A stalwart of London’s hospitality scene, Mayfair’s sketch is undeniably iconic. World-renowned for its flamboyant design that triumphantly pairs romantic Art Deco with futuristic form, singularly embodied within each of its spaces. As a result, sketch’s otherworldly experience guarantees its place at the top of any London list of go-tos. Whether a visiting tourist or local, sketch is a sensation of British quirk and tradition but with a modern touch to also dig deeper into Mayfair’s character.
One’s ears are immediately perked upon hearing an institution such as sketch has undergone a makeover, particularly at one of its most-revered spaces, the Gallery restaurant. This iconic pink-hued dining room has been redesigned after eight years into a wondrous sea of yellows and golds, tantalising metallics and sumptuous new textures.
Frequented by celebrities, creatives and London’s movers and shakers, the Gallery originally opened in 2014 with its candy floss-coloured pink interiors a hot favourite ever since. Initially set to be a temporary space for two years, Londoners loved its interiors so much it became a permanent fixture and very easily London’s prettiest dining room as delectable to dine in as to savour its nougat hues and plump marshmallow forms.
In 2021, it was announced the space’s redesign would be tasked to Iranian-French architect India Mahdavi who originally delivered the once-pastel interiors in 2014. Also responsible for interiors at iconic Paris patisserie Ladurée and retro-inspired hotel Le Cloître in Arles. The restaurant’s transformation is now a mellow yellow dream gleaming a jewel-like form with copper-coloured walls, bronze bar and amber stools complemented by hypnotic light refractions from the lamps placed on each table.
As known for its afternoon tea as its existing collection of art, British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE, has retained its dedication to artistic form by creating 14 pieces of art specifically for the new restaurant. Whether framed quilts or masks replicating objects found in Pablo Picasso’s collection, each frame is a celebration of African art to bring a playful, creative touch to the room.
The Gallery’s showcase of African artists continues to include Senegalese fabrics from Dakar-based Aissa Dione, handmade wall lights from Marseille-based craftsperson Inès Bressand, who creates work with Ghanian weavers.
The Gallery’s menu has also been revisited by existing chef Pierre Gagnaire, to honour the new collaboration. Diners can now sample Yinka Rice, inspired by West African jollof rice with roasted plantain, spicy tomato and soya sauce, paired with a Yinka Zobo – a dark rum plantation cocktail with pineapple liqueur, lime juice, honey syrup and ginger beer, to truly transport you away from the streets of Mayfair and to the delights of Africa. All the while diners can of course still embrace traditional afternoon tea the restaurant has become synonymous for.
Delivering yet another unique gastronomy and design experience, it’s fair to say sketch has done it again.
The Gallery at sketch, 9 Conduit Street, London W1
sketch.london
