The infamous quote used as our title was first said around 1789 (by Marie-Antoinette? Still debated), while equally debatable is when afternoon tea first became a thing; it was either in the 1830s or 1840s. What’s not up for debate is the popularity of afternoon tea, which is still a tradition for many and a treat for others.

Sketch offers one of London’s finest afternoon tea selections. Situated just off Regent Street, the said afternoon tea takes place within Sketch’s lush pink Gallery. Surrounded by framed David Shrigley sketches, there are seats shaped like clam shells and a stretch of marsmallow pink walls and booths.

Once you’ve selected your tea from the menu you can shortly after expect your homemade treats to arrive at your table. Sandwiches include corn-fed coronation chicken (favourite), black truffle croque monsieur (we ordered seconds) and egg and mayonnaise (with a quaint quails egg on top).

Your selection of petits gateaux will include the chocolate and caramel gateau (favourite), pineapple tart, vanilla and lemon Battenberg cake, and the mandarin and cinnamon cheesecake, which is wonderful.

* A warning of advice at this interval, do not underestimate sketch’s afternoon tea! It is filling and there will be more to come (they’re very generous like that) *

Next up are the warm scones (sultana or plain), which comes with Cornish clotted cream, fig and strawberry organic jams. There’s something very reassuring about scones. Their simplicity makes everyday complexities non-existent while you’re enjoying them.

To round off a fantastic afternoon, from the trolley you’ll have your choice of your final treat: pistachio, cranberry choux or passion fruit, banana, green cardamom choux.

There really is no scrimping on portions here and since you’re served everything there’s no food envy or FOMO! Lovely.

For more information, visit sketch.london