London: Garden Lunches by Jill Starley-Grainger

Featured Hotel in London

Ritz Hotel

"The grandest of grand dames, with fabulous facilities to match its opulent interiors and stellar reputation."

Price from:

See all hotels in London >

Best for a garden tea: The Park Terrace, Mandarin Oriental

Pink hydrangeas, fragrant sweet peas, lush grasses – it could be a show garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, but this is Mandarin Oriental’s secret terrace. Hidden in the back of this sumptuous five-star hotel across from Harvey Nichols, The Park Terrace has just opened for summer.

With a view of Hyde Park over the hedges, it’s a picture-perfect setting for a blissful afternoon tea. And the food is picture-perfect, too. In addition to delicate sandwiches (rolled into a raindrop shape), cakes and scones, there’s lavender lemon curd, rose petal jelly, a strawberry macaroon with lychee and a chocolate boule with jasmine cream – all topped with frosted petals or flowers made from marzipan. Better still, it tastes as good as it looks. One of the most divine afternoon teas in London, catch it while you can.


Best for year-round garden grub: Babylon at the Roof Gardens, Kensington

On the seventh floor of a building off High Street Kensington, the Roof Gardens have long given a dose of floral cheer on dreary days. In April 2009, they were completely refreshed, and the Spanish, Tudor and English Woodland gardens now look a pretty as a daisy.

In the summer, there's a fantastic barbecue buffet, with tiger prawns, lamb thyme burgers, herb rotisserie chicken, vegetable skewers and more on the grill, and mounds of delicious, seasonal salads - all served in the walled Tudor garden with a live Spanish band providing the atmosphere. You can also have an an a la carte barbecue on the restaurant terrace, overlooking the English Woodland garden.

Outside summer, the modern European restaurant, with flower-chic decor, still offers great views of the Woodland garden throught floor-to-ceiling windows. Make sure to try the delicate Asian pear martini before your meal, and if you're there in the evening, hang around until late to get your groove on in The Club.


Best for sweet treats: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Anyone who has dined at Alain Ducasse’s renowned Michelin-starred restaurant in The Dorchester will be familiar with their tasty signature macaroons. With flavours such as Rose and Raspberry, Orange blossom and Verbena they make a blooming marvellous finish to the dining experience.

The restaurant is launching a new Ladies lunch to celebrate the start of the London Social Season. The set menu includes a flute of Alain Ducasse champagne and a selection of exclusive herbal infusions prepared in front of the guests.


Best for a girly lunch: Daphne’s

This venerable Chelsea institution has created special light menus aimed at Ladies Who Lunch – or dine.

We tried the Chelsea Flower Show Menu. Its (orange) zesty salad starter looks as pretty as an RHS garden, with bright orange tones (prawns and mandarin slices) offset by soft reds (radicchio and endive) and shades of green (frilly frisee, baby spinach and creamy avodaco).

A main of deep-fried courgette flowers looks the part, but the light seared fillet of sea bream, with sculptural artichokes and rich caponata, is the star of this menu. Finish with the refreshing elderflower jelly and strawberry ice cream dessert.


Best for floral refreshment: Fifth Floor Bar and Café, Harvey Nichols

Inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show, the London in Bloom Martini is a delightful blend of fruit, flowers and alcohol. After a day fighting straw-hatted pensioners and posh types for a chance to glimpse flowers, fountains and focal points, it’s the perfect antidote. Made with gin, lychee, rhubarb and orange flower water, it’s light and refreshing with just the right hint of sweetness. And if the thought of the show is just too much for you, check out Tregothnan Estate’s Chelsea Flower Show Garden at the OXO Tower Restaurant from 23 May to end of June.

London in Bloom Martini at Fifth Floor Bar and Cafe, Mondays to Thursdays 11am-11pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11am-midnight, Sundays 12-6pm


Best for summer rendezvous: The Courtyard at 51 Buckingham Gate

Just around the corner from St James Park and Buckingham Palace, this pretty creeper-clad courtyard is hidden behind the Crowne Plaza Hotel. With its secluded location, lush foliage and flowers, it’s the perfect place for a tête-à-tête. Sneak off for afternoon tea or an early evening buffet.

Inspired to explore London's outdoor spaces? Don't forget to check out our handpicked collection of luxury hotels in London before you go....