This Christmas sketch, London’s most iconic destination for art, design and dining, unveils The Art of Après - an immersive celebration of alpine allure and après-ski spirit, transforming 9 Conduit Street into a snow-covered escape in the heart of Mayfair.

Curated by sketch’s Creative Director and Art Curator, Milly Wright, sketch invites guests on a journey from London’s Mayfair to the snow capped mountains of Europe. Through an extraordinary collaboration of artists, florists and designers, sketch has been reimagined as a whimsical alpine dreamscape: pine forests glisten beneath chandeliers, mountain lodges glow with warmth, and snowflakes swirl in mid-air as guests dine, sip and celebrate the festive season.

“This year, we’re inviting everyone to step into the joyful sketch universe - a place where creativity, warmth, and togetherness come alive. London is open to all, and so is sketch; that spirit of inclusivity and celebration is at the heart of everything we do,” says Milly Wright.

“We wanted to recreate that moment when time slows down - when the cold meets warmth,” says Mourad Mazouz, founder of sketch. “Après is not just an exhibition. It’s a feeling - one we hope stays with our guests long after they’ve left Conduit Street.”

As guests approach, the enchantment begins. A gentle fall of snow greets arrivals, setting the tone for the alpine escape. Each room has been transformed into a distinct chapter of the story, celebrating winter through art, scent, sound and design.

Reception and The Glade Bar – Lucy Vail Floristry

For 2025, Lucy Vail Floristry styles the Reception and The Glade into a multi sensory alpine wonderland. Visitors are invited to wander through a winter forest of real pine and handpainted scenic trees Snowy mounds of dried flowers undulate between twinkling branches, drawing guests deeper into the restaurant, where a repurposed ski chairlift sits against a backdrop of painted skies, mountains and snow, evoking the magic of a crisp winter’s day on the slopes.

Inside The Glade, the existing tree canopy installation has been ‘frosted’ with dried flowers and glass icicles to create the illusion of gentle snowfall. The result is a serene alpine forest beneath which guests can enjoy delicious cocktails, surrounded by the glimmer and stillness of winter.

“There’s nothing quite as enchanting as the first promise of snow at Christmas,” says Autumn Vail, Creative Director at Lucy Vail Floristry. “We wanted to capture that fleeting moment of wonder - the hush, the light, and the beauty that makes the season feel so alive.”

The East Bar & Pods – Ricky Paul

Ricky Paul returns for his ninth Christmas at sketch with a spectacular transformation of the iconic Pods into a snow-dusted ski resort. A central mountain rises from the East Bar dome, complete with moving miniature ski lifts and cable cars gliding from one pod to another between pine-covered slopes, glowing lodges and tiny skiers weaving through the scene. Cascading down the stairs, clusters of real pine Christmas trees dusted in snow fill the air with the unmistakable scent of winter.

The Lecture Room & Library – Mehbs Yacqub with Ricky Paul and Maya Heritage

Within the three-Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library Mehbs Yacqub’s crystal tree makes its return, this year decorated by artist Maya Heritage. Reflecting the alpine night sky, the installation shimmers with mirrored facets and glass ornaments reminiscent of ice crystals glistening under moonlight. In 2025, this breathtaking installation became a sought-after setting for romance, with three proposals taking place beneath its glittering branches.

The Gallery – PomPom Factory

The PomPom Factory brings delicate artistry to The Gallery with an installation inspired by falling stars over snowy ridges. Continuing the celestial theme from last year, hundreds of handcrafted paper constellations cascade from the ceiling in a flurry of light and texture.

Festive Menus, Cocktails and Afternoon Tea

In customary fashion, the exhibition is celebrated through delectable food and drink. sketch’s mixologists have created bespoke cocktails representing the spirit of each of the installations and, from 14th November 2024 until 5th January 2025, the seasonal Christmas Afternoon Tea will return, from £115 per person including a glass of Champagne Pommery Extra Brut Royal. Children up to 15 years can enjoy the experience for £65 per person. Seasonal menus and patisseries are available in the Parlour, with mulled wine and winter warmers on the drinks menu. With live ballerinas gracing the Gallery, Glade and Parlour, throughout the period, guests are invited to savour the flavours of the season amidst a magical backdrop, providing the ultimate wintertime experience to celebrate the close of the year.

Folie Saturdays

Folie Saturdays bring the après-ski spirit to Mayfair. Every Saturday night, guests are invited to step into the snow-kissed Parlour Bar for a night of alpine energy, with ice-cold Veuve Clicquot and Belvedere cocktails, retro ski classics and contemporary DJ sets. The atmosphere captures the adrenaline rush of a day on the slopes and the carefree spirit of mountain life.

sketch Gift Shop

This Christmas, the sketch Gift Shop unveils a collection of festive gifts and keepsakes inspired by The Art of Après. New this year are two hand-blown, hand-painted glass baubles, each capturing a story from sketch’s Mayfair home: one celebrating its iconic façade, the other honouring Chef Pierre Gagnaire and his three Michelin-starred legacy. Crafted by Tom Martin Design Studio using their intricate ‘inside-out’ painting technique, each bauble is presented in signature pink hues with bespoke sketch packaging. Joining the collection are limited-edition candles, soft teddy bears and seasonal hampers, offering guests the chance to take home a touch of sketch’s Christmas charm.