With the focus placed on charisma and creativity as well as gastronomy, Pierre Gagnaire’s restaurant Sketch is celebrated for both its playful spirit and the fine dining experience it affords. Among the Mayfair restaurant’s collection of dining areas is the distinctly pink Gallery featuring the artworks of David Shrigley. And it’s here that a seasonal Afternoon Tea is being served, with a special edition promised for the Easter weekend.
Along with the return of Sketch’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, guests will be served an Afternoon Tea that is a French take on the great British tradition. For this seasonal offering, the menu has been made into a keepsake booklet of whimsical illustrations and anecdotes telling the story behind the afternoon tea tradition.
Led by Pierre Gagnaire, the executive head chef Herve Deville and head of pastry Christophe Gasper promise to provide an experience that goes beyond diners’ expectations, encompassing the service of a Tea Master who is on-hand to recommend the right blend for every palate, and a Caviar Man who serves each guest Comté cheese soldiers and a quail’s egg with Oscietre caviar. This is then followed by a tea stand of finger sandwiches with fillings such as Scottish smoked salmon, and petits gateaux such as Pistachio choux and Lincolnshire and rhubarb cheesecake, not to forget the freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and French fig or strawberry organic jam.
Completing the experience is the the option to add champagne, and the presence of a string trio or pianist who will accompany each sitting with music chosen especially for the Gallery. Over the Easter period, Sketch will also showcase creations by London florist Carly Rogers, featuring a gaggle of geese.
The 2017 Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Sunday 16th April, and the Easter Afternoon Tea will be available from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th April. The Spring/Summer Afternoon Tea is available from midday to 4:30pm every day.