Sketch Lecture Room and Library

Three of us went for an evening meal in the Lecture Room last month. We were met by the Manager and given a guided tour of the rest of the premises (impressive!) before going upstairs to our table.

It was hard to choose from the very interesting menu but we thought we'd be different and all went for the 7-course vegetarian tasting selection (none of us are vegetarian). This was outstanding in the presentation, texture & flavour of all the dishes - so many different amazing tastes packed into one meal. Just to illustrate, one of the courses was: Chicory - Braised Chicory / Stuffed Reinette Apple / Aubergines and Fresh Walnuts; this was an unusual mix of ingredients but it worked fantastically well, as did all the other courses.

It was difficult to refuse any of the choice of fresh breads that were always on offer, the amuse-bouche were unconventional but delicious and the bite-sized sweet course seemed to go on for ever. Service was formal but not stuffy with useful input & conversation from the sommeliers and waiters.

I'd been led to believe that Sketch was horrendously expensive but I thought £70 for a 7-course+ tasting menu was actually very good value indeed, judging by the effort required to prepare and serve it. What you do with the wine list is up to you - there did seem to be quite a hefty mark-up but they do have a superb cellar of top producers and vintages.

The decor (check out the toilets!) and ambiance were unusual but as a whole pretty much worked and gave a sort of bohemian touch. There was plenty of room between tables and the seats were extremely comfy for the 3-4hrs the meal took (not a complaint, in fact a compliment: I hate to be rushed - we were allowed time to savour the experience but were never kept waiting).

Overall a great night out and much in excess of my expectations.
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Ed - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, February 15, 2009

I went to Sketch last weekend and really enjoyed the experience although I think there are much better restaurants in London. I probably won't eat there again but I'm glad I went.

If you eat at the Lecture Room & Library on a Friday make sure you go after 9.30pm. We sat down to eat at 7pm and it was empty! We felt a bit awkward but fortunately the staff were very professional and made us feel very welcome.

I had the tasting menu and overall I thought it was a bit hit and miss. There were certain courses (pidgeon, desserts, cheeses) which I thought were sublime. However there were others which I thought just didn't work (scallop).

As you'd expect the food was very expensive. We paid approx £150 per person and we only drank a couple of beers and a glass of champagne - no wine at all. You can eat at Petrus for the same amount and get more out of it. The last time I went to Petrus we paid £150 per person (this was for a larger tasting menu, glass of champagne each and a bottle of wine of the table) so I felt it was better value for money.

I'd recommend Sketch for a night out with (rich) friends who are looking for something a bit gimmicky. Also great for a romantic date.
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Ewok - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, November 04, 2008

I dined at the Sketch Lecture Room on friday with some clients, i have to say i have never experieced such good value in a micheling starred restaurant!

The starter was a combination of 4 dishes all complimenting each other so well, i then had the vegetarian main course, which was outstanding! Especially as its still so hard to get good vegetarian options in some london restaurants now.

The dessert was great, as was the coffee and petits fours, all for £35, i will definately be going back soon!
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Tracie Spencer - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, October 12, 2008

Went here with a big group last week, and overall it was good, if pricey. We were met by a guy at the bottom of the steps who took us up, which was a bit unusual but they're going for a fine dining experience so didn't feel out of place. Very helpful staff who took our bags (and were quick to give them all back at the end).

We decided to go for the tasting menu, which overall was good. Many excellent dishes (I particularly liked the Crawfish and the Ravioli), though some things were truly bizarre. Green Pea ice cream, and the Roquefort ice cream were really rather strange. Still, interesting when surrounded by good food. The bread was also excellent, with several choices and many opportunities to try a different one.

The service was perfect. Very attentive but not overbearing and always helpful. They were all french, but the right side of self-assured. Wine was excellent too, though not cheap. In fact, at £140 each it wasn't a cheap experience, even for such a restaurant, so value for money isn't all that great.

The place looked great though. Very plush surroundings, and as has been said, very nice loos. I wasn't sure if the urinal was a water feature, so I hope I made the right decision in there...

Overall this place deserves its Michelin Star, though perhaps the lunch menu would have been better value.
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Stephen H - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Saturday, July 26, 2008

I would encourage people to come here for the amazing lunch deal, involving four starters, a main course, then cheese or three pudding dishes for thirty five pounds per head. We were also treated to two ‘amuse bouche’ creations. All the food was enjoyable, occasionally outstanding. The service was pleasant; no ‘up-selling’, dodgy attitudes or any nonsense. In fact they were all perfectly lovely. The lunch deal is a way to experience this really quite extraordinary dining room for a (relatively) reasonable price.

I appreciate the a la carte menu is what will deliver the proper Sketch experience, but I think we’re all aware of the money involved to do that. It’s the same principle as the lunch deal (as the waiter explained to me): the starter will deliver four separate dishes, then there’ll be a single main, then a selection of puddings and/or cheese. I had a glass of (delicious) red wine with my main course that cost five pounds. I noticed a bottle of red further down the list priced at ten thousand. I think that sums Sketch up fairly accurately; absurdity is available, and so is relatively good value. In that way, for such an up-market restaurant, Sketch is commendably inclusive in its attitude. I noticed a tasting menu was on offer at ninety pounds per head, which also seems a decent price compared to certain other places.
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NGJ
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Monday, July 14, 2008

This was our first time at Sketch, and wow, what an experience. It isn't just the delcious amuses bouches, fantastic handmade bread and perfect service, which you expect at a Michelin starred establishment, it's the attention to detail and fusion of flavours and textures in every single dish. Neither of us could remember a meal we have enjoyed more. We had the vegetarian tasting menu; it's a rare treat for those choosing to avoid meat to be shown the same degree of care and attention in food preparation as carnivores.

The menu is listed as 7 courses, but with the amuses bouches, 5 desserts and petits fours, it feels like a lot more. Save Sketch for a special occasion - you need to do it justice. Yes it does cost a fair amount, especially alcohol, but considering what you are getting - original dishes precisely prepared that are just not on offer anywhere else - it's worth it. To top it all, the decor is fantastic (don't forget to visit the toiliets!) and the service is genuinely friendly and extremely attentive but unintrusive.

I have to agree with the reviewers below: you can't expect harmony in every dish, and if you're not a fan of trying new things then it might not be to your taste. You are going to like some courses more than others, but even with those at the bottom of the list you still have to appreciate the thought and expertise that went into their preparation.

Overall, it's incredible. If you have any appeciation for fine dining then go; you will not be disappointed.
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Jon
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, July 13, 2008

Dinner has been exellent on both occasions that I have visited this restaurant. Much recommended if you're a fan of Pierre Gagnaire's style of cooking. It's not as expensive as I expected, especially when you compare it to places like Petrus. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and the entire experience and was quite pleased that the bill on both occasions was more than affordable.
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Will
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, May 30, 2008

Dinner is too expensive. But lunch is excellent value for money. It includes an Amuse Bouche, 4 starts, 1 main, and 3 desserts and Petits-Fours! All for just 35 pound!
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Fine Dining Explorer - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, May 15, 2008

oooooooooooh fantastic!!!

what a great treat for a work lunch, they have this great inexpensive lunch time menu which didnt break my bank account. cant wait to go back!

i'd make a reservation as it is really hard to get into!
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m.roberts
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 25, 2008

great rapid lunch menu. would highly recommend for those with hunger pangs and on a tight budget. the wife felt like royalty in such plush surroundings and the high standard of service. really impressed all round.
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graham
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, April 02, 2008