Sketch (restaurant)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Mourad Mazouz |
| Headquarters | London , England |
Key people | Pierre Gagnaire (executive chef) |
| Products | New French cuisine |
| Owner | Mourad Mazouz |
Sketch is a dining establishment located at 9 Conduit Street in the Mayfair district of London, England, which commenced operations in 2003. The restaurant is under the ownership of Mourad Mazouz, with Pierre Gagnaire serving as the executive chef. Its menu features a style of 'New French' cuisine, inspired by Gagnaire's trio of Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and brought to life by chefs Frederic Don and Johannes Nuding. The premises encompass five distinct dining venues, including three main restaurants: the Parlour, the Lecture Room & Library, the Glade, the Gallery, and the Eastbar & Pods. Notably, the Lecture Room & Library has been awarded three Michelin stars.
Prior to Sketch, Mazouz established his reputation with Momo, a North African-themed restaurant and bar launched in 1997 near Regent Street. He was already well-regarded in France for his establishments Au Bascou and 404.
Situated within a repurposed 18th-century townhouse on Conduit Street in Mayfair, Sketch spans two floors. The dining spaces prominently feature a permanent collection of artwork by David Shrigley, who also crafted the restaurant's bespoke tableware.
Awards
In 2005, Sketch was ranked 18th worldwide by Restaurant magazine. It received the AA Wine Award for England twice, first in 2008 and again in 2016. By 2021, the Lecture Room & Library had earned five AA rosettes.
The Michelin Guide recognized the Sketch Lecture Room and Library with its inaugural star in 2005, followed by a second star in 2012, and ultimately a third star in 2019.
9 Conduit Street history
The property at 9 Conduit Street is a Grade II* listed townhouse in Mayfair designed by James Wyatt in 1779 as a private residence for James Viner; it has held listed status since 1958.
Throughout its history, the building has accommodated various organizations, including suffragette groups during the early 20th century. Between 1887 and 1909, it functioned as the headquarters for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), retaining its original plaque and crest. RIBA once commissioned an unrealized competition to redesign the façade; related design drawings are preserved at the V&A Museum.
In the mid-1900s, this address served as Christian Dior’s London atelier. During the 1970s, architect Max Clendinning introduced interior alterations characterized by a monochrome grey palette intended to accentuate Dior’s fashion collections—merging classical refinement with British Modernist influences.
Following acquisition by Sketch, interior renovations were undertaken collaboratively by Mazouz and Parisian designer Noé Duchaufour Lawrance. Additionally, international designers were commissioned to contribute signature furnishings throughout the venue.