Afternoon Tea? Absolument!

There are afternoon teas in London, and then there is afternoon tea at Sketch, a place that has long held a spot on many visitors’ “must-do in London” lists.

Recently, I met up with my friend Linda for tea there. It had been a while since we’d seen each other, so it felt like the perfect excuse for a proper catch-up, the kind where you settle in, sip champagne, pour another cup of tea, and let the conversation wander.

Of course, this particular outing had two extra guests: George and Lulu, who joined us for the afternoon.

Dining Inside a Work of Art

Sketch is one of those places where the setting is just as much a part of the experience as the food. From the moment you walk through the doors on Conduit Street in Mayfair, it feels like stepping into a series of imaginative art spaces.

The famous Gallery, where afternoon tea is served, is the room most people recognise instantly. For years, it has been known for its soft pink interiors, velvet seating and whimsical illustrations by British artist David Shrigley covering the walls. Sitting among the pink banquettes with fine china and tiered cake stands feels almost theatrical, as though you’ve wandered into a living art installation.

Even the walk to the restrooms is part of the fun, with Sketch’s futuristic egg-shaped pods becoming nearly as iconic as the tea itself.

Afternoon Tea, Sketch Style

However, the afternoon tea, every bit as indulgent as you might expect, had a challenge for the French chefs. The challenge to reinvent the quintessentially British Afternoon Tea.

Seasons on, the French chefs at 9 Conduit Street have continued to tweak, twist and adapt traditional recipes. An Afternoon Tea re-imagined. Now a Sketch tradition.

Elegant finger sandwiches arrive first, followed by petits gateaux that look almost too beautiful to eat and warm scones with clotted cream and jam.

It’s the kind of meal designed to be savoured slowly, perfect for catching up with an old friend.

Meanwhile, George and Lulu quietly observed the proceedings from beneath the table, occasionally attracting smiles from nearby guests. They looked perfectly at home in the elegant Mayfair afternoon tea room.

A Welcome Change for Dog Lovers

For those of us who explore London with dogs in tow, Sketch has been welcoming dogs since the end of 2024 to The Gallery itself.

In the past, we were sometimes selectively allowed into The Parlour with the dogs, but the main afternoon tea room was usually off limits. Being able to enjoy the full Gallery experience together was a wonderful change, and very much in keeping with London’s growing number of dog-friendly dining spots.

Why Sketch Is Still on Everyone’s List

Sketch has always been more than just a restaurant. It’s a place people visit for the experience, the art, the design, the atmosphere, and of course, the famous pink room.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to London or simply meeting a friend for a long-overdue catch-up, it remains one of the city’s most memorable places to spend an afternoon.

And this time, it was made even better by sharing it with a friend, with George and Lulu quietly enjoying the occasion right alongside us.

Enter this place with an open mind.