A tea room with a touch of wonderland has opened in Herne Bay.

Alice and the Hatter, in William Street, brings curious, themed wall-art, chequered floors, throne chairs and a unique experience to the seafront town.

Husband and wife team Nathan and Kate Rivers built and designed the cafe in five weeks and opened in the former Mods bar on Saturday.

Nathan, head of property and development at a global retail brand, says they want to make visitors feel like they have stepped into the popular Disney animation.

“We wanted it to be part of the community,” he said. “We wanted to create an attraction for the town and if this brings people here then that’s positive for everyone.”

Nathan says the idea for the tea room came after several visits to Disney World Florida with his wife and three children.

“We love the great ethos of customer service there and we wanted to bring that home,” he said. “It’s a place for everyone and we’re taking little people into consideration, too.

Nathan says his children Henry, 14, Florence, 12, and six-year-old Monty “absolutely love” their parent’s tea room.

Since opening on Saturday, Alice and the Hatter has had more than 600,000 views on Facebook, with people calling to check availability from across the globe.

At the tea room there is an impressive Queen of Hearts table, which caters for large groups and special occasions, and the place is decked with Alice in Wonderland memorabilia like the famous dodo, teacup stools, trinkets and china tea sets, grassy nooks and love seats.

The venue offers hand-made artisan breads, sandwiches and cakes, and caters to anyone who likes a touch of the unusual and afternoon tea with a twist.

It also serves specialist teas and coffees, as well as lunch and “open book sandwiches”, along with a selection of alcoholic beverages, including wine, Champagne and Kentish beers and ciders.

Nathan, 45, says the business has a community appeal and is looking forward to the future.

“It makes me feel very proud because it’s all about the community feel, something visually appealing,” he said.

“If people are taking their children to our town its wonderful.

“Kate and I want it to be something that is special. Herne Bay is polishing up its act and I think in the next five years we will see our profile and the town raised - we have a lot to offer.”

Alice and the Hatter, at 24 William Street, is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and on Sunday’s from 10am to 4pm. Call 01227 467937 to book.