time for tea @ sketch

David Shrigley's pink paradise at Sketch is the perfect backdrop for an afternoon tea, that's sweet, sprightly and sophisticated in perfect measure.

Having visited Sketch numerous times as a night time destination, and even previously for afternoon tea, I knew it had to be included in our list of afternoon teas to experience throughout the year.

When French master chef Pierre Gagnaire and restaurateur Mourad Mazouz envisioned a destination to combine the very best of food, art and music, I doubt even they could've ever imagined how above and beyond that brief they could deliver. Sketch is one of my favourite day-to-night destinations in London. Before I had ever visited, a friend described Sketch to me as 'that place where every room is so different' and, whilst simplistic, that is still one of the most accurate descriptions I've heard to date. Each room at Sketch is like discovering a hidden wonderland that both takes your breath away and yet allows you to feel as comfortable as though you've become a part of it.

The afternoon tea we experienced in July was nothing short of sublime. Each item was an edible work of art. The sandwiches were (literally) like gifts, toasted and wrapped parcels of croc monsieur, fine layered cucumber sandwiches, or salmon or egg sandwiches topped with caviar, everything looked almost too good to eat... and yet tasted even better! Berry tartlets, coffee eclairs, bubblegum flavored meringue, each dessert was a contemporary take on a classic, as delicious and unexpected as the square scones! Sketch's afternoon tea is a feast that will satisfy your eyes and appetite alike, and that is just the food.

Every two years sketch commission an artist to transform their gallery. 239 David Shrigley original drawings currently line the very pink walls, and more are laid out on your table. The witty and wonderful works in combination with Pierre Gagnaire's culinary masterpieces not only transform the composition of your plate but elevate the traditional afternoon tea to a living luscious piece of contemporary art ...and of course, a trip to Sketch would not be complete without a trip to their iconic dinosaur egg pod toilets!