The British are known for afternoon tea, so going for tea in London is a must-do if you’re visiting the city. 

Many of London’s hotels offer high tea, but only a few stand out for their ambience. Sketch is one of those places you want to come for breakfast, lunch, and dinner because while the food is good, the amazing interiors make the experience unforgettable. Each room is decorated as if it was its own world.

Glade is a beautiful cocktail parlor with ornate wallpaper and colonial style wicker furniture, the perfect place to have a glass of champagne or sip a julep while you wait for your tea reservation.

Once it’s time for tea, you’re in for a sensory treat in Sketch’s monochromatic blush-gallery.

Having tea in the pink room at Sketch feels like stepping into a beautiful fantasy. Hailed as one of the most Instagrammable places in London, tea at Sketch is unforgettable.

The building in which Sketch is housed was formerly the London Atelier of Christian Dior. Knowing that, it seems only fitting the attention to detail throughout the restaurant is impeccable.

Designed by British artist David Shrigley, the uber-feminine space is filled with his witty sketches and quirky touches.

The actual tea experience is top notch. You’ll choose what kind of tea you’d like to enjoy with assorted finger sandwiches (smoked salmon, green asparagus and cucumber, mozzarella and pesto panini, egg salad, etc.), two-bite pastries (fruit tartlets, cheesecake, meringues, etc.), a scone with fruit jam and fresh cream, and a full-sized pastry. The sandwiches are bottomless, and you have the option to take home anything leftover you’d like to enjoy later.

At £45 per person (and £57 per person if you choose to have champagne), high tea at Sketch isn’t cheap.

Did I think it was worth it? Most definitely. Although pricey, we spent close to two hours enjoying our tea. The food is great, but you’re not just paying for pastries and tea- you’re paying for the experience.

If you decide to have tea at Sketch, book reservations a few weeks before your visit to ensure availability.

Before leaving afternoon tea, make sure you check out the futuristic toilet pods.

And, if you can’t get a reservation at the Sketch, I’ve heard afternoon tea at any of these hotels is also great: The Corinthia Hotel, The Sanderson Hotel’s Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea, Fornum and Mason, and One Aldwych’s Charlie, and the Chocolate Factory tea.

Read More: 10 Things to Do On Your First Visit to London.