There are garden centres and then there is Petersham Nurseries. This little green and rustic oasis is hidden behind cottages and tucked away at the end of a tiny gravelled lane, neither of which give any hint of the treasures which lay beyond. Edging a meadow which leads down to the The River Thames in Richmond, this is one of South West London’s best /worst kept secrets.
The entrance to Petersham Nurseries is flanked by a cart brimming with seasonal flowers and it’s probably the first and last photograph that anyone takes as they arrive or leave. This is a foretaste of what is to come, if there is a more photogenic place to buy plants I would love to see it.
Everything about Petersham is artfully and cleverly thrown together. From the scattered pots brimming with plants to the courtyard housing groups of ‘old’ and vintage tables and chairs
Flora and Fauna
The plants all look to be in tip top condition. Leaves are glossy, flowers are bright and full of life and the selection available to buy is large. The air is filled with the scents from the beautiful collection of roses. Tables laden with scorching red geraniums, abundant enough grace any Tuscan balcony and a wonderful collection of cacti and succulents fill one of the glass houses.
Eating.
The Cafe
Most garden centres these days have a cafe, few to my knowledge have a casual and sophisticated restaurant, with a set within a glasshouse littered with scented Jasmine, antique furniture, mirrors and paintings. The Petersham Nurseries cafe respects the slow food movement and everything on the menu is seasonal, inspired by Italy and cooked by a michelin starred chef. The prices are not especially cheap, but this is high quality food, and although I have not eaten here I would love to. A menu which includes Mozzarella di Bufala with yellow peach, nasturtium,and genovese basil followed by Apricot and almond tart with lemon thyme and vanilla cream is one I want to try.
The Tea House
In addition to the restaurant is a very pretty tea house serving more affordable fare. Like the restaurant it serves seasonal food, inspired by the kitchen garden and has both a British and Italian twist. There is an excellent selection of teas and coffee and melt in the mouth cakes. I can vouch for these! The white chocolate, pistachio cookie I had on one visit is the best I’ve had. All of this is enjoyed on an collection of battered tables and chairs, either in a long green house or in a shady or sunny spot outside surrounded by creamy hydrangeas and terracotta pots. This is a lovely place for lunch.
Shopping.
There are plenty of opportunities to shop and not just for plants. The home wares and life style shop stocks all those pretty pots and jugs which always look so tempting when artfully arranged together. Tables and chairs and dressers are for sale too along side cards and gardening equipment. There are of course a huge array of packets of seeds, and each time I’ve been I find myself scanning them, deciding what I might like to plant.
Why You Should Go
Despite the large numbers of visitors there is a peacefulness created by the beautifully kept plants and shrubs, floral walkways, shady spots and the cleverly placed paraphernalia. If ever a garden centre could be romantic this is it. In fact when I was there just a week ago a wedding was taking place in the restaurant. The scent of roses, live music and laughter filled the air whilst casual shoppers and browsers wandered amongst the beautifully arranged plants and garden wares. On more than one occasion I found myself trying to peek into the restaurant / green house where the wedding was taking place, wanting to absorp just a little bit of this cheerful scene for myself.
Petersham Nurseries, despite its popularity still feels like a hidden gem and because of that is able to maintain an irresistible charm. If you are in this part of London I would highly recommend a visit if only to browse.
Petersham Nurseries has recently opened a branch in London’s Covent Garden. I have wandered past, but have yet to go inside, I’m hoping it won’t be long until I do.
I love London! How beautiful is that water bath filled with vibrant coloured flowers… so pretty!
Author
Me too, i’m probably biased but it is my favourite city. The variety of flowers and colour is incredible. I struggled to stop taking pictures!
I guess when your restaurant has a Michelin star, you feel justified in putting the prices up a tad! I would love to try it though, the head chef is Australian which always means an interesting take on some old classics.
Author
Yes absolutley. The menu does look interesting, I too hope to try it sometime soonish….!
We absolutely love Petersham nurseries, as you say it’s a hidden gem! We tested the cafe food with the kids, gorgeous and like you, would love to try the restarant perhaps on a cheey date night. Your pics are fab, you prompted us returning shotly for sure 😉 #farawayfiles
Author
Thank you. Isn’t it a wonderful place. Yes I agree a date night visit would be perfect, hope you get to go back soon.
I’ve wanted to visit here ever since reading about what Skye Gyngell had done with the restaurant years ago! That café looks adorable too. I love the different coloured chairs. West London always feels so very far away from where we live but there are loads of places I’d like to get to know here. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Author
West London does have so much to offer. Despite having lived here for so many years I still keep finding new things. Maybe you should plan a weekend break so you can visit some of the places on your list!
What a beautiful place! We love to visit nurseries, and this looks like a very special one. Your photos are just gorgeous! #farawayfiles
Author
Hi Hilary, It is a very special place and it lends itself to photography, in fact its hard to know when to stop taking photographs! The displays change all the time too, so there is always something new to see.
I adore this write-up of yours of a place I have enjoyed for the three years living in the area. It is so hidden but at the same time clearly has a following! I appreciate that there are multiple ways of experiencing the space, and the range of pricing for the food. You really captured the feel of the place with your photos, they are so lovely. I too would like a treat at the Cafe. It sounds delish.
#FarawayFiles
Author
Thank you Beth, thats so kind of you to say so. It is such an inspiring place to visit isn’t it? What a treat to live in the area, I hope you get to enjoy it often