Back on 4th April I wrote about the fact that many Restaurants quote Listed Building status as a reason not to have disabled access or facilities. Subsequently City of Westminster and English Heritage confirmed this should not be the case as ‘Heritage’ is for everyone and ‘creative solutions’ can be found for everything. So I decided to go with Lieutenant No.2 and visit Sketch who ever since 2003 (You & Yours BBC R4 25.07.2003 ), have quoted this as a reason for not having access to parts of the building even though a disabled toilet is available but down a series of steps.
I used to go to Sketch when I walked with a stick and it was just about manageable and I loved the food and the ‘vibe’ – even though Mick Hucknall went there?!
I warned them I was coming and they were certainly prepared for a wheelchair visit, even though it meant carrying me down a flight of stairs. The staff couldn’t be more helpful and even the General Manager came to see us, as we wanted to tell them about ‘creative Solutions’. We told them about ramps and stair climbers etc.. They have promised to change things so that there will be access all areas. I’m going back soon so will report back.
Enough of that, our visit was brilliant as we had afternoon tea in The Glade. It was very different and I don’t know how so many Japanese tourists found their way there. The decor is stunning if not a little disturbing – I never did like fairy tales in dark forests! The afternoon tea is superb – be prepared and bring a doggy bag. The sandwiches were works of art especially the white bread injected with egg mayonnaise. The cakes even better but I wish we had gone for the cream filled, bright red toadstool!
We also had a tour of the downstairs restaurant where Turner Prize Winner Martin Creed has produced a work of art where absolutely everything is different from each piece of cutlery to the bar stools. Amazing!!!
I also have to mention the toilets they are a series of ‘pods’ and when we visited a couple of ‘French Maids’ appeared in black and white uniforms – skirts below the knees ‘French Maids’! The disabled loo is OK but not as special as the ‘pods’.
As long as Sketch improve access, especially to the upstairs Michelin Starred restaurant, they will get 3 BBS Ticks.
