A Peculiar Tea describes itself as an Emporium of Imagination and its culinary inventiveness and unconventional décor back up the claim.
The multi-award-winning restaurant in the Queens University area of Belfast is led by head chef Gemma Austin, a lauded chef who is described by her friends as a female Peter Pan.
Gemma’s love of children’s stories has led her to create tasting menus on the themes of Willy Wonka, Harry Potter, Cluedo and The Nightmare before Christmas, among others. The menus change every eight to ten weeks and the restaurant is decorated to match the theme creating a totally immersive experience.
The four-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings is available in the evenings while the daytime is reserved for the restaurant’s fabulous afternoon teas. These include sweet treats, sandwiches and scones playfully presented on the current theme and offer vegetarian options.
Take-away afternoon teas are available for those who want to indulge at a time and place that suits them.
Behind the fun dining there is a serious commitment to sustainability and animal welfare. The restaurant operates a no waste policy in its kitchen and does not cook foods that are over-farmed or do not meet animal welfare standards.
A Peculiar Tea sources all its fresh ingredients from local suppliers. It is featured in the Michelin Guide which commends its “innovative, distinctly flavoured dishes” served by “cheery, enthusiastic staff”.
Belfast has made a name for itself as a foodie destination and A Peculiar Tea is just one of a number of top-class restaurants in the city. These include Blank, which began life as a no-menu restaurant but now offers an a la carte and mystery-infused tasting menu.
The Muddlers Club, Ox, Waterman, Deanes at Queens and Edo all have a Michelin star or bib gourmand accreditation and there are many other excellent eateries across the city.
