Born in Algeria in the 1960s, just after Algerian independence, Mourad Mazouz is now one of the most successful restaurateurs in the world. Mourad Mazouz moved to Paris in 1977 and started doing many little jobs in order to save up and travel the world. At 20, he set off on his travels around Asia and the Caribbean and picked up many culinary tips from around the world. 

Mourad Mazouz opened his first restaurant the age of 26. It was called Bascou and sold French food, specifically Basque cuisine. Mourad Mazouz originally intended to run the restaurant for six months, sell it, and continue to travel. However, he surprised himself and fell in love with the business. In 1990, Mourad Mazouz opened 404, a thriving restaurant which is still open today. In 1997, Mourad Mazouz moved to London and opened another restaurant, called Momo. 

In 1998, Mourad Mazouz was shown the building in Conduit Street that houses sketch today. The building was in high demand and countless competitors wanted to lease it. Mourad Mazouz wasn’t sure what he would do with the building, but knew that he needed to create something spectacular. Four and a half years later, sketch was born. 

sketch is the result of an over twenty year collaboration between Mourad Mazouz and three Michelin starred French chef, Pierre Gagnaire. Today, sketch is famed across the world for its unique fusion of art, food, music and play. The esteemed restaurant sits in an 18th-century townhouse that turns into a cocktail lounge every evening. It is frequented by star studded guests who appreciate art, music and most importantly, good food. 

In The Instagrammable World of Sketch episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl Lam and Mourad Mazouz take part in a fascinating discussion about Mourad’s restaurant sketch, and his love for art, music and food.

Follow Mourad Mazouz on Instagram here. 

Follow sketch on Instagram here.

Follow sketch on X here.

Visit the sketch website here.