Dazzling and design are the main buzz words here. Laid out over two floors, on the former site of the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Sketch complex comprises two critically acclaimed restaurants, an art gallery, un salon de thé and two spectacular bars. This place is so fashionable, in fact, that even the toilets – a collection of bright white, egg-shaped, space-age pods - are a talking point. Don’t be fooled by the decidedly ordinary-looking, pale 18th century townhouse building that meets you on approach, inside this is a pure sci-fi, space age fantasia. The Parlour, a restaurant and bar reserved for Sketch members, club nights and private events at night, is decked out in pinks, oranges and dogtooth prints and 60 different fabrics and crushed velvet. Sofas are a mix of Victorian, Louis XV and French day beds. Meanwhile, the East Bar, with its white leather walls is the ideal spot from which to sip a superbly dry (if extortionately priced) Martini chosen from a drinks menu designed in the style of a tabloid newspaper. From the drinks menus to the handwritten napkins the devil is very much in the detail here at Sketch. The lighting is similarly spectacular – in the bathrooms, front and backlit crystals and glass shapes produce a stunning shimmer, while gentle washes of colour bathe the cylindrical pods and sweeping staircases dotted elsewhere. Prices are sky high but you’ll spend so much time gaping open-mouthed at the décor that your sipping speed will slow down considerably.
Best for:
Space age and sci-fi, minimalism and Martinis, high-fashion, fantasy and flamboyance.
Did you know?
Sketch's resident chef, Pierre Gagnaire's French restaurant was ranked 3rd in the world in 2006 and 2007.
Located on the site of legendary 60s retreat, the Pinstripe Club, the Kingly has a glamorous legacy behind it. Icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Peter ... More
Timothy d'Offay is a tea connoisseur. The leaves he brews and sells at Postcard Teas are the result of ten years spent tasting and investigating ... More
Between the Victorian elegance of Berkley Square and the Imperial magnificence of Piccadilly, you might be surprised to find a club that oozes with Eastern ... More
Edgy, urban and very hip, these distinguished apartments are a shopper’s seventh heaven. Located near Regents Street, Maddox Street is a stylish sanctuary of tranquility ... More
The single most annoying thing about London's most famous shopping streets - the retail giants of Regent Street and Oxford Street - is the cars, taxis ...More
Design-focused store with iconic fabric department.
No other shop in London, if the world, has such a strong iconic association with design. Mention a “Liberty print” ... More
Alan Cristea Gallery is the largest publisher and dealer of artists' prints and editions in Europe. Set up by Alan Cristea, who brings with him ...More
Stepping into Hamleys you are greeted by a colourful scene of frenetic activity. Miniature trains career under escalators, model planes circle above your head ... More
Ludlow's loss is London's gain as the two-Michelin starred Hibiscus moves to Mayfair. Relocating from Shropshire, husband and wife team Claude and Claire Bosi have ... More
The Caldesi family first set up a cooking school in Giancarlo's native Tuscany. His 'Return to Tuscany' was captured by BBC cameras and dished up ... More
Cordwainers, specialists in leather, accessories and footwear, have now merged with the London College of Fashion. Among the very best specialist textile and fashion courses ...More
More than just a spa, the Elemis is a temple of touch, taste and smell. Using therapies from Bali, Tibet, Polynesia, Japan, Morocco and Thailand ... More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.