A First Look Around The New Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden

If, like us, you're a fan of the Petersham Nurseries in Richmond and its offshoot homeware shop, delicatessen, wine cellar and florist in Covent Garden you'll be happy to hear that the brand is expanding the franchise even further.

This Monday, 23rd April, sees the WC1 site expand with two restaurants a bar and a courtyard. The interiors are, as expected, divine.

The looks is true to the very English contemporary-rustic-relaxed-country vibe that works so well at the Richmond site. In central London, it has a slightly slicker, cleaner feel with natural materials, and plenty of greenery mixed in with some statement art.

Both restaurants, accessible via Floral Street and King Street, will flow onto the aptly named Floral Court – a central courtyard oasis.

The new Petersham restaurant is an elegant and refined à la carte restaurant that draws inspiration from Petersham House in Richmond, with chandeliers hanging above the abundance of flora.

By contrast, theLa Goccia restaurant has a more informal feel with an open kitchen, wood fired oven, large grill and a bar.

The open bar meansdishes such as wood fired ‘pizzettas’ and bruschettas will be prepared by chefs in front of guests, and the restaurantwill also offer Petersham Nurseries’ interpretation of the Italian aperitivo and small plates known as ‘cicchetti’. There's also an antipasti menu with focaccia, salumi and mozzarella, a selection of‘fritti’, or choose lemon sole, squid with tomato salsa or Porterhouse steak from the grill. Homegrown veg all comes fresh from their own garden.

La Goccia also has its own bar, serving characteristically botanical cocktails garnished with edible flowers.Overlooking the pretty Floral Court and with a striking bar which has been hand cast from individual bronze leaves, it's the perfect summer meeting point.

Both The Petersham and La Goccia showcase the Petersham Nurseries' unique and eclectic style of furniture, glassware, crockery, vases and table decorations – all available to buy in their Covent Garden shop.

The Floral Court, a central courtyard surrounded by evergreen walls, combines English country charm with classic, Italian elegance.

Photography: Paul Craig