Sketch Gallery's Major Redesign Blends Art and Fine Dining in London's Mayfair
Sketch Gallery, the iconic dining destination on Conduit Street in Mayfair, has undergone its first significant rehang since 2022, introducing a fresh artistic vision while maintaining its legendary charm. Known for its space pod loos and vibrant art, this institution transcends its Instagram fame to offer a serious culinary experience, now enhanced by Jonathan Baldock's immersive installations.
An Artistic Transformation with Timeless Elements
In January 2026, Sketch revealed a bold redesign in its main Gallery restaurant, replacing Yinka Shonibare's masks and quilts with Jonathan Baldock's faces and cocoons. The space retains its signature sunshine yellow hue and stunning domed skylight, but now features woven cocoons cascading from the ceiling and 84 clay masks adorning the walls. Notably, the iconic 2001-esque egg cubicle loos remain unchanged, complete with ambient music and convex mirrors, preserving a beloved part of the Sketch experience.
Beyond the Aesthetics: A Culinary Journey
While many might approach such an art-filled venue with skepticism about food quality, Sketch proves it's more than just a pretty face. The Gallery's menu focuses on modern European cuisine, infused with Asian influences and a flair for bright, colorful presentations. Dishes like the lily sing salad—a textured blend of avocado, tofu, mango, and freeze-dried raspberries with miso mayonnaise—showcase a masterful balance of flavors and textures. Another standout starter, the Korean bouillon with tofu dumplings in a makgeolli broth, offers earthy saltiness with a sweet fermented turnip edge.
A Relaxed Yet Spectacular Atmosphere
As one of five restaurants within Sketch, The Gallery stands out as the more relaxed option compared to the three-Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library. This casual vibe translates into slick, unstuffy service and a delightful atmosphere, complemented by a subtle jazz band in the corner. The clientele reflects this accessibility, with dates, families, and groups enjoying the space without pretension. However, this laid-back approach sometimes leaves the food in limbo—dishes are not pedestrian but lack consistent elevation.
Highs and Lows in the Main Courses
The mains present a mixed bag. The tagliatelle with lemon, featuring a silky stracchino sauce and candied lemon, is a highlight—a guilt-free indulgence with rich flavor. Similarly, the creamed spinach side offers naughtiness without overindulgence. In contrast, the mushroom arancini disappoints, losing its crunch to a heavy mushroom sauce and raisin jam that fails to salvage the dish's gloopiness.
Desserts That Steal the Show
Where The Gallery truly excels is in its desserts, a testament to its afternoon tea offerings. The 'sketch 057'—a towering creation of chocolate mousse, ganache, salted peanut ice cream, and pistachio cream—and the tarte tatin with crisp pastry and juicy apples are both monstrous in size yet irresistibly sumptuous, making them worth a visit alone.
The Verdict: Magic Endures at Sketch
After over two decades, Sketch retains its unique magic, blending dining as an experiential art form for the masses. The Gallery remains arty, spectacular, and unparalleled in London, with a vibe that's immersive yet accessible. The food, while occasionally inconsistent, delivers memorable moments, especially in the starters and desserts. For those seeking a cocktail-centric experience, the drink list leans sweet and herbal, perfect for complementing the vibrant surroundings.
