Petersham Nurseries is a garden centre in Richmond Hill that has developed quite a following for the fresh and innovative food served at its Café. The nursery is owned by Francesco and Gael Boglione who live in Petersham House, the elegant mansion nearby.

They planted amazing gardens here, including a fine kitchen garden, and turned the garden centre into something quite special, selling antique garden décor and books alongside rare and unusual flowers and plants from all over.

The nurseries is a treat for the senses; the setting is so rustic and charming. You are surrounded by tiny growing plants, scented candles and curious antique furnishings. The Café is at the rear of the nursery, in the corner of a conservatory with an earthen floor. The tables are a mix of old wooden and wrought iron set with stiff linens and the good silver, which gives it a lovely casual but elegant feel.

The chef is Skye Gyngell, the Vogue food writer and the café is open four days a week serving lunch. Reservations are required and it may take up to a month to find an opening at this wildly popular venue, so plan accordingly.

The food is divine here and the menu changes daily depending on what produce is available; much of the food comes from the nursery’s own gardens. Starters like Buffalo Mozzarella with Figs, Courgette Flowers, Purple Basil & Basil Oil, Celeriac Remoulade with Parma Ham, and Chorizo with Arancini, Green Beans & Tomato Basil Dressing are carefully prepared to highlight the freshest of seasonal ingredients.

Sardines with Spinach, Roast Plum Tomatoes & Horseradish Cream are a treat, and the Fillet of Beef with Baked Endive, Datterini & Bull’s Blood is very popular.

For dessert there are amazing concoctions like Gorgonzola Dolce with Shaved Celery, Chocolate Mousse with Ginger Caramel, and Poached Peaches & Greengages with Rosewater & Crème Fraiche.

They also have an extensive and reasonably priced wine list or you can get a jug of their special homemade Mint-Elderflower Lemonade.

Visiting Petersham Nurseries Café and Teahouse

Address: Off Petersham Road, Petersham, TW10 7AG

Telephone: 020 8605 3627

Opening Times

Restaurant: Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 - 14:45. Teahouse: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 - 16:30, Sunday & Monday 11:00 - 16:30

Pricing

Main courses £17-£26

Photo courtesy: Lilly

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