It’s difficult to describe Sketch – a unique destination in Central London – quickly without leaving out some aspect of the bar, restaurant, tea room and art space. Still, if you take in the current installation filling its Gallery Room restaurant, it’s safe to assume the place doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Located off Regent Street in very heart of London’s most trodden dining and retails district, Sketch essentially brings together very distinct eating and drinking spaces under one roof. Consider them environments more than just dining rooms as they wear names like The Lecture Room, The Parlour and The Glade. Each offers a distinct theatrical theme and a separate menu attuned to the atmosphere.
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The Gallery Room is a pink, art deco world of gilded, 1920s charm. Specializing in afternoon teas, it’s bar will step in to serve you elite cocktails on order. Of course, The Gallery Room also serves as SKetch’s primary art exhibition space.
It’s walls are filled to the trim with the work of David Shirley, a UK author, filmmaker and artist known for the aggressive sense of humor lacing his work. Sketch’s Gallery Room holds 239 single framed cartoons and text-based images with messages ranging from wit to wisdom.
Shirley’s drawing work well for Sketch as there’s an aura of casual whimsey about his sketches that works well in a venue so invested in fun and fantasy. And, I’m sure the artist would appreciate a mention that all of the images are for sale. Diners may enquire with the Sketch staff.
