea room certainly provides that. Whether you’re joining us for a lavish afternoon tea, a quick bite at lunch, or an evening meal and a few cocktails, prepare for an experience far beyond the ordinary.
We’ve taken the trusty staples of tea time and elevated them to new heights. You’ll still find neat little sandwiches and miniature cakes on our menu, and we’d be delighted to furnish you with a treasure chest of scones, complete with jam and cream. But we also wanted to create a fine dining experience on a micro level—a seamless blend of traditional classics and unexpectedly indulgent treats. All presented with flair worthy of the Queen of Hearts herself.
Yes, we’re a tea room, but we’re so much more than that. We’re a doorway to another world—a gateway to escaping reality for just a little while. We’re your chance to revel in exceptional food and drink, good company, and a curiously whimsical setting. You’ll find us nestled in the stunning Cheshire countryside, just outside Northwich town. Don’t mind the llamas on the way in—they won’t steal your lunch…probably.
Events at Dormouse…
Three Course Meal with Each Event
Starters
Leek & potato soup, spring onion & garlic savoury biscuit (GF/V/VE available)
Chicken liver parfait, port gel, truffle infused warm brioche.
Main
Butter roasted chicken supreme, potato terrine, baby carrots, Malbec reduction.
Sweet potato, red pepper & courgette terrine, swede parfait, & redcurrant jus.
(GF/V/VE available)
Dessert
Chocolate & orange torte, Cointreau ice-cream.
Vanilla shortbread, coconut ice-cream, raspberry gel.
Important: Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available, but we are not a gluten-free kitchen. Cross-contamination may occur. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary needs when booking.

Meet Petra
Meet Petra, the visionary behind Dormouse Haven. A globetrotter at heart, she loves exploring the world and basking in the sun’s warmth—but give her the choice, and she’ll pick a steaming pot of tea or mug of coffee over a sunset cocktail any day. Well, most days. Sometimes, the call of a Pina Colada is simply too strong to resist.
With over 30 years of experience as a Head Chef at a top restaurant in Hertfordshire and (more recently) Manchester, Petra has perfected her craft. Yet, her lifelong dream was always to create a tea room with a twist—a place that blends tradition with a touch of magic. In 2024 she realised that dream when the doors opened to her very own Alice in Wonderland themed tea party restaurant.
Inspired by the whimsy of Lewis Caroll’s classic tale, Petra has made tea-time an experience. If you’ve ever dreamed of a tea party worthy of the Mad Hatter, Dormouse Haven is a smorgasbord of curiosity, enchantment, and decadent indulgence. From playful décor to creative menus, every detail invites guests to embrace a little escapism. And while Alice’s journey might have been full of nonsense and riddles, Petra’s world is all about comforting wonder.
Welcome to Dormouse Haven—where tea-time is never quite what it seems and it’s always time for tea (or a cocktail!).
Introducing Your Chef
Meet Simon, Dormouse Haven’s talented and increasingly imaginative chef. Boasting over 35 years of experience leading kitchens in hotels and bustling restaurants, he’s a perfectionist who considers his craft a constant ‘work in progress’—though his menu already speaks for itself!
The slower pace of afternoon service never appealed to Simon during his hotel days, but he quickly discovered the whimsical Mad Hatter vibes and tea-time experience at Dormouse Haven was as delectable as his dishes.
Outside the kitchen, Simon is a proud father of four, each now grown and thriving in their own lives. With the house feeling quieter, Simon welcomed a new (and rather mischievous) family member—a Labrador who has brought both joy and chaos.
Simon’s love for adventure doesn’t stop with his culinary creations. A former triathlete and endurance cyclist, he used to run half-marathons and tackled 50- to 100-mile cycling routes with his dad.
