Forget the official event, The Ivy Chelsea Garden is the real showstopper this year. The entire facade has been bathed in vibrant colourful flowers creating an almost kaleidoscopic display.
As you enter, two limited-edition floral cocktails are on offer.
Country & Town House describes the famed eaterie as having been “transformed into a wild flower meadow”, where “yellows, soft pinks, light blues and lilacs are interspersed with green foliage, with a floral ceiling extending into the reception and nods to flowers throughout the venue”. It’s a sight to behold.
No. Fifty Cheyne
The rather splended No. Fifty Cheyne is one of Kensington’s newest luxury additions, and is the result of a major renovation project on the site of the old Cheyne Walk Brasserie, originally opened in 2004.
With exclusive new menus, commissions and installations, this high-class brasserie is fully embracing the spring, and with it the flower show.
Patrons can sample botanically inspired food and drink menus crafted by head chef Iain Smith and head bartender Max Berrington.
Hans’ Bar & Grill
Hans’ Bar & Grill on Chelsea’s Pavilion Road is using the floral opportunity to launch the Veuve Clicquot Garden Afternoon tea, “inspired by the spirit of the show and the Great British garden” and which will see head chef Adam England use garden-based produce to create a masterful afternoon treat.
This pleasant gastronomic journey takes in a delicious lamb, caper and garden mint sausage roll with sun blushed tomato relish, along with a delectable cucumber, cream cheese and chive sandwich. And, of course, scones with jam and clotted cream.
The flower-inspired champagne cocktail menu offers beverages featuring an array of ingredients to help the bubbles go down, including elderflower, cherry and lemon, along with some floral touches.
The Hari
This five-star boutique hotel has teamed up with fashion brand DAKS and designer Amie Bone for “Belgravia in Bloom” in conjunction with the flower show.
The event is in-keeping with this year’s flower show theme of “The Language of Flowers”. Bone has used “bright summer flowers and rich textured foliage to create an immersive photographic display, adorning the front of The Hari”, says the hotel.
The restaurant will also feature an exclusive pop-up in conjunction with renowned champagne brand Moet & Chandon until 30 June, where guests can enjoy a glass for £25, inclusive of a sweet or savoury tapas dish.
100 Queen’s Gate Hotel
A stone’s throw away from the grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea, South Kensington’s new contemporary addition 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel is transforming its traditional afternoon tea into a floral tribute to the show.
Sweet pickled heritage baby carrots, baby beetroot and courgette flowers sit among delicate pastries, while cakes are served on a bed of edible chocolate soil. The hotel’s tea room, aptly named Botanica, is filled with plants and natural daylight and guests will be offered a specially created Flora cocktail.
The Arch London
Another carefully crafted afternoon tea can be found at The Arch London, a fabulous five-star boutique hotel in the heart of West London.
Head pastry chef Maria Kargbo is serving up a storm for this one, which features chocolate and lavender cupcakes, clementine, orange blossom and pomegranate jelly, elderflower cheesecake and many more.
Trishna
Slightly further afield in Marylebone, gourmet Indian restaurant Trishna has partnered up with The Rare Tea Company for a one-off night of floral festivities featuring a “Tea Garden” collection of cocktails.
On Wednesday 22 May, the restaurant will open its doors for diners to experience this unique cocktail collection alongside a four-course curated menu.
Polpo
Polpo Chelsea is marking the flower show by creating an installation of its signature octopus out of thousands of brightly coloured flowers, designed by award-winning florist Hayford & Rhodes.
Patrons will also be able to sample a number of Chelsea Flower Show special dishes during the show’s duration.
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