A pink room that serves afternoon tea, can you think of anything more me? No, didn't think so! Since setting my eyes on the images of this venue it has been on my must-go list. It was just waiting for the right occasion and perfect time to have an excuse to go. When my cousins said they were visiting London for the weekend, my sister checked if there was a table free and booked it without hesitating. What better way to bring our wonderful weekend to a close, we truly saved the best thing until last.
Sketch has undeniably become one of London's hot spots, mostly because of it's instagrammable decor but of course the food and ambience does not disappoint. Mourad Mazouz and Pierre Gagnaire the owners, converted this 18th century building in Mayfair, London to something much more magical. They offer food, art and music all in one place, making it a hub of entertainment and culture.
The famous pink dining room is known as David Shrigley's Gallery which holds 239 pieces of his work, to be exact. In a grid like format they line the restaurant’s walls, forming the largest group of original drawings David Shrigley has ever exhibited. As we sat you could tell from his distinctive hand that they were all created by one artist and couldn't help but feel captivated by his work. The playful illustrations invites diners to respond with their own thoughts and reactions often sparking conversation amongst our group as we took it all in. Not only was his art on display in the obvious way but it continues to the tables. With everything from plates to cups and saucers, his fun and creative drawings bring the quirkiness levels to new heights.
With performances from Sound Generation's string trios in the background you still have the quintessentially British feeling throughout. With both past and present songs they brought a modern twist to a familiar tradition. There is something beautiful about hearing songs you know and love in a more striped back for way, it gives a whole meaning to what you hear or sometimes miss.
When I saw there was a twice awarded 3rd Michelin star behind the menu I knew we were in for a treat. I was not aware of the starter which was supposed to be a play on dippy egg and soldiers but was made from something completely different. One thing I enjoyed most about the experience is that it doesn't fall short of surprises. This use of taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary is what they do oh so well.
Shortly after we were presented with our tea stands. At the bottom was an assortment of sandwiches, the second tier a selection of petits gateaux and to finish on top was the desserts. My favourites had to be the mouthwateringly good strawberry tart (honestly just thinking about it now I feel peckish) and blueberry and vanilla choux which was incredibly light but packed full of flavour. What would afternoon tea be without a scone? They kindly had the option of plain or sultana scones which were accompanied by clotted cream, strawberry and fig jam... naturally I had to try both.
As if after all of that I wasn't already going to be rolling out of the premises they also served specials on the trolley, which I'm sure change on a regular basis. On this particular day there was the choice of traditional Victoria Sponge or Pistachio Cherry Cake. Both equally tempting but by this point I was already about to burst!
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