Tuesday, February 13, 2024
A Peculiar Tea shines brightly as a hub of creativity, branding itself as a Wonderland of Imagination. Its innovative dishes and distinctive decor underscore its daring declaration. Located near Queens University in Belfast, this award-winning eatery is led by renowned head chef Gemma Austin. Dubbed the female Peter Pan among her colleagues, Gemma draws inspiration from her love for children’s stories to create tasting menus based on classic narratives such as Willy Wonka, Harry Potter, Cluedo, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. These thematic menus, refreshed every eight to ten weeks, are further enhanced by a setting that turns the dining experience into a comprehensive story-driven adventure.
A Peculiar Tea stands out as a beacon of creativity, positioning itself as an Emporium of Imagination, with its inventive cuisine and unique interior design substantiating its bold statement. This distinguished restaurant, celebrated with multiple awards and situated near Queens University in Belfast, is helmed by the acclaimed head chef Gemma Austin. Known among her peers as the female counterpart to Peter Pan, Gemma’s passion for children’s literature has inspired her to design tasting menus themed around iconic tales such as Willy Wonka, Harry Potter, Cluedo, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. These thematic menus, which evolve every eight to ten weeks, are complemented by decor that transforms the dining space into an all-encompassing narrative environment.
The restaurant offers a four-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings in the evening, while the daytime is dedicated to exceptional afternoon teas. These teas feature whimsically themed confections, sandwiches, and scones, including vegetarian options, all aligned with the current motif. For those preferring to enjoy their tea elsewhere, take-away options are also provided.
Beyond the playful dining experience lies a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and the ethical treatment of animals. A Peculiar Tea practices a zero-waste approach in its kitchen, avoiding over-farmed ingredients and those not adhering to animal welfare standards. It prides itself on sourcing fresh ingredients from local producers. The Michelin Guide has taken note, praising the restaurant for its “innovative, distinctly flavoured dishes” and the warm, spirited service provided by its staff.
A Peculiar Tea contributes to Belfast’s reputation as a culinary hotspot, alongside other premier dining establishments like Blank, which evolved from a no-menu concept to offering both a la carte and enigmatic tasting menus. Along with The Muddlers Club, Ox, Waterman, Deanes at Queens, and Edo, which are recognized with Michelin stars or bib gourmand awards, the city boasts an array of exceptional restaurants catering to diverse palates.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
