In 2021, I finally experienced afternoon tea inside the original pink Gallery at Sketch London. From the theatrical interior and live music to the champagne, caviar and beautifully presented delicacies, the entire afternoon felt like stepping into another world.
The Gallery has since been redesigned, but this review captures the famous pink-room experience and the food, service and practical details from my visit. If you want to see its later yellow interior, read my Sketch Gallery 2.0 review.
Sketch Afternoon Tea: Quick Overview
- Location: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG
- Experience: Afternoon tea in the original pink Gallery
- Visited: 2021
- Highlights: Champagne, caviar, sandwiches, pastries and fresh scones
- Best for: Celebrations, special occasions and memorable London experiences
- Booking: Advance reservation recommended
- Price during my visit: Approximately £90 per person with champagne
Inside the Original Pink Gallery
We booked our afternoon tea around one month in advance, which I would recommend for popular dates. The original Gallery was a magical pink room filled with artwork, soft lighting and elegant seating. The staff looked immaculate, the service felt attentive from the moment we arrived, and the live classical music gave the experience a wonderfully theatrical Bridgerton-style atmosphere.
Arrival and Champagne at Sketch
Our sitting ran from 11:30 am until around 2 pm, and we were among the first guests to enter the room. Every space inside Sketch looked completely different, but the pink Gallery at the end of the hallway immediately made my jaw drop. Once seated, we were offered champagne to begin the experience. I chose the complete afternoon tea, and that first glass was one of the most memorable champagnes I had tasted.
The Caviar Man Experience
The experience began with an egg gougère, followed by the arrival of the Caviar Man. He first offered us a spoonful of caviar to taste before adding the rest to the starter. Paired with the champagne, it felt delicate, luxurious and unlike anything I had experienced at an afternoon tea before.
Sandwiches, Pastries and Tea
The afternoon tea selection included savoury sandwiches, brioche buns and beautifully presented sweets. My favourites were the coronation chicken and the truffle brioche bun. A vegan selection was also available, and during my visit the sandwiches could be replenished, so it was worth asking the team if you wanted another favourite.
There was a wide tea selection, but the rosebud tea was my favourite. Its delicate floral flavour felt wonderfully dreamy when served in the traditional tetsubin teapot. The experience finished with a warm, freshly baked scone accompanied by butter and jam—the perfect classic ending to the afternoon tea.
The Famous Cocoon Toilets
A visit to Sketch would not feel complete without seeing its famous cocoon-shaped toilets. They are one of the building’s most photographed features and add another playful element to the experience. If you cannot finish all the sweets, the team can also package them in a takeaway box to enjoy later.
My Verdict on Sketch Afternoon Tea
This was a ten-out-of-ten afternoon tea experience for me. The combination of the original pink Gallery, attentive service, live music, champagne, caviar and beautifully presented food made the afternoon feel genuinely special. It was expensive, but for a celebration or memorable London experience, I felt it was worth every penny.
My experience cost approximately £90 per person in 2021, including champagne. The current menu starts at £58 per person, with champagne and sparkling options ranging from £72 to £79 per person. Prices can change, so check the latest menu before booking.
If you would like to explore more of Sketch, read my reviews of The Glade, The Lecture Room & Library and the yellow Gallery redesign.
Sketch Afternoon Tea FAQs
How much is afternoon tea at Sketch?
The current menu starts at £58 per person. Champagne and sparkling options range from £72 to £79 per person. Prices can change, so always check the latest menu before booking.
Is the pink Gallery still at Sketch?
No. This review captures my 2021 visit to the original pink Gallery, which has since been redesigned.
Do you need to book Sketch afternoon tea in advance?
Yes, advance booking is recommended. We reserved approximately one month before our visit.
How long does afternoon tea at Sketch take?
Our experience lasted around two and a half hours, from 11:30 am until approximately 2 pm. Allow enough time to enjoy the food, music and different rooms without rushing.
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