Scenester’s Paradise in London

sketch, 9 Conduit Street, London W1S 2XG

Star Rating: 4.5/5

Lately London has graced us with a fusion of artist-conceived bars where cocktails and art cross paths, only to find that grabbing a pint with the mates at the local pub seems so yesterday. Pierre Gagnaire’s quirky gastro-brasserie, sketch– in the city of Westminster, takes you down the rabbit hole into a comprehensive gallery made up of three separate dining rooms where the walls are adorned with vibrant and strange works of renowned British artist, David Shrigley.

Installation by David Shringly

Sketch isn’t too far off out of a scene from an iconic Tim Burton film. The dimly lit interior is made up of Goth, edgy, and offbeat art pieces. A vivid black and white portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth stands adjacent to a colourful neon sign that reads: “Jouez,”- the French phrase meaning “to play.” Certainly this artistic playground is an experience to complement your cocktail.

Queen Elizabeth Portrait at entrance to sketch

The staff are very turned on in character to match the aura of each room. As you find your way through a retro 1970s pale pink velour dining room you are greeted at the end of the corridors by ginormous ceramic eggs that open up into toilets, which was very “eggcentric.”

We settled in The Parlour Room where I tried the 9 Conduit Street (£15), which was a tall, sweet teaser with a bitter edge. The large slice of grapefruit and the surplus of ice chips were a bit distracting but the plethora of flavours was a rewarding experience for my taste buds. The cocktail my friend was sipping on seemed more appropriate for the atmosphere- Old Cuban (£15), a frothy blend of rum, bitters, mint leaves, lime juice, and Prosecco, which left her quietly holding on to a mysterious grin.

The funky vibes don't stop at the table

The service was very attentive and prompt. Sketch also offers a full dinner menu as well as afternoon tea for reservation only. This dining gallery is one-of-a-kind but definitely isn’t cheap. Needless to say that after being open for over a decade, this lively hidden gem has yet to lose its virtuosity or “wow” factor.