Where to eat and drink during Chelsea Flower Show

Each May sees the transformation of the Royal Chelsea Hospital into a luscious Eden, as the annual Chelsea Flower Show takes over, pleasing seasoned greenfingers and aspiring gardeners with incredible garden designs and cutting edge floral displays. But the excitement isn’t just limited to the confines of the show. All around the royal borough, bars and restaurants are getting in the spirit, offering seasonal menus with flower-adorned dishes and botanical-inspired cocktails. Whether you’re after a pit-stop before or after your visit to Chelsea Flower Show, or missed out on tickets but still want to get your floral fix, these are the best places to eat and drink in the neighbourhood.

For the duration of Chelsea Flower Show, The Cadogan Arms will be leaning into this year’s ‘Flowers in Fashion’ theme, transforming its façade into a striking replica of the iconic sixties boutique Granny Takes a Trip. A 3D floral car sculpture will burst out of the front of the pub, with vibrant colours that recall the legendary King’s Road boutique’s flamboyant style. Guests can also enjoy a new exclusive cocktail menu in collaboration with Casamigos, featuring floral-inspired drinks like an Elderflower Margarita and the Oopsie Daisy, with Casamigos tequila, strawberry, mint and lime.

The aptly named Wildflowers makes a perfect pit stop for flower fiends attending the show. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and wine bar in Belgravia features a carefully considered menu from Chef Aaron Potter that showcases vibrant flavours and hyper-seasonal ingredients, with dishes like scallop crudo with almond and blood orange and Cornish brill with sweet peppers, taggiasche olives, capers and lemon. Wander upstairs to find a chic wine bar inspired by Italy’s cicchetti spots and Spain’s pintxos bars, where you can while away an afternoon with spritzes and snacks.

Iconic Parisian-inspired cafe Colbert is getting into the spirit of Chelsea Flower Show with a stunning flower-adorned terrace, designed in collaboration with luxury textile brand Manuel Canovas. Behind the bar, Head Bartender Gia Zarandia will be busy concocting floral-infused cocktails especially for the event, including the Porto Tónico and Daisy Spritz.

Ebury Street local Ganymede will be bursting into bloom this Chelsea Flower Show season, as Pamela Ladaf of Songbird Florals dresses the exterior of the pub with a sustainable display of green herbs, foliage and seasonal blooms. Executive Chef David Halewood has created a seasonal menu for the occasion, with highlights such as Colcannon Scotch egg with lovage, wild garlic soup with horseradish crème fraîche, and a Stuffed saddle of lamb with petit pois à la Française. Wash it all down with a Reverend Hubert Garden Spritz, topped with English sparkling wine.

For a taste of modern Mexico with a side of blooms, make a beeline for Ixchel on the King’s Road. In celebration of Chelsea Flower Show, the restaurant is partnering with Maestro Dobel Tequila to create a limited edition cocktail, available exclusively from 19th May until 26th June. The ‘Flower Moon’ is a refreshing blend of Maestro Dobel Silver, rosé, lime juice, Peychaud’s bitters and rose syrup, presented with a garnish of rose petals. While you’re there, be sure to check out award-winning event florist Alice Strange’s striking floral installation, which reimagines the wardrobe of a Mexican Mayan goddess.

Tucked away off the King’s Road, Stanley’s features a gorgeous English garden-inspired courtyard, where guests can dine amidst flowers and greenery. Menu highlights include wild garlic risotto with peas and burrata, whole Lemon Sole with brown shrimp butter and sorrel, and for dessert, a rhubarb and camomile custard mille-feuille.

The Surprise is beloved year-round for its cosy atmosphere and top-notch pub grub. But come Chelsea Flower Show, there’s even more reason to visit. A seasonal menu, available exclusively from 20th to 24th May, features specials like Puglian burrata served with Wye Valley asparagus, Cornish garlic butter lobster, and a limited-edition Moatwood Meadow spritz, infused with botanicals and garnished with edible blooms.

Here's what else to do in the capital this month...