Sketch in a gallery
The top London restaurant opens a temporary branch at the Royal Academy
WORDS | ROBINA DAM
IT’S BEEN ONE OF THE STALWARTS OF THE LONDON DINING SCENE since its launch in 2002, but Sketch is still on top of the game when it comes to cooking and branding. The baby of restaurateur Mourad Mazouz (whose empire encompasses Momo among others) and three-Michelin-star superchef Pierre Gagnaire is now doing a pop-up version (pictured right) at the Royal Academy till the end of the month.
Expect everything from posh granola breakfasts to an oyster bar and crêperie in the courtyard.
This is the second time the RA has hosted a pop-up eaterie: last year it was the eccentric Bistrotheque from Shoreditch. A similar quirkiness comes from Sketch, where the restaurant proper has maintained its exuberant atmosphere, coupled with exciting cooking and charismatic service. While the Lecture Room and Library remain among Mayfair’s grandest rooms to eat, The Gallery (main picture) is still pulling in the punters. Not bad going when starters such as Périgord (terrine of foie gras and smoked duck breast) soar up to £21, though the quantity is generous; Chantilly Lace (a more keenly priced £11) is an unusual combination of lobster bisque and basmati rice – highly recommended. Mains are around £20-£26.
Now it appears the Gagnaire magic is Russia-bound. He exclusively told Voyager: “I’m very excited about launching in Moscow later in 2010 [with a Korean restaurant group]. It would fit me perfectly.” You heard it here first.
Sketch at the Royal Academy, Burlington Gardens, W1, www.royalacademy.org.uk Sketch, 9 Conduit Street, W1 +44 (0)20 7659 4500, www.sketch.uk.com
