Since their opening in 2002, Sketch have played host to over 50 exhibitions of artists’ work, and the venue has become known as not only a destination for food, but also for art and design.
Their most recent collaboration, with contemporary artist David Shrigley, has also seen them work with Paris based architect and designer India Mahdavi, who has redesigned the Gallery restaurant for the installation of Shrigley’s work, which includes 239 of his cartoon-like drawings. As well as the exhibition, Sketch have also commissioned the artist to design an exclusive range of ceramics, which will not only be used in the restaurant during service, but will also be available to purchase, the first time that Sketch have offered pieces from a current collection. Curious to see the newly designed restaurant, as well as Shrigley’s illustrations, StyleNest thought it was the perfect time head over to Sketch for their famous afternoon tea.
Sketch is one of the most unique and fashionable venues for afternoon tea in London, and famous for it’s opulent and playful decor, so we were excited to see what they had designed next for the transformation of the Gallery. As we were escorted to our table, by a very stylish member of staff, we were amazed to see that the whole of the restaurant was pink. From the walls, to the ceiling, to the bar, everything, in true over-the-top Sketch style, had been turned a soft, sugary pink. It was in fact so pink, that it almost felt as though we were sitting under a soft, rose-tinted light. We settled into our seats with their plush pink upholstery and took a look at the menu, which promised homemade afternoon tea, Sketch style. As we had already been won over by the Sketch style decor, we couldn´t wait to try the food.
Our decadent surroundings definitely called for champagne, and we sipped glasses of the Pommery Silver Brut as we chose from the wonderfully exotic tea menu. We continued to marvel at our surroundings, and looked out for the Shrigley illustrations on the wall to add some culture to our champagne and cake. Our afternoon tea soon arrived, presented on Shrigley´s exclusive ceramics, and looking so beautiful it was artwork itself. The selection of classic finger sandwiches had of course been elevated to Sketch standard, the croque monsieur had been wrapped in a small parcel, complete with tiny ribbon, whilst the humble egg mayonnaise had been given a luxurious topping of quail egg and cavier. The cakes were a dainty array of decadent looking treats, incuding éclairs, cream choux pastries, opera cakes, tarts, and melt in the mouth macaroons. Sketch stayed true to the traditional afternoon tea with their deliciously warm fruit scones, served with plenty of thick cream and a choice of fig and strawberry jams, but then surprised and delighted us yet again with their addictively good marshmallows, as bubblegum pink in colour as they were in flavour. Plentiful and indulgent, the food had been as decadent as our surroundings, and as we left the warm pink glow of the Gallery restaurant we wondered what Sketch would surprise us all with next.
The David Shrigley exhibition will continue throughout 2015 and into 2016.
David Shrigley ceramics start at £65 and are exclusive to Sketch. All ceramics are available to purchase from the new vending machine at Sketch, or online through the website.
Sketch, 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG
To make a booking call 020 7659 4500 or visit www.sketch.uk.com