London is no stranger to gorgeous restaurants. Whether you’re after a venue that is slick and suave, rustically charming, sleek and minimalist, or decadently over the top, there’s a restaurant that fits the bill in our city. But inarguably, the prettiest restaurant in London is Mayfair’s sketch. And now it’s looking all the more gorgeous thanks to its annual ‘sketch in Bloom’ transformation, which this year honours Jane Austen’s 250th birthday.
As part of the floral makeover, the Grade II* listed building has been filled to the brim with flowers. They’ve invited “some of the most sought-after floral designers” to draw inspiration from Austen’s literary worlds and run wild with the decor. Lucy Vail Floristry, Ricky Paul, and Rob Van Helden have kitted the restaurant’s rooms out with stunning new sights.
Said Autumn de Wilde, Director at Lucy Vail Floristry:
“Jane Austen famously adored the countryside so what better birthday present could there be than to transform sketch’s iconic interiors into a quintessentially British garden? … We want guests to feel as though they are within Jane’s imagination as she pens her magical prose”
The sketch transformations
The makeover at sketch extends all the way out to the entrance, where an archway façade of a variety of gorgeous flowers enchants passers-by. Inside, guests are surrounded by an immersive installation of seasonal plants and a regency-inspired colour scheme. In the reception itself, there’s a meadow of flowers.
As guests pass through, they’ll find hidden alcove paintings of British landscape scenes. There’s even a book-covered pergola that brings the sound of birdsong inside the venue as pages appear to fall from the domed ceiling. Here, guests can sit and pose for a photo at a desk and chair surrounded by swirling pages.
Cream lace parasols have been added to the famous tree canopy adorning the roof of The Glade. Each one is filled with colourful flowers, hanging over diners at the restaurant, which is already a verdant wonderland.
Meanwhile, the three Michelin-starred The Lecture Room & Library has been taken over by a central wisteria tree. The branches of the tree extend out and spread across the ceiling, with cascading lilac wisteria filling the space.
Here is also the chance for a ‘living portrait’ photo opportunity. Guests can pose at a regency-style writing desk and imagine they’re Austen herself.
And then over in the Pods (aka London’s most stunning bathroom), you’ll find a wild English garden. In the middle of it all is a striking topiary figure of a quintessential Jane Austen character. Books seem to grow out of the garden, blending Austen’s love of nature and literature.
sketch has also launched a limited-time afternoon tea inspired by Jane Austen. Available for one month only, from May 1 – June 1, it features carefully decorated cakes and macarons, scones (of course), and a selection of savoury finger sandwiches that are almost too pretty to eat. Oh, and the afternoon tea also comes with a glass of Pommery Brut Royal – naturally.
The experience is completed with a classical string trio, and each Friday afternoon tea session features actors performing a scene from Jane Austen’s Emma. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped off the streets of London, right into the world of Austen’s writing.
Book a table for the Jane Austen afternoon tea here.
📍 sketch, 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG.
🚇 The nearest stations are Bond Street and Oxford Circus.
