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 ‘Out of This World’ theme by paying floral homage to one of Chelsea’s most iconic residents, David Bowie. Crafted by floral artist Ricky Paul, the façade will be transformed by a bold 3D floral head installation reimagining Bowie’s legendary Ziggy Stardust alter ego, the extraterrestrial rock star who brought a message of hope to Earth. Bowie lived in Chelsea during the mid-1970s, making the neighbourhood a fitting backdrop for a tribute to the artist who defined an era. Guests can also enjoy a new exclusive cocktail menu in collaboration with The Lost Explorer, featuring floral-inspired serves such as the Figgy Stardust and the Life on Mars, made with Lost Explorer Mezcal, Ancho Reyes, apple, cucumber, 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 moules farcies with garlic and parsley butter or cuttlefish arroz al horno with crisp pork jowl. Wander upstairs to find a chic wine bar, Bar Flor, 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 the Chelsea Flower Show with a stunning collaboration alongside Pommery Champagne and artist Rosanna Corfe. The terrace will be transformed to mirror the gardens of Paris, adorned with vibrant soft furnishings that bring a touch of summer whatever the weather, alongside servings of floral Gariguette strawberry and elderflower pavlova to make the occasion all the sweeter. Behind the bar, Head Bartender Gia Zarandia will be busy concocting floral-infused cocktails with Pommery Champagne, including the Chelsea in Bloom, made with Lillet Rosé, elderflower liqueur, and Fever-Tree grapefruit soda, alongside Le Lys Blanc, featuring Lillet Blanc and Yellow Chartreuse.

Back again and ready to outdo its iconic 2025 Miss Piggy-inspired installation, gorgeous Chelsea gastropub The Pig's Ear is a must-visit during this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Whilst they’re keeping the details of this year’s installation under wraps for now, far be it from us to spoil the surprise, we can share a few highlights from their incredible Chelsea in Bloom set menu. Among other delicious dishes, guests can expect to nibble on a mushroom Marmite éclair, enjoy chalk stream trout ceviche, try Tamworth pork tenderloin with courgette and chervil salsa, and savour dark chocolate mousse with honeycomb crumbs and Sussex strawberries. We’d also heartily recommend the signature Chelsea in Bloom cocktail, crafted with sorrel and elderflower, to truly make the most of this week’s festivities.

Perhaps a little further afield, but certainly worth the extra Tube stop, The Lavery in South Kensington is celebrating the season with a limited-edition ‘Garden to Glass’ cocktail menu in collaboration with Sapling Spirits and Fielden Whisky. Mirroring a menu driven by Mediterranean seasonality while showcasing some of the finest ingredients from across the British Isles, the seasonal serves include a Dirty Kumquat Martini, Elderflower Negroni, and Rye Mule, all designed to celebrate botanicals, provenance, and low-impact production. It is the perfect spot, slightly removed from the show grounds, to enjoy post-show drinks and dinner with a renewed appreciation for the ingredients around you.

Tucked away off the King’s Road, Stanley’s features a gorgeous English garden-inspired courtyard, where guests can dine amidst flowers and greenery. This year, they have partnered with Sapling Spirits and Fielden Whisky on a limited-edition cocktail menu rooted in British agriculture and seasonal ingredients, aligning with a food offering that champions the best of British produce with a respect for the seasons. The two serves pay homage to the garden- and grain-led flavours associated with the season: the Cucumber & Basil Spritz with Sapling Vodka and the English Old Fashioned with Fielden Whisky.

On the charming street of Pavilion Road, you will find the quaint seafood bar and fishmonger frequented by Chelsea locals, often seen sipping crisp white wine and enjoying an oyster or two, perhaps even a dozen. The Sea, The Sea, is known for its thoughtful approach to serving seafood straight from the source, and as a trusted supplier to some of London’s favourite restaurants, it has become the go-to destination for guests seeking something light, fresh, and produce-led. Whether you are enjoying a freshly prepared lunch box on the way to the show, or looking for a spot in the pedestrianised sunshine, it delivers on all fronts. Perhaps return at the end of the month for the opening of its brand-new bistro across from the original outpost.

The Surprise is beloved year-round for its cosy atmosphere and top-notch pub grub. But come the Chelsea Flower Show, there’s even more reason to visit. A seasonal menu, available exclusively from 18 to 23 May, features specials such as half-baked Cornish lobster served with fries and house salad, raspberry and almond Charlotte cake topped with Swiss meringue, and a limited-edition Chelsea Garden Spritz infused with elderflower and garnished with cucumber.

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