Down London’s rabbit hole – Dear Alice
By
Ruth Tertilt
on
21st May 2019
When you enter the inconspicuous grey-green double doors of LIBRARY in central London, there is no telling what awaits.
Hidden behind a tiny book shop front is the private members club LIBRARY, above brand new speakeasy Dear Alice. The Sybarite visited this Alice in Wonderland themed rabbit hole for an enticing evening of cocktails and snacks; after all, it’s always tea time…
Located deep underneath LIBRARY, just off Leicester Square, Dear Alice is deep, dark and mysterious. We are guided down two flights of stairs and cryptically told to ‘push, not pull’ when faced with walls lined with cupboards and wardrobes. Like the entrance to an evil villain’s lair, with just a push we are transported into a different room entirely, somewhere between Narnia and the Mad Hatter’s tea party.
Lining the walls are empty picture frames and a long misty mirror, with books haphazardly placed where the walls meet the ceiling. We take a seat on warm velvet seats before ordering intricate sounding cocktails. ‘Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast’ is a sweet delight, complete with a caramel waffle on the side for an extra sugar hit. Providing a completely different hit, the cool ‘Curiouser and Curiouser’ packs a swift punch of whisky, whilst ‘Begin at the Beginning’ leaves us with a satisfying sweetness due to the delicate addition of hibiscus bitters and smoked hibiscus glass. ‘It’s Always Tea Time’ is the ultimate cocktail; a journey of flavour starting with cognac and lemon and finishing with delicious caramel syrup, finished with milk chocolate.
To accompany, Dear Alice’s menu boasts boards of delightful small bites, including ‘White Rabbit Pizzettie’ and our personal favourite, ‘Mock Turtle Bruschettine’; crunchy bruschetta topped with a layer of thick hummus and sundried tomatoes, feta, olives and anchovies. Aside from perfectly complementing the sweeter flavours of our cocktails, the staff ensure that all food is tailored to our requirements, making for a truly personalised evening.
A magical getaway for your evening in the city, Dear Alice is a welcome world of tranquility away from the busy streets above. The staff were attentive and inviting and we thoroughly enjoyed both the impressive cocktail selection and culinary offerings. Dear Alice is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm until late. Guests who are not LIBRARY members will need to book in advance, and there is a £30 cover charge which includes two signature cocktails and nibbles.
www.dear-alice.com/
Share this Article
You Might Also Like
-
Why The Hut is the Most Coveted Coastal Table in Britain Right Now
Located in the heart of Colwell Bay on The Isle of Wight, The Hut is taking beachside dining to a whole new level. Flora Devenport reviews the popular seafood restaurant.
-
A Sleepover At THE PIG-at Combe
The ever-expanding litter of THE PIG hotels are synonymous with gourmet excellence, making them the perfect weekend retreat for a foodie escape, which is how I found myself at THE PIG- at Combe, arguably the grandest of the British hotel groups outposts.
-
Meet The Chef: Jean-Philippe Blondet Of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
Jean-Philippe Blondet helms the esteemed Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, renowned for its haute cuisine and excellence. Find out more about his career below.
-
What's On Our Radar This Month: September 2025
From the hippest new restaurants and cocktail bars to the chicest beauty and fashion drops, here are 19 things on The Sybarite’s radar this September.
-
The Quiet Revolution Of The Polish Culinary Scene
Poland's culinary scene is experiencing a rising recognition for its unique flavours and growing number of Michelin-recommended restaurants, as Baldwin Ho discovers.
-
29 Best Afternoon Teas in London in 2025
Londons afternoon tea scene is a delightful blend of tradition, innovation, and elegance, offering something for every taste and occasion.
-
An Icon Reimagined: Experiencing the Timeless Magic of Raffles Singapore
What began as a modest bungalow in 1887 has since transformed into one of Singapore’s most iconic heritage hotels, named in honour of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Declared a national monument in 1987, it remains the only hotel in the country to hold such recognition.
-
Happy Days on the Harley-Davidson 117 Low Rider Softail
Jeremy Webb takes the Harley-Davidson 117 Low Rider Softail for a scenic spin. Here's his honest verdict.
-
Q&A With Patina's General Manager Anthony Gill
In this exclusive Q&A with the resort’s General Manager, we’ll explore what sets Patina Maldives apart in the competitive Maldivian hospitality scene, its dedication to sustainability, and the personalised experiences that make it a standout destination.
-
The Sanchaya: Bintan’s Best-Kept Secret
Tucked away in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago on the idyllic island of Bintan, The Sanchaya is a beachfront escape that’s still refreshingly under the radar. While part of us wants to keep this gem a secret, it's simply too exceptional not to share.
-
The Sybarite Q&A with Narelle McDougall, General Manager of Amilla Maldives
In this exclusive Q&A interview with the resort’s General Manager, we’ll explore what makes Amilla Maldives a standout destination in the Maldives, the philosophy behind its impeccable service, and the experiences that guests can look forward to.
-
Women Who Launch: Molly Aldridge of The JJ Club
“I’ve always liked bringing people together for a common goal, sharing connections and ideas that make a difference,” says Molly Aldridge, Southwest London mum of two and founder of The JJ Club.
Learn more about luxury lifestyle by signing up for free
For our latest experiences and editorials, be the first in the know. You'll learn about upcoming experiences happening worldwide and the secrets and lifestyle of a sybarite.