When the UK government announced it was easing lockdown restrictions from 4 July in England, we were keen to venture out for lunch - but only to a restaurant that we could be sure had strict social distancing and safety measures in place. Located in a beautiful, bright and airy glasshouse with generous amounts of space between tables, Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond ticked all the boxes. Further reassurance came in the form of compulsory hand sanitiser upon arrival, a strict one way system and a limit on the number of people permitted to enter at any one time. By the time we were seated at our quiet corner table any lingering fears had melted away.
Like many others, I have used this crazy period in our lives to reflect and re-evaluate. I've started to question much of what we used to consider as "normal" - crazy work schedules, overcrowded public transportation and an emphasis on quantity over quality to name a few. I have never been a fan of fast fashion (which is so damaging to our environment) but I hadn't given as much consideration to the food industry and how our need for instant gratification has led to an increase in the consumption of produce with a high carbon footprint. A member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, Petersham Nurseries follow the Slow Food philosophy of good, clean and fair; using seasonal ingredients that are responsibly sourced. The food was bursting with flavour and beautifully presented. The tagliatelle starter and organic roast chicken main were standouts, and the chocolate bonet dessert was almost too beautiful to eat!
We enjoyed a stroll through the Nursery and Garden Shop after lunch. The nursery is brimming with all manner of beautiful plants and colourful flowers. The shop had some very chic bronze gardening tools with wooden handles, and I was eyeing up the sweetest little watering can when the fiancé reminded me that (1) I have zero gardening skills and (2) we have zero garden. He swiped the gardening apron off over my head and redirected me towards the lifestyle and homewares shop.
The fiancé was right, I was in my element in the homewares shop - good luck curtailing me in here! It is easily the most beautiful shop I have ever set foot in. Strings of Edison-style light bulbs weave through a canopy of lush greenery and magenta flowers. Mirrors of varying shapes and sizes adorn the walls and the prettiest chandeliers are suspended above tables displaying delicate antique glassware. I felt like Alice attending the Mad Hatter's tea party, and had I stepped inside one of the impressive vintage armoires perhaps I would have ended up in Narnia. There are many wonderful and unique treasures to be discovered in this very special shop, so make sure to allow plenty of time for browsing. I came away with a beautiful handmade scented candle from Cire Trudon and a wish list the length of my arm. I think we may need to hire a van for our return visit!
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