Richmond’s Secret Garden: London’s Most Beautiful Restaurant
- Where? Richmond, Church Ln, Petersham Rd, TW10 7AB
- How much? £££
- Book ahead? Yes, especially on weekends
- Cuisine? Seasonal dishes & afternoon tea
- Vegetarian options? 🌽 Yes
- Vegan option? 🌱 Yes, on request
- Gluten free options? 🌾 Yes
- Dog friendly? 🐶 Yes, as long as the restaurant is notified ahead of your visit
This may have just become my new go-to spot in London. Tucked away down a cobbled farm track, this magical restaurant, shop, and garden centre is one of the most sought-after spots in Richmond. Now I understand why.
I’ve never come across a place quite as beautiful and enchanting. It’s like stepping into a secret garden – a palace of greenery, tall bouquets, rustic mismatched tableware, and trays overflowing with plump scones and finger sandwiches. On a summer’s day, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to the south of France, dining under a lush green canopy, kissed by the glimmers of sunlight that slip through the gaps. This place is truly special, offering a unique city experience that I couldn’t recommend enough.
Beyond its multiple dining options, Petersham Nurseries is also home to a charming homeware shop filled with unique tableware and local crafts. Additionally, the venue boasts a vast garden center, creating a vibrant environment for a restaurant and cafe. Throughout the year, visitors can participate in crafts and culinary classes, offering the chance to craft seasonal decorations or join a Tuscan wine tasting tour. Personally, I was captivated by the homeware section, and I’m already looking forward to bringing some of these unique ornaments home with me next time!
The Food
We had a table reserved for lunch at the main garden restaurant, known for serving seasonal dishes all year round. The price starts at £65 per person for two courses, drinks not included. We decided to split a starter and a dessert, which was just the right amount of food for both of us. By 1:30pm on a sunny Friday, the restaurant was buzzing, with all tables taken and the beautiful green courtyard filled with happy customers enjoying delicious food.
Our waitress was absolutely lovely and incredibly helpful, talking us through the menu and offering her recommendations. The service we experienced was fast, friendly, and everything you could hope for in a restaurant held in such high regard. I would go as far as saying that this is my new favourite London restaurant, and I highly recommend visiting!
Burrata, Yellow Peach, Honey, Pistachio & Nasturtium
Rating: 8.5/10. Picture-perfect peaches covered in a golden honey glaze and topped with edible flowers and a nutty pistachio garnish were not only beautiful but also delicious. All the ingredients were fresh, and the sweet peaches paired well with the creamy burrata, nicely balanced by the salty crunch of pistachios. It’s quite a generous portion, so sharing is the way to go – it might be a bit too much for one person, especially as a starter. Overall, this was a perfect start to the meal, with its freshness and balance standing out as the highlight.
Roast Chicken, Courgette, and Nduja Dressing
Rating: 8/10. Another stunning dish, elegantly presented. The chicken was tender and flavourful, with a crispy, salty skin enhanced by the spices and warmth of the nduja dressing. The charred courgettes were cooked to perfection, making it a perfect summer dish – vibrant, light, and flawlessly cooked. Each flavour balanced and enhanced the others, but if you’re not a fan of spice, these combinations might not be for you!
Basque Cheesecake with Peach Jam
Rating: 9/10. This dish was the absolute highlight for me, a perfect palate cleanser for summer. The cheesecake was so creamy and indulgent, yet light and airy at the same time. The peach jam complemented the cheesecake beautifully, adding a hint of tart fruitiness to every bite. Sharing it between two was just right, but honestly, I could have easily eaten a whole one by myself (and maybe even gone for seconds).
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