The decadent ground-floor bar of Sketch Mayfair, with constantly changing art installations, exceptional cocktails, and the famous egg-pod bathrooms. London's most Instagrammed bar setting.
Sketch (The Bar) occupies the ground floor of the Sketch complex at 9 Conduit Street in Mayfair, London, a Georgian townhouse transformed into one of the world's most visually extraordinary hospitality venues by restaurateur Mourad Mazouz and chef Pierre Gagnaire. The bar itself is a rotating gallery as much as a drinking space — the interior design evolves with each new artistic commission, and the room has housed work by David Shrigley, India Mahdavi, and Martin Creed among others. The famous egg-pod toilets, situated on an upper floor, have become among the most photographed spaces in any London venue. The crowd is affluent, fashionable, and style-conscious. The clientele skews towards Mayfair regulars, international visitors staying in the neighbourhood's luxury hotels, and those celebrating occasions where appearances matter. Ages are broad — 25 through 60 — but the atmosphere rewards confidence and style over youth and volume. The bar is not loud or chaotic; it operates with the quiet assurance of a venue that knows its standing in London's hierarchy. The cocktail programme is serious and ambitious. Classics are executed with precision and a rotating menu of house creations reflects the venue's artistic identity — drinks are named for artworks, artists, or aesthetic concepts. The selection of wines, champagnes, and spirits is extensive. Cocktail prices run in the £18–28 range; champagne is extensively listed and an afternoon tea service is among London's most acclaimed. Opening hours tend toward the traditional — the bar opens from around noon and continues into the late evening, though it is not primarily a late-night venue. Reservations are available and recommended, particularly in the evening and during fashion weeks when Mayfair fills considerably. The venue is equally suited to afternoon cocktails, pre-dinner drinks, or a leisurely evening. Service is polished and professional, and staff are knowledgeable about both the cocktail menu and the current art installation. For visitors to England who want to understand why Mayfair occupies its position in the city's cultural consciousness, Sketch provides an accessible and memorable entry point.
Good to know
- Signature
- Artistic surroundings and cocktails
Highlights
- Interior design changes with each new artistic commission — each visit can look entirely different from the last
- Cocktail menu aligned to the rotating art programme, with drinks named for artists and concepts
- Exceptional champagne and wine list befitting a Mayfair establishment of this calibre
- Famous egg-pod bathrooms on the upper floor, among London's most photographed interior spaces
- Pierre Gagnaire's culinary influence extends through the food and drinks programme across the building
Tips for visiting
- Reservations are recommended for evening visits and can be made via the Sketch website
- The gallery-like interior changes regularly — checking Sketch social channels before visiting reveals the current installation
- Afternoon visits (2pm–5pm) are less crowded and better for appreciating the design without the evening rush
- Budget £25–35 per cocktail; a comfortable evening for two will typically cost £100 or more
- Bond Street and Oxford Circus tube stations are within easy walking distance; Mayfair parking is limited
- For a full evening, The Lecture Room within the Sketch building holds two Michelin stars
Frequently asked questions
Is Sketch (The Bar) just for hotel guests?
No — Sketch is an independent venue open to all. The bar, gallery spaces, and restaurants welcome walk-in and booked guests from the public. Reservations are recommended for evening visits.
How often does the bar's interior change?
The artistic installation changes with each commission, typically once or twice a year. The bar has worked with internationally recognised artists including David Shrigley and India Mahdavi.
What is the price range for cocktails at Sketch?
Cocktails range from approximately £18 to £28. Champagne by the glass starts around £20. The venue is priced at the upper end of London's bar market, reflecting its Mayfair location and design ambition.
Is there a dress code at Sketch?
There is no formal dress code, but the clientele dresses well in practice. Smart-casual is the minimum and many guests arrive in business attire or evening dress. Very casual clothing is out of place.
Can the bar be booked for private events?
Yes — Sketch accepts private bookings for the bar and gallery spaces. The venue's events team handles corporate and private enquiries directly.