York Art Gallery garden bar The Sketch set to open in March

The creators of Sketch, the restaurant in the York Art Gallery, Philip Veal and Maria Rodriguez, launched a new venture, The Sketch on the upstairs balcony at the rear of the building last Summer and are planning to return later this month.

Opening on Saturday, March 22, the bar will be open on weekends at first between 12 noon and 5pm and then after Easter from 12-5pm from Wednesday-Sunday. 

Maria Rodriguez behind the bar at The Sketch at York Art Gallery (Image: @bechudsonsmith) Over-looking a specially created floral installation in Museum Gardens to compliment the gallery’s Harland Miller exhibition the bar will also be available for private hire for the first time.

Harland Miller’s XXX exhibtion runs from March 14 until August 31 at York Art Gallery.

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Maria said: “It will be very relaxed and we are increasing the food menu.

“Last year was a positive experience and it’s great to be back this year – we’re praying for good weather.

“On March 30 we’re doing a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea from 12 onwards – it’s bookings only and anyone wanting to book should drop me an email.”

The afternoon tea at Sketch (Image: Supplied) There is a partial roof over the space and it will  be open until September. 

A carefully curated wine and cocktail list is available, to pair with cheeses from Love Cheese in nearby Gillygate and charcuterie from Lishams of Ilkley.

The bar has a small wine list and cocktails on the drinks menu.

There is access from the gallery entrance, if you are visiting, or from the back of the gallery for free. The bar has both stair and lift access from Museum Gardens and also welcomes dogs.

To book email maria@sketchyork.co.uk

Maria with one of her signature cocktails (Image: @bechudsonsmith) Maria and Philp first brought Sketch to the gallery back in April 2019 serving a range of freshly prepared hot and cold options inspired by Maria’s Spanish roots and also chef Philip’s love of Asian food experienced growing up in Birmingham.

Maria said: “Our aim has always been to be inspired by the art on show and create a menu that excites and delights.

“We showcase local suppliers and artists and provide a relaxed and diverse space for locals and visitors to enjoy great food and great art.”

The beds ready for the new Harland Miller inspired planting in Museum Gardens (Image: Haydn Lewis) The bar has both stair and lift access from Museum Gardens.

Sketch also has an outdoor seating area to the front of the building overlooking the beautiful fountain in Exhibition Square and opposite  York Theatre Royal the Bar Walls and beyond York Minster and High Petergate.