Sketch: A Must-Visit Destination for Art, Design, and Culinary Excellence in the Heart of Mayfair
When it comes to London’s most immersive design experiences, few places capture the imagination quite like sketch. Nestled in a Grade II* listed townhouse in Mayfair, this iconic venue has earned a reputation not only for its Michelin-starred dining and whimsical interiors, but also for its ever-evolving programme of immersive art and design installations. For those living in or visiting London, sketch is a must-visit cultural destination that consistently redefines the boundaries between fine art, floral design, architecture, and gastronomy.
The Library at sketch during sketch in Bloom - photography: Mark Cocksedge
Originally home to the Royal Institute of British Architects and later the atelier of Christian Dior, the historic building is now a creative playground where every room tells a story. Each space—from the futuristic Pod loos to the romantic blush-pink Gallery—has been imagined with an artist’s eye and a curator’s care, making sketch not just a restaurant, but an experience in visual storytelling.
The Glade at sketch during Christmas - Photography: Mark Cocksedge
Throughout the year, sketch hosts a rotating roster of installations and exhibitions that showcase the work of leading florists, designers, and artists. Whether it’s a fantastical floral canopy suspended above The Glade or a gallery reimagined by contemporary illustrators, each visit offers something new and unexpected.
The Gallery at sketch - Photography: Edmund Dabney
One standout example of this creative spirit is the annual sketch in Bloom series. For the 2025 edition, the venue has transformed its neoclassical interiors into a rich, immersive tribute to Jane Austen in celebration of her 250th birthday. The installation is a love letter to English countryside gardens and Regency design, brought to life by floral powerhouses including Lucy Vail Floristry, Rob Van Helden, and Ricky Paul. Guests are invited to wander through fragrant meadows, take portraits at regency-style writing desks, and dine on a themed afternoon tea in rooms filled with wisteria trees, wild blooms, and nods to Austen’s literary legacy.
sketch in Bloom afternoon tea
While sketch in Bloom is on display until the end of May 2025, sketch’s commitment to creativity doesn’t stop there. With a dynamic calendar of events, limited-edition collaborations, and design-led dining experiences, this Mayfair institution continues to captivate and surprise. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, artistic immersion, or a meal to remember, sketch remains one of London’s most imaginative and spectacular destinations.
Visit until the end of May to catch sketch in Bloom, and check with sketch directly or visit their website to explore upcoming events and exhibitions.
