sketch — Restaurant in London

If you’re looking for a quick answer on whether you should visit Sketch—YES, absolutely. Go.

I rarely write reviews (maybe four in my adult life), but this experience was so exceptional, I felt compelled to share. The best way I can sum it up? Imagine someone describing Disney as “magical”—except this was more magical than any Disney visit I’ve had.

From the moment we arrived—late and sweaty thanks to a chaotic Uber ride during a London heatwave—the staff were warm, accommodating, and gracious. They even called to confirm we were still coming and kindly seated us right beneath the AC to help us cool off.

Then came Darren. Our server, and honestly, the heartbeat of our visit. Kind, thoughtful, and knowledgeable, he guided me (a tea novice) through the entire experience with the perfect balance of detail and charm. He explained the teas—what to start with, what paired best with each course, and which ones were traditionally taken with milk. His service was seamless, attentive but never intrusive. Every little detail was noticed, from topping off our tea to subtly rearranging items my friend had moved around.

The Gallery Room where we dined was stunning—modern and whimsical, yet refined, and set to the backdrop of a live string quartet playing modern hits. It felt like we were living in a dream.

Now, the food. The sandwiches? Familiar in concept, but wildly better in execution. Flavorful, well-balanced, and beautifully presented. The desserts, Wimbledon-themed and delicious. And the scones… I’m still thinking about those scones back in the States. Consider this your warning: they will ruin all other scones for you forever. (Also: clotted cream first, then jam—if you’re asking.)

Before we left, Louise, the Gallery Director, came to check on our experience. We told her how phenomenal Darren was, and she seemed genuinely touched and proud of her team. My friend even accidentally booked a second tea for the wrong day, and Louise personally fixed the reservation without hesitation.

A few days later, my friend returned to Sketch with her daughter (a recent London college grad), and once again, Darren and Louise went out of their way to make the visit special—even adjusting work schedules so Darren could serve them. Her daughter, who’s had her fair share of afternoon teas in London, said this was hands-down the best.

This experience left such an impression that I’m already planning to return with my niece someday. If you want a truly enchanting afternoon with impeccable service and a sprinkle of magic, Sketch is it.

• If you're American, I'd like to share that the tipping culture is quite different in London. Typically, a 20% charge is added to your bill (you can request its removal if necessary). In my experience, the city is mostly cashless. My only regret was not having cash with me to offer Darren. When your check is run at the table, there is no option to add an...

The Glade Sketch

I looked forward to our reservation at the tearoom at Sketch. And by no means am I trying to give an unfair review of Sketch. All of the rooms are gorgeous and from photos I've seen I couldn't wait. I made a reservation 2-3 weeks in advance.

One member of our party arrived and was seated in what we thought was a tearoom. The policy says after 15 minutes your table is given up. The other members arrived 15 minutes late due to traffic. When we showed up and asked for directions to the room for tea the man asked if we were there for the 12:30 reservations. I said 12:00 and he scoffed at me, looked me up and down, and said something extremely snarky. Bad first impression of a nice establishment.

I dropped my bag off at the bag drop and walked to the check in. The man asked "are you here for tea or lunch?" I said tea for a reservation under Hart and he led me to the lunch room. I explained our reservation says Tearoom. He said "i'm sorry, this is a tea room but we are serving lunch now" I then asked if they had any tables because we came for tea. He said no and stuck his hand out to the table for us to sit for lunch.

They had tea available at lunch at the Glade and I didnt mind sitting in the lunch room. But what we didn't know what that the afternoon tea is only offered from 4-5:30. You will not get any small sandwiches or pasteries. We order some food and then I ask the lady if we could order tea. To be noted: The food menu had some strange options. I would look ahead to check if you would enjoy the food options.

She brought a menu and we asked for earl grey and the rosebud teas. She comes back and says neither are available. I then asked for the silver needle single serving tea. She comes back and says "We can't seem to locate that tea".

I don't think you can be a tea establishment and not offer many of the tea options on your menu. It was really disappointing.

I not going to knock Sketch on everything. The food was a hit or miss. The complimentary snacks were pretty good. The fried artichoke was not good. The scallops were fine. Neither were anything compared to any of the other restaurants we've been to. The trout was pretty good and I enjoyed the sauce. The petit four that came with the tea were kind of a joke.

This is my suggestion: Dont sit in the Glade for tea. Go to the bathrooms, take a photo, enjoy the building interior, and then leave to find a better place for...

Most people know of the afternoon tea in the Gallery, which used to be very pink but is now a pale yellow colour, or of the futuristic egg shaped toilets that lead off the Gallery. If you're dining elsewhere within the building you won't be near those toilets, but you can certainly visit. People usually take a selfie in the mirror with egg toilets behind them. Now overdone on social media, but it is something out of the ordinary so go ahead for your own memories.

I went 4 years ago for afternoon tea and what sticks out clearly is the decor, ambiance and experience. They usually have live violin music during part of the service. The actual afternoon tea is full of the usual suspects- scones, finger sandwiches and cakes. The food was good I think, but nothing majorly out of the ordinary. The slice of victoria sponge is the only thing I remember now. It was ok, but I think it was over hyped and so I had overly high expectations and was not that bowled over by it.

The Lecture Room & Library is probably next well known as it currently holds 3 Michelin stars. It falls within chef Pierre Gagnaire's overall purview, but the head chef is Daniel Stucki.

We went in mid-Jan on a Thursday for lunch. It was for a milestone birthday and everyone wished a happy birthday from arrival at the reception desk until the end. Got a dessert plate, which was a very nice chocolate dessert with candle and happy birthday and name piped in chocolate onto the plate.

For lunch we took the 3 course menu (£140pp) where you choose between the mains and everything else is included (so you get a bottle of water, half a bottle of wine (including non-alcoholic options) per person and coffee). The food was outstanding as one would expect from one of the top awarded restaurants. Lots of little dishes and different bread at different times. Altogether it was enough to leave us full by the end.

There is an a la carte menu at lunch, but it similarly operates like a 3 course menu (£210) whereby you have more options around the mains and desserts. It looked like some of the other tables opted for that.

Note that Sketch is part of Amex dine in credit if you hold the Amex Platinum card, so it becomes even better value.

The whole building is artsy and worth having a wander around or asking someone to take...