sketch’s home, a Grade II* listed building on 9 Conduit Street, was designed by James Wyatt in 1779 and was previously the headquarters of the Royal Institute of British Architects before later becoming the London Atelier of Christian Dior. On July 17, 1869, Dame Fawcett spoke at a public meeting held at 9 Conduit Street for the enfranchisement of women, a legacy that lives on today as a core principle of sketch’s ethos.
sketch was inaugurated in 2002 by restauranteur Mourad Mazouz, and three Michelin starred Master Chef, Pierre Gagnaire.
As a destination for food, art and music, the Mayfair venue continues to contribute to the building’s heritage as an
environment for experimentation. The site consists of the Lecture Room & Library, the Parlour, the Glade, the East Bar, and the Gallery. The Lecture Room & Library was awarded its first Michelin star in 2005, a second star in 2012 and was recognised with Michelin’s top three-star accolade in 2019.
Designed by Gabhan O’Keefe, the Lecture Room & Library room is decorated in shades of orange, with richly upholstered armchairs in purple and crimson. The design is opulent, with ivory walls of silver thread, an ornate plasterwork ceiling and crystal-encrusted bathrooms. The Library room is embellished with fabrics in magenta and silver, with a lavishly painted ceiling reminiscent of a Russian fresco. The adjacent Millicent Fawcett Room has beautiful wallpapering, glittering chandeliers, and sumptuous curtains in gold and pomegranate.
Curated by the Wine Director Frederic Brugues, the Lecture Room & Library wine menu boasts somewhere in the region of 850 – 1000 entries from all over the world. Frederic’s emphasis is on French wine from classic regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, with a focus on small unknown new growers, without forgetting the glories of the past