When you think of Sketch there are a few things that come to mind; the unequalled Instagrammable arty interiors, the wonderfully presented food, and of course, their afternoon tea. This venue knows how to do pretty much everything very well, and in all the years we have been visiting, we are yet to be disappointed.
When we arrived, we were greeted by a friendly member of the team and taken through to the gallery where afternoon tea is served. I never fail to be taken aback by the vast pink interiors and intriguing artwork. During this visit, we chose to sample Sketch’s Champagne afternoon tea, which began with two glasses of the gorgeous Pommery Brut Rosé. After which, we were approached by a smartly dressed man who present us with a spoonful of Oscietre caviar on a beautiful mother of pear spoon, as part of their take on egg and soldiers which is complete with comte fingers ready to dip into a comte cheese mornay which is of course is complete with a yolk served in a china egg cup.
Up next, we thoroughly enjoyed a selection of assorted finger sandwiches, which included corn-fed coronation chicken, “Igor” tomato chutney, lettuce and mayonnaise, Oxfordshire duck egg served with mayonnaise, quail egg and watercress and Scottish smoked salmon and Jacob’s cream. Each sandwich was perfectly proportioned, with our personal highlight being the Oxfordshire duck egg.
“Their afternoon tea offering truly does provide the most wonderful afternoon experience.”
Following on from the finger sandwiches, we were presented with sultana and plain scones, as well as Cornish clotted cream and fig and strawberry organic jams. This is always my favourite part of the afternoon tea, and Sketch once again failed to disappoint with this delicious offering.
Finally, we indulged in a selection of petit gateaux, which included cherry muffins, strawberry and rice pudding tarts, blackberry and chocolate soya cake, blackcurrant and lemon meringue, vanilla panna cota with apricot and rosemary and black sesame cream with crunchy rice crispies. Each one was delicately presented, with each choice holding a wealth of flavour.
Finally for our tea choices, I went for a rather unadventurous choice of the Assam Breakfast tea, despite Sketch’s vast tea menu, and my partner opted for the Jasmine Silver Needle, which was delicate and fruity.
Once again, we left Sketch feeling extremely well looked after and satiated. Their afternoon tea offering truly does provide the most wonderful afternoon experience, and it’s one that we’re certain we will be experience again. It comes highly recommended by us.
The Bill: £45 per head
