Location :The Glade at Sketch,
Address :9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG
Normally, when you visit a restaurant, the food is the main attraction. But visit The Glade at Sketch, and it is a different story. That is not to say the food is a letdown, because it is fantastic, it is just that the surroundings are so astounding, you cannot help but stare in awe at what greets you as you step inside.
Sketch itself is a collection of four restaurants, one of which has two Michelin stars to its name, so from the outside you are greeted with something quite traditional. Even inside, there is little hint of what is to come, but when you enter The Glade itself, it is like being transported to another world.
There is so much to see it can be a little overwhelming, but the walls are a riot of trees and wildlife, and they tower above you reaching to the ceiling. The effect is so dramatic, the colors so vibrant and the imagery so impactful, it is like walking into magical woodland straight out of a fairy tale.
Created by artists Carolyn Quartermaine and Belgian artist Didier Mahieu, the amazing decoupage walls set the scene, enhanced by the beautiful details you see everywhere you look. The restaurant has gone through t least one redesign since the walls were created, but they have remained intact throughout, and for good reason. Like a piece from old master, you can lose yourself in the beautiful imagery, seeing more detail, feeling the incredible ambience that the art creates, it sets the tone for the entire restaurant.
It is a stunning display, not just one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring walls in London, but anywhere in the world.
Image credit: Simon Brown, Courtesy of Sketch
