sketch Travel Guide

Sketch London is a landmark dining destination housed in an 18th-century townhouse at 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair. Since opening in 2003, it has gained acclaim for its inventive New French cuisine, led by celebrated chef Pierre Gagnaire, whose culinary style is a creative adaptation of his Parisian three-Michelin-starred restaurant. The venue is owned by Mourad Mazouz, a prominent restaurateur known for his flair in combining gastronomy with art and design. Sketch is not just a restaurant but a complex of five distinct eateries and bars, including The Parlour, The Glade, The Gallery, The East Bar & Pods, and the Michelin three-star Lecture Room & Library.

Each dining room at Sketch offers a different ambiance and experience. The Gallery is famous for its candy-floss pink velvet banquettes and walls, adorned with an extensive permanent exhibit of works by British conceptual artist David Shrigley, who also designed the restaurant’s quirky tableware. This space hosts afternoon tea and casual dining, enveloping guests in a whimsical, art-filled environment. The Lecture Room & Library represents the pinnacle of Sketch’s culinary offering, holding three Michelin stars and offering a refined, gastronomic journey. The Parlour and East Bar & Pods provide stylish settings for cocktails and light bites, with the latter featuring futuristic egg-shaped pods designed by Manser Practice, adding a sci-fi flair.

The building itself carries a rich history, having once served as the headquarters of the Royal Institute of British Architects and later as Christian Dior’s London atelier. Its interiors have been shaped by notable designers including Max Clendinning, who contributed mid-century pop art-inspired elements. The current design blends this heritage with contemporary artistic interventions, creating a layered aesthetic that is both historic and avant-garde. The pink Gallery, in particular, is celebrated for its vibrant, over-the-top décor that makes it a visual spectacle and a favorite spot for photography.

Sketch’s culinary offerings are known for their creativity and quality. The menu features inventive dishes such as Dover sole meuniere with cuttlefish and bok choy, alongside whimsical desserts like vanilla bourbon cream with lemon ice cream and pastel marshmallows. Afternoon tea at Sketch is a celebrated experience, served in the Gallery with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and an array of petits gâteaux, all presented with artistic flair. The food is complemented by an extensive beverage list including signature cocktails, fine wines, and rare teas.

Visiting Sketch is as much about the atmosphere and visual stimulation as it is about the food. The venue is a hotspot for London’s social scene, blending luxury, eccentricity, and entertainment. The staff provide impeccable service, enhancing the welcoming and sophisticated vibe. The bathrooms, featuring futuristic pods, have become an iconic part of the Sketch experience, often eliciting delight and surprise. Whether for a special occasion or a unique afternoon tea, Sketch offers a memorable, multi-sensory outing.

Situated in the upscale Mayfair district, Sketch is easily accessible from Oxford Circus and other central London locations. Its central position places it amidst luxury shopping and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal stop for visitors exploring London’s West End. The venue operates with extended hours, opening from 8:30 AM and closing between midnight and 2 AM depending on the day, catering to a variety of dining and social preferences.