The Botanist on the Green

Making the best of an odd-shaped corner space on the edge of Kew Green, the quiet inner courtyard of this comfortable wine bar & restaurant serves as a blissful suntrap come summer, while surrounding rooms offer shelter when the rain comes. The name alludes to neighbouring Kew Gardens rather than any bias towards vegetarians who are, in fact, quite poorly served. The menu reads like a hit parade of the last 20 years: steamed mussels, nachos, Thai fishcake & chicken Caesar salad all make an appearance. A decent children’s menu attracts families at the weekend, but not to the exclusion of unfettered twenty- & thirtysomethings.