Wednesday 22 August 2012

Afternoon Tea at Sketch

I am a sucker for a great concept and interior when it comes to eating out, those aspects as much part of the experience for me as the food. Yes, of course sometimes this can result in bad cases of style over substance (restaurants where people go to be seen and are willing to accept mediocre food if in a snazzy environment) which makes Sketch that, in a rather spectular fashion, manages to tick all these boxes the more special. For a late birthday treat I took my friend Bryonie there for afternoon tea in the Glade room, painted and decorated much like a magical forrest, instantly making us forget that in reality we were just off Regent Street, one of the busiest and most touristy of London streets. Indeed every room from the Parlour where sandwiches and snacks are served and which is presented in the style of an old library to the rather spectacular toilets straight out of a scene of 2001- A space odyssey, each toilet an egg shaped capsule that plays you a birdsong once you enter, transports you straight into a completely different and magical world. Every little detail has been thought through, be it the uniform of the staff, particularly surreal the cleaner in the bathrooms in an old school maid outfit, to the branded plates and slivers of silver and gold on top of the pastries. Of course this would all be no good if the afternoon tea wasn't up to scratch but after having tried a few in my time I am happy to report that it was the best I have sampled so far with both the sweet and savoury components convincing in every aspect. With a little French touch in terms of the patisserie offered, rose macaroons adorned with real petals and blueberry eclairs, whilst also including the afternoon tea classics like scones and cucumber sandwiches, all of which are presented and executed flawlessly and with real attention to detail, this is the perfect treat. Sketch is  a place that I'd recommend to everyone living in or visiting London whether for this delicious afternoon tea, a cocktail or dinner to experience something maybe not that cheap but definitely truly unique.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Love the earrings. The toilets at sketch are mental aren't they! and the person in green in the background looks amused by you!

Unknown said...

love it! you're awesome!

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