Sketch Has Had A Jane Austen-Inspired Floral Makeover

12 hours ago

The Mayfair hotspot is looking extra whimsical this month

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London restaurant sketch has long been admired for its eye-catching interiors – from the famous pod loos to the pastel-hued Gallery. But it’s looking even more Instagrammable this May thanks to a special makeover marking Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, created for the 11th edition of sketch in Bloom.

Sketch in Bloom Returns With A Jane Austen Theme

From now until 1 June 2025, sketch’s neoclassical spaces will display horticultural installations inspired by Austen – who famously loved the great outdoors. Florists Lucy Vail, Ricky Paul and Rob Van Helden have created beautifully romantic installations reminiscent of wild English gardens.

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with a dazzling archway facade adorned with rose trails, foxgloves, daisies and buttercups, leading into the reception, where artist Meg Boscowen has painted scenes inspired by the British landscape into the alcoves. Books and pages will fall from the domed ceiling, while excerpts from Austen’s novels will be heard through the hall. In The Glade, meanwhile, Lucy Vail has introduced an installation of cream lace parasols – a symbol of the Regency era – to the tree canopy.

Rob Van Helden has transformed the three Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library, introducing a central wisteria tree and decorating the space with cascading lilac wisteria. The bathrooms, meanwhile, have been given a suitably elegant Austen-style makeover, with twisting vines winding their way around the pod loos. Here, you’ll also find a topiary figure of a quintessential Jane Austen character made from moss.

Alongside this decor, visitors are invited to enjoy a special afternoon tea, served on a silver tea set in the Gallery. To top it all off, there will be a classical string trio, and actors performing a scene from Austen’s novel Emma.

The sketch in Bloom celebrations are part of a wider floral moment across London, inspired by Chelsea Flower Show, which returns from 20 – 24 May 2025. There are also many events taking place across the UK to mark Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, including festivals, balls, guided tours and workshops.