One of the most quintessentially British events in London, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is back for its most prestigious year yet. Taking place in the Royal Hospital Chelsea grounds from the 21st to the 25th of May, it’s going to be a gorgeous affair. Maybe you came for a glimpse of Kate Middleton? Maybe you’re a true floral aficionado? Well, we’re here for the botanical booze and floral food. From Belgravia in Bloom to rooftop sips in Shoreditch, here’s 14 places to eat and drink during the Chelsea Flower Show.
Wild Beauty at Ella Canta
Mexico meets Mayfair with the Wild Beauty menu at Ella Canta. Available until the end of the month, the exclusive offering sees chef Martha Ortiz translate the nation’s exotic flora into the likes of pink tuna ceviche, corn and vanilla cake. Don't miss the Mother Nature cocktail which combines Patrón and Grand Marnier with lime, thyme and a touch of Freijoa.
Too good to eat? Not quite.
Flower Power Cocktails at Ping Pong
Known for their delectable dim sum selection, Ping Pong is the go-to for handmade Chinese bites all across London. Something else they’ve mastered? Providing you with lip-smacking cocktails. Available from now until the end of August, there’s 5 botanical-led cocktails; from the Lady Violet Sour which utilises pea-infused gin; to the Pomegranate Bramble garnished with edible petals.
Get your drink on in Soho, Shepherd's Bush and beyond.
Mayfair Flower Show at Sketch
Back once again and more leafy than ever, Sketch is presenting the fourth annual Mayfair Flower Show with a series of installations and bespoke menus. Showcasing gardens in each room, the iconic space will be taking you on a ‘floricultural’ journey; with floral workshops, a themed afternoon tea, Hendrick’s gin cocktails and, of course, a transformation of the iconic toilet pods.
Not ones do things by halves, Sketch has gone big.
Afternoon Tea at COMO The Halkin
Last year it was all about Frida Kahlo as this Belgravia hotel channelled the legendary artist, but this time around, COMO The Halkin is keeping things British with afternoon tea. With a range of floral desserts and special cocktails to celebrate the flower-filled show, this isn't your usual afternoon tea... it's even better.
Think you know afternoon tea? Think again.
Floral Court Festival at Petersham Nurseries
Not content with the standard menu or pop-up, Petersham Nurseries is going full bloom with their Floral Court Festival. From yoga with Lululemon to a flower crown workshop and tasting your way through their extensive wine portfolio, this Covent Garden space has all sorts happening. After a real foodie experience? Carb load with a pasta-making class in their Italian kitchen La Goccia.
Festival feels at Petersham Nurseries.
The Botanist Garden at Boisdale of Belgravia
This May, Boisdale of Belgravia is teaming up with The Botanist gin for the stunning Belgravia Flower Show. Not only can you snap away at beautiful foliage and florals, but there’s a dedicated cocktail menu centred on foraged ingredients and quality gin. Think Samphire Martinis, Botanist Mojitos and an uplifting Rhubarb & Plum Sour.
Mother nature meets Mother's Ruin at Boisdale.
Chelsea Barracks Kitchen by Ollie Dabbous
Hot on the heels of his successful Mayfair restaurant Hide, Ollie Dabbous has spread his wings further west. Taking over the Chelsea Barracks, the pop-up kitchen is home to a deli and bar offering fine dining staples and perfectly paired wines. Salmon tartare with iced eucalyptus arrives in a cloud of bubbling nitrogen while doughnuts ooze with tangy orange blossom. It’s a real beaut.
Ollie's back and he's not messing around.
Kyrö Distillery at TT Liquor
East meets West as TT Liquor invites you to a booze-fuelled 2-day pop-up. In honour of the first ever Finnish garden at this year’s royal show, the Shoreditch bar is hosting the cheeky guys from Kyrö Distillery. Expect a Finnish sauna, floral displays and the chance to garnish your own cocktails up on the rooftop.
Steamy saunas and rooftop boozin'? Sign us up.
Modern Mixology at No. Fifty Cheyne
Transforming the former Cheyne Walk Brasserie into a sophisticated space, No. Fifty Cheyne is only a few months old. Extend your CFS celebrations with a short stroll to this Chelsea newbie where hand-spun glass flowers, delicate foliage and winding installations accompany botanical-inspired food and drink like this frothy concoction laced with wisteria syrup.
It's wisteria hysteria with these cocktails.
Fish & Fizz at The Duke of Clarence
Located on Old Brompton Road, The Duke of Clarence is a quaint spot for a little post-show imbibing. Book a table at Fish & Fizz, where the SW spot is dishing out a 3-course menu of lemon thyme mussels, salmon with quails eggs and poached Scottish sea trout; all paired with a selection of prosecco and Champagne.
Wine & dine at The Duke of Clarence.
Veggie Feasting at Indian Accent
One of the best Indian restaurants in London, Indian Accent is no wallflower. Alongside drinks made with hibiscus-infused vodka and blackberry foam, the decadent Mayfair haunt brings you a stunning 3-course plant-based menu created by chef Manish Mehrotra. We expect this green pea kofta paired with sweet potato and dill flower oil will taste every bit as good as it looks.
Beaut plates? Indian Accent is at it again.
Rosé & Roses at The Lillie Langtry
Call us basic, but we love a glass of rosé. You know who else does? Rogers & Rufus. The vino connoisseurs are heading to The Lillie Langtry for a wine-laced pop-up complete with a rosé garden, live band and flower cocktails alongside a delicate multi-course menu including creamy burrata, Cajun-spiced salmon and a strawberry pannacotta.
We've always got time for rosé.
Spring Sips at The Jones Family Kitchen
In addition to a gorgeous installation in Eccleston Yards, The Jones Family Kitchen have created a one-off tipple to celebrate Belgravia in Bloom. The Green and Pleasant Land is a refreshing blend of gin, elderflower and lime topped with sparkling white wine and finished off with a twist of cucumber. If you’re looking for a springtime sip, this is it.
It's cocktail o'clock.
Flower Masterclasses at No.11 Pimlico Road
Master the art of flower arranging and get your hands on aromatic cocktails as No.11 Pimlico Road welcome renowned florist Moyses Stevens alongside seasonal aperitifs from Belsazar. Soak up a vermouth rosé and tonic paired with 3 courses from a themed menu, which is also available at sister site No 29 Power Station West.
This west London favourite is getting a floral finish.
If you like this, then you’ll love our roundup of 9 Places to Drink Under Blossoms in London.
