The Venue Review - Sketch

Street entrance
9 Conduit Steet

The Venue: Sketch  www.sketch.uk.com

The Location: 9 Conduit Street, London

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus, exit 5

The Date: The first time I went to Sketch was in March 2014, for a first date with Mr Truffle. It had been a place I had heard of before and really wanted to visit, so was really excited when Mr Truffle told me that was where we were going.

On the evening Mr Truffle was waiting for me outside the entrance to the bar. Mr Truffle was my 41st date since March 2012, and 38th Match.com date.

On entering we were promptly greeted and guided (via the free cloakroom) to the Glade Bar, draped in green with wicker furniture (which quickly snagged my tights). I was in my work clothes – I rarely bother changing to go on dates when it’s after work.

View from the cloakroom
towards the road

The Glade Bar
Past the cloakroom on the left

Lovely Bubbly cocktails
at the East Bar

Everyone working there greeted you with a smile and was exceptionally polite. Mr Truffle had booked a table, so he had clearly given the date some thought. The lights were dimmed and there was a relaxing date ambiance, where you could talk, hear, but not be overheard, although we sat in front of each other in an almost interview-like style. There were other couples on dates, as well as small groups of women. I didn't get the impression it was a place for single women to go to pick up men.

The East Bar

Although Mr Truffle was a sweet guy, I wasn't entirely sure he was the one. I just wasn't feeling it – there was something too nice and non-ambitious about him which started tipping him into the friend zone. Being a work night, I think we stayed for about 3 drinks each before calling it a night. He was a gentleman, insisted on picking up the bill, and then walked me to the tube stop. A kiss on each cheek to say goodnight, but not a proper kiss.

The Overview: Sketch is a stylish bar in central London consisting of four distinct rooms and a Michelin star restaurant, and has been featured in Made in Chelsea. It is easy to find, but its location just away from the main Oxford Street area means that it is far less touristy than other venues in the area. The entrance itself is impressive, with understated but grand lighting and a friendly doorman. There is something quintessentially Britishly quirky about it.


It is very versatile, and the differently decorated areas make the venue suitable for a date, after work drinks with the girls or afternoon tea. Sketch has a sophisticated atmosphere, friendly staff, and amazing (though slightly pricey) cocktails. However, the cocktail prices are on par with those you get in other good cocktail bars in London which are worth a visit. The venue also provides table service, with a 12.5% service charge on the bill.

Toilets, situated above the East Bar

Holly and I visited late on a summer Saturday afternoon and were swiftly shown through to the futuristic and pod-like East Bar, via the Gallery. The East Bar is certainly very different to the Glade, and this area would perhaps not be so suited to a date due to the more exposed bench-like seating circling the sunken bar. However like the Glade Bar, the music was loud enough to prevent us being overheard but low enough to talk easily and would be a perfect start to a girls’ night out in Central London (Holly was definitely a fan!). And the sleek white space-pod toilets are a statement all on their own.

The Verdict: Sketch’s versatility would make it a great venue for an after work date, but a reservation would be recommended, and the more relaxed and intimate atmosphere of the Glade Bar would be much more suited to a date than the East Bar.

If you want to impress on a date but be a little outside the box, Sketch is highly recommended.

The ZFP