Where to celebrate the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018

Sanderson x Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé and Mothers2mothers Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea

For a floral oasis with a charitable twist, head to the Sanderson hotel this month. From 2 May to 26 September, the Sanderson has transformed its garden into a pink haven in collaboration with Laurent-Perrier and charity Mothers2mothers. The beautiful courtyard has been given a floral makeover with a huge array of pink roses, perfect for an Instagram moment, while 50 flamingo ornaments set the scene for the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea. The exclusive menu will see classics with a twist, from Tweedle Dee lemon curd to Alice’s cinnamon, apple and peach Drink Me potion. 

Sanderson, 50 Berners Street, London W1T 3NG, +44 (0)20 7300 5588

Bluebird in Bloom Pearl & Groove Afternoon Tea

The royal wedding is one of the main themes of this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show so what better way to celebrate than a floral-inspired afternoon tea, with all the royal couple’s favourite flavours? Bluebird has collaborated with Portobello bakery Pearl & Groove for a special menu, including a replica of the couple’s wedding cake, flavoured with elderflower, lemon and gin. With traditional scones, sandwiches and sweet cakes, this is one not to miss and is available from 23-27 May.

Bluebird, 350 King’s Road, London SW3 5UU, +44 (0)20 7559 1000

Thomas’s Café at Burberry

Head down to the perennially chic Thomas’s Café at Burberry from 21 May to enjoy its RHS Chelsea Flower Show-inspired menu. Edible flowers are the perfect complement to the specially created dishes, with highlights including a showstopping floral ice bowl filled with elderflower sorbet and rose ice cream, topped with shortbread and lemon curd.

Thomas’s Café, 5 Vigo Street, London W1S 3HA, +44 (0)20 3159 1410

Gallery Mess

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the floral event of the year so to celebrate Gallery Mess is launching a bespoke floral menu. Located just moments away from the event, the venue offers the perfect place to indulge in a leisurely lunch before or after a visit to the show. The special Bloom Menu is available as either two or three courses of special dishes, including Eton mess with lavender yoghurt, as well as botanical-inspired cocktails such as the Garden to Glass, with vodka, Chambord, pineapple and raspberry.

Gallery Mess, Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s Headquarters, King’s Road, London SW3 4RY, +44 (0)20 7730 8135

The Happenstance

Celebrate spring in the city this month at the new pop-up botanical terrace at The Happenstance. The new alfresco terrace has been transformed with stunning floral displays and botanical cocktails, ready to toast to the new season. Try the Brio, made with Gin Mare, grapefruit juice, wildflower honey syrup and rosemary tonic – the perfect accompaniment to the sunny weather.

The Happenstance, 10 Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7DX, +44 (0)20 7618 9520

Claridge’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show afternoon tea

Claridge’s has been a port of call for afternoon tea lovers for around 150 years, so where better to toast another British institution, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, than here? From 21-26 May, Claridge’s will be celebrating the event with a special edition of its afternoon tea menu, featuring a themed selection of sandwiches, scones and pastries.

Claridge’s, Brook Street, London W1K 4HR, +44 (0)20 7629 8860

Berners Tavern with Hendrick’s Gin

Berners Tavern is already one of the most Instagrammed restaurants in London and this month it is set to be even more photographed thanks to a plant takeover in collaboration with Hendrick’s Gin. From 14 to 27 May the restaurant will be adorned with verdant vines, roses and gourds, all in celebration of the renowned spirit. Guests will also be able to enjoy three special Hendrick’s Gin cocktails incorporating plant-based elements such damask rose, strawberry and mint, and jasmine and green-tea. The menu is also getting a re-work with a special chilled cucumber soup.

Berners Tavern, 10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP, +44 (0)20 7908 7979

Lanes of London Botanical Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a time-honoured British tradition and is often upheld by RHS Chelsea Flower Show goers. Just in time for this year’s festival, Lanes of London has created a special Botanical Afternoon Tea. The delicious springtime menu includes top selections of floral teas alongside cocktails, sandwiches and sweet treats such as boozy elderflower, gin and lime marshmallows, and a rose, rhubarb and chocolate pot.

Lanes of London, 140 Park Lane, London W1K 7AA, +44 (0)20 7647 5664

The Botanist x Bluebird

The courtyard at Bluebird is one of London’s top outdoor spaces and this month, up until 17 June, you will have another reason to visit. Bluebird has collaborated with The Botanist to create a special gin garden complete with botanical cocktails. The seasonal English garden has been adorned with an abundance of flowers, from roses to peonies and hydrangeas, and will be the perfect place to relax this summer. The five seasonal cocktails will showcase 22 botanicals and include the Bluebird Botanist, with gin, grapefruit vodka, lychee juice, lemon, watermelon and rosemary.

Bluebird, 350 King’s Road, London SW3 5UU, +44 (0)20 7559 1000

Home House

For pure horticultural hedonism this spring, head to Home House. The Georgian town house venue will be transformed into a riot of colour, with stunning floral installations both inside and outside. Enchanting Alice in Wonderland art installations, shaped like oversized tea pots, will get guests suitably in the mood, while a delicate floral afternoon tea will also be on offer. Guests wanting to make the most of the weather can sit outside in the newly opened garden and dine on the special floral menu, available from 14-27 May. 

Home House, 20 Portman Square, London W1H 6LW, +44 (0)20 7670 2000