Petersham Nurseries | Covent Garden

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Petersham Nurseries have recently opened two new restaurants – The Petersham and La Goccia – at their Covent Garden location to compliment the existing homewares shop, delicatessen, wine cellar and florist. Both restaurants are accessible via both Floral Street and King Street which bring you to the aptly named Floral Court – a beautiful central courtyard providing a cool botanic escape from the busy city outside.

Lara Boglione, the managing director and eldest daughter of Francesco and Gael is the driving force behind the decision to expand the Petersham Nurseries experience from their well known home in Richmond to the heart of London. Lara has worked with highly experienced Head Chef Damian Clisby to create an exciting new menu and after spending the last four years at the Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, Damian truly understands the family’s passion for seasonality, Italian food and responsibly resourced ingredients.

The first of the two restaurants is The Petersham which is designed to be a sanctuary of calm from the bustle of the surrounding city. The decor is inspired by the Boglione family home of Petersham House in Richmond and demonstrates their passion for art, Murano glassware and a pared back grandeur showing small reflections of their own personal taste.

Respecting the philosophy on which the Petersham Nurseries were founded, the Petersham restaurant highlights the importance of traditional slow food that is clean and fair and using only the finest seasonal high quality ingredients. Serving lunch, dinner, with pre and post theatre menus, diners can enjoy seasonal Bellinis with delicious appetisers, handmade pasta, gnocchi, Cornish fish, organic meat from Haye Farm and the spectacular Petersham Nurseries garden salad. Desserts will include Petersham Nurseries’ original bean chocolate with zisola olive oil and sea salt, seasonal desserts and the finest Italian and British cheeses.

Okay so that’s the Petersham, let’s talk about La Goccia! This is a vibrant all-day restaurant with an open kitchen where the emphasis is on seasonality. When you walk in your eye is immediately drawn to the wood fired oven, large grill and dining bar from which you can watch as the chefs prepare your dishes for a more exciting dining experience. La Goccia offers Petersham Nurseries’ interpretation of the Italian aperitivo and small plates known as cicchetti.

At La Goccia you can also expect to see pizzette, fritti and dishes inspired by the garden such as spring panzanella. Fresh pasta made daily is served alongside homemade Tuscan style sausages and vegetables from the grill.

La Goccia also celebrates one main ingredient each month through three or four simple dishes and a printed recipe to take home with you. The small handpicked wine selection served at the restaurant is supplied by the Petersham cellar which specialises in some of Italy’s best wines from the elite growers to lesser known vineyards.

The stunning emporium at Petersham Nurseries is mostly illuminated by natural sunlight that streams though three Victorian atriums. The shop offers handpicked collections of homeware, furniture and gifts chosen by the Petersham family, including hand crafted pieces and antiques.

This incredible space has an abundance of indoor plants and wooden furnishings giving the shop a natural and calm feel and it seems absolutely amazing. Should you wish to purchase one of the many beautiful plants the shop offers a potting service where the staff will prepare and plant window boxes and containers for you to take away.

To find out more about Petersham Nurseries Covent Garden visit the website here.

Image Credits, Paul Craig

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