Sketch London: Where Art Meets Cuisine – My Review
If you are looking for the prettiest restaurant in London, Sketch is a must-visit. Born from the creative duo Mazouz and head chef Pierre Gagnaire, the pair sought to create a restaurant that gathered creative elements around food and drink.
The restaurant comprises several themed rooms, each with its own unique ambience. As a result, my post about Sketch will be a bit different from my usual reviews. I plan to visit each of the five rooms and provide a review of each one. Since the interiors and artwork are constantly changing, I will update my post over time to share their different features.
Review of The Gallery at Sketch – Visited in Autumn 2022:
The Art – My Thoughts and Feelings:
Until last year, Sketch’s gallery walls were adorned with 245 David Shrigley drawings. They were recently replaced by the exquisite art of Yinka Shonibare CBE. Shonibare’s new works, which can be found throughout the room, have been described as modern magic. They feature hand-painted masks and batik quilts and attempt to highlight African traditions in European ideas. At first, I had mixed feelings about the art. I felt that Sketch’s attempt at cultural representation was merely appropriation in an attempt to diversify the space. However, compared to Shrigley’s installation, Shonibare’s work brings a sense of magnificence to the setting. The intricacy of the pieces makes it only fitting that they adorn Sketch’s walls.
The significance of Shonibare’s art within a European restaurant is to highlight the influence of African traditions on modern-day Europe. The feel of Africa is further enhanced by Aissa Dione’s textured fabric and Inés Bressand’s woven wall lights. If you are fortunate enough to see these beautiful pieces, have a discussion with your fellow diners, for the core of this installation is the idea that in Sketch, you have a space where culture, art, and ideas can flow.
The food and service:
In two words: absolutely amazing. I have yet to visit a restaurant where I’ve had such perfect service. Of course, Sketch’s clientele is of the upper class, which I do not share, but I truly felt like a princess. For a dish to land on my table, it had to be brought in by one server and then placed onto my table by another server – it was truly regal!
A review of what I ate:
Starter: Egg cocotte with langoustine baguettini and black garlic butter
The egg cocotte was cooked to perfection, with a soft and runny yolk that blended perfectly with the langoustine baguettini. The black garlic butter added a savory depth to the dish.
Main: Aldudes Valley pork chop, ‘nduja potato terrine, sucrine lettuce
The pork chop was cooked to a perfect medium-rare and was succulent and juicy. The ‘nduja potato terrine was a wonderful accompaniment, with the spicy sausage adding a delightful kick to the dish. The sucrine lettuce was fresh and crunchy, providing a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the pork and potato.
Dessert: truffle macaroon, white truffle ganache, pumpkin sorbet, pumpkin coulis
The truffle macaroon was a standout dish, with a perfectly crisp and chewy shell and a rich white truffle ganache filling. The pumpkin sorbet was creamy and refreshing, with a subtle pumpkin flavor that paired well with the truffle.
The starter and dessert were the more experimental aspects of the menu, along with the sides we didn’t purchase. The starter was better than I expected, a dish that was very comforting but plated in an avant-garde style. The main was a classic; it hit the spot in the way you need. It didn’t blow my mind, but it delivered the way a staple should. The dessert was my wildcard. I asked the waiter what the most popular dessert was, and he suggested what looked like the most decadent dessert ever. Two things I don’t like are pumpkin and truffle, but I still ordered it. It was amazing. The pumpkin was sweet and had a memorable mouthfeel, while the truffle was subtle. It was the perfect way to end a Sketch night.
My boyfriend treated me to sketch (special thanks to Sam <3) for our anniversary and so the wonderful staff also brought me a complimentary slice of cake with the words happy anniversary piped on. Although I know this can be noted in your reservation (something we had not done) , it was especially lovely that they took the time to ask about the reason for our visit and surprise us.
Some more information on the restaurant:
Sketch is located in the heart of Mayfair, at 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG. The nearest tube station is Oxford Circus, which is a short 5-minute walk away. The famous Ritz Hotel is just a few blocks away from Sketch, and the beautiful Green Park is also within walking distance. Whether you are in the mood for shopping, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a lovely stroll through the city, Sketch is situated in a prime location with plenty to see and do in the surrounding area.
More information and to book visit:
I still have four more restaurant hubs to visit in Sketch so come again to read my next review!
