In their new podcast Sketch is described as “a painting that never dries”, capturing so succinctly how Sketch has been created and continues to evolve. It is among the select group of UK restaurants boasting the coveted three Michelin stars, and whilst the food is undoubtedly the ‘heart’ of the restaurant, the attention to all the details makes Sketch stand out as an extraordinary fusion of high cuisine and avant-garde art, securing its place in the heart of the gastronomic world. Since its inception in 2002, Sketch has captivated diners not only with its inventive menu, led by renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire, but also its ever-evolving interior installations, making each visit an experience of both culinary and visual discovery.

Located on Conduit Street in Mayfair, Sketch is housed in a grand 18th-century building, its ornate structure now juxtaposed with cutting-edge contemporary design. It’s many rooms holding unique spaces. This marriage of old- and contemporary is truly a wonder to behold. Check out the new sketch podcasts to get a real flavour of the birth and evolution of Sketch.

Sketch is far more than a dining destination. It’s a living, breathing gallery, a space where the lines between culinary innovation and contemporary art dissolve. For many, the very idea of experiencing art is often associated with a visit to a museum or gallery, a walking through solemn, curated spaces. But at Sketch, art is experienced in an entirely different way—it’s woven into the very fabric of the place, challenging the conventional boundaries of where and how art can exist.

Sketch is a masterpiece of immersive design, and that’s part of what sets it apart. Each room within the restaurant is a curated experience, an artistic installation that transforms the simple act of dining into something transcendent. Take, for instance, the Gallery—in 2022 the iconic blush-pink room adorned created by interior designer India Mahdavi in collaboration with iconic British artist David Shrigley, was revisited and reimagined by Hadhave . The result was a stunning collection of site-specific textile works by Yinka Shonibare that vividly celebrate African culture and its lasting influence. Mahdavi pulled this all together with vibrant sunshine yellows masterfully.

Here, the diners become part of the installation itself, their movements, conversations, and actions folding into the art around them. The space is never static—it’s alive, evolving with every visit, reminding us that art is not just something we observe, but something we participate in.

In many ways, Sketch serves as a reminder that art is not confined to frames or walls. It’s in the atmosphere, the architecture, the furniture, and of course the food is a work of art in  itself. The Michelin-starred dishes with the kitchens lead by the legendary Pierre Gagnaire are themselves pieces of ephemeral art, created with the same attention to detail, colour, and composition as the works of art and installations. They are sensory experiences that evoke emotion and provoke thought, blurring the lines and underscoring a key truth about how we experience art in the modern world—art is not just visual, but multi-sensory.

What makes Sketch especially important to the arts is its democratization of the artistic experience. It offers an entry point to contemporary art that feels intimate, playful, and approachable. One does not have to be an art historian or a gallery regular to feel inspired within its walls. Art at Sketch is not meant to intimidate or alienate but to invite curiosity, laughter, and conversation. It subverts the expectation that high art must be serious or detached.

In today’s cultural climate, where the boundaries of art are constantly being tested, Sketch stands out as a space that challenges traditional notions of where art belongs and of where the traditional stuffiness of fine dining is challenged.  It brings contemporary art into the everyday experience, creating a dialogue between visual culture and the act of dining. It reminds us that art doesn’t need to be seen in isolation to have meaning—it can be something we live within, something we touch, taste, and feel. It is the  amazing attention to detail (from the mineral water to the staircase) that really create the whole picture, that unforgettable experience, of which Hildon is proud to play a small part in.

In the end, Sketch is a testament to the idea that art is not merely observed—it is experienced, holistically. This place, with its ever-shifting blend of food, design, music and artistic expression, offers a rare and profound way to connect with art in the 21st century. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a cultural landmark where art, in all its forms, thrives. And whilst it may not be within everyone’s budget, the creative milestones laid by Mourad Mazouz and Pierre Gagnaire have laid the foundations for more fun, creativity and better lighting across the hospitality industry.