When it comes to the art of designing a culinary experience, few places have perfected the craft as expertly as Sketch: the award-winning, quintessential British and French restaurant that has transformed the gastronomy scene in London since it first opened its doors in 2002. Conceived by French master chef Pierre Gagnaire and restaurateur Mourad Mazouz, Sketch has been dubbed as the most Instagrammed restaurant in the world, and the moment you walk through its doors, it’s no surprise to see why.
We could discuss for hours the magnificent menus offered at Sketch. A set of menus conceived by the award-winning, and Michelin Star accolade chef, Pierre Gagniere. From lavish cocktails to sumptuous delicacies such as the poached sea bass in parmesan cream, or the British Isle grass-fed sucker beef with cabbage leaf, Sketch does not fail to deliver. However, what makes Sketch so unique, so “wow” inducing, is not only the food. The culinary experience that is Sketch has been conscientiously designed to astound every single one of your senses. From the astonishing interior design of every room, the atmospheric melodies that echo throughout the restaurant, to something as simple (but at the same time as important) as the comfort and the texture of the plush furniture, and the exquisite flavors and aromas of the food, everything comes together like a bewitching illusion. Or, more simply put: magic.
Sketch is housed in an 18th-century historic townhouse in Mayfair, London. This palatial setting took four years to be renovated from its past state to what Sketch is today. Mazouz collaborated with numerous designers to bring his vision to life. The locale comprises five rooms. Each opulently designed with their own dominant theme. The Gallery, an avant-garde room washed in shades of pink, was re-modeled by India Mahdavi. It houses 91 drawings by acclaimed British artist David Shrigley. Adjacent is the East Bar, created by Mazouz and acclaimed designer Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance. It offers the perfect intimate setting to enjoy and savor one of Sketch many unique cocktails. The Michelin starred Lecture Room (located on the second floor) was designed by interior designer Gahban O’Keeffe, and offers not only a unique menu but also an award-winning wine list. The Parlour Lounge was redesigned by Mazouz and designer Andres Ros Soto in an early 90’s, eclectic style, and offers a curated program of entertainment by Resident DJ Greg Pidcock. The Glade is the room that exemplifies the fantasy that is Sketch. Like a scene right out of A Midsummer’s Night Dream, the room (designed by Mazouz and artists Carolyn Quartermaine and Didier Mahieu) is as mesmerizing as it is magical. From its carpet (made to resemble a forest floor) to the rich velvet upholstery of its furniture washed in vibrant colors, every single detail comes together to embellish the experience of stepping into an enchanted forest. It is a room like no other in London and one that will make your high tea experience truly memorable.
Sketch offers a dining experience that stimulates your senses in a way few places have been able to master. It is like walking into a museum where its curators have gone to extreme lengths to ensure the guest is enthralled by why s/he is seeing and experiencing at every moment. Even when using their famous pod-style bathroom! If there is any doubt in your mind that food is a form of art, one visit to Sketch, with its fusion of food, art, design, and music, will banish this misconception. Let yourself be immersed in the spell Sketch will cast on you. There is only one word you will be able to whisper to describe your experience after: “wow.” – GM
