A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon an absolutely magical place: a restaurant that somehow works for every occasion. Family lunch? Perfect. Catch-up with friends? Ideal. Business meeting? Surprisingly classy. No matter who you go with, you’re guaranteed a great time at Petersham Nurseries.
Tucked away in Richmond, this little paradise isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a full-on experience.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON takes you inside this hidden green oasis to show you why Petersham Nurseries is one of London’s most magical dining spots.
Discover Petersham Nurseries in Richmond
We arrived at Petersham Nurseries with zero expectations. It was cold, gloomy, and raining outside, all we wanted was a warm, comforting lunch. What we found was so much more.
From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere wrapped around us. The staff were genuinely cheerful, the vibe was cosy and welcoming, and the décor was a beautiful mix of rustic charm and exotic influences. Think warm ochre tones, lush greens, Asian furniture, Indian posters, and an overall feeling of curated chaos, in the best possible way!
Even though the menu is Italian-inspired, the owner’s Asian influences are clearly present in the décor, and it creates this unique, surprising blend that feels both earthy and elegant.
Everything about the place feels thoughtful, soulful, and effortlessly stylish. We were instantly charmed.
Slow food at Petersham Nurseries
The kitchen is led by Head Chef Damian Clisby, working alongside Culinary Director Lucy Boyd, and their philosophy is simple but powerful:
“An evolving menu inspired by what is growing in the garden, the changing seasons, and the local environment.”
Petersham Nurseries is also part of the Slow Food Movement, which connects the joy of eating with respect for the environment, community, and sustainability. In 2015, they even won “Best Slow Food Restaurant / Eatery” at the SF London Awards. So yes, expectations were high… and they were absolutely met.
Lunch at Petersham Nurseries: fresh, seasonal, unforgettable
We started with two incredible appetizers:
- Fried polenta with taleggio cheese & rosemary
- Beetroot & chickpeas with winter vegetables
And wow, this is the kind of food that reminds you what vegetables are supposed to taste like. The flavors were bold, clean, and natural. The carrots were ridiculously good. The polenta? Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, pure comfort food perfection. Simple dishes, elevated into something unforgettable.
For mains, we had:
- Paddock farm pork with grilled king cabbage & Yukon gold potatoes, rich, comforting, and beautifully balanced
- Fillet of pollock with white polenta, delicate, light, and full of flavour
Both dishes were flawless. Honest, nourishing food that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time.
Then came dessert, and yes, it lived up to the hype.
First:
Warm flourless original bean chocolate cake with orange cake & mascarpone
Absolute heaven. The orange was subtle and fragrant, the chocolate deep and rich. Every bite was pure joy!
Then:
Sicilian pomegranate sorbet: light, fruity, refreshing, and silky smooth. The perfect ending to an already perfect meal.
If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy incredible food in a beautiful, peaceful, and charming setting. Whether for lunch, afternoon tea, or a special occasion, Petersham Nurseries is a must.
Bonus: you can pair your visit with a lovely family walk along the Thames before or after your meal, which makes the whole experience even more special.
They also host events throughout the year, including gardening workshops and wine tastings, making it a perfect lifestyle destination!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you’re planning to visit Petersham Nurseries, share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
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To go further:
Petersham Nurseries, Richmond – Church Lane, Richmond TW10 7AB
Website: http://petershamnurseries.com
