If you're looking for an events space in South West London with a unique feel, check out Petersham Nurseries - a greenhouse restaurant surrounded by Richmond's verdant scenery. What started as a family-run garden nursey over 20 years ago is now a fine-dining restaurant with a reputation that stretches not only across London, but across the world.
While the brand has multiple venues, the original Richmond space is its most famous. It boasts a Green Michelin Star restaurant, homewares store and cafe, as well as a private dining room, all of which charms with a gorgeously rustic aesthetic that Petersham Nurseries has become known for. Think aged terracotta planters, fragrant vines overhead and festoon lighting - it's romantic, historic and feels like stepping into a secret garden.
If that sounds like the kind of atmosphere you'd like to create for your next event - be it a corporate dinner, brand launch, birthday or even wedding - the dedicated events team are here to help. There's a portfolio of space to choose from with the largest being The Restaurant, which has a capacity of between 60 to 120 guests, while The Central Greenhouse can fit between 30 to 70 people. For a small to medium sized gathering, The Garden Greenhouse has capacity for 44 guests, and the most intimate space is The Kitchen Garden Room with space for 20.
Spaces can be hired from Tuesday to Sunday and are available for lunch or dinner - or even a gourmet, seasonal afternoon tea - but it's best to speak with the events team about your vision, party size and desired menu, and they'll help you choose the perfect setting. As for food, all catering is provided in house and the head chef serves a set sharing menu, which changes with the seasons, which the whole party can enjoy.
An example of what to expect includes canapes such as bruschetta laden with San Marzano tomatoes and Genovese basil, followed by starters like gnocchi with juicy Datterino and San Marzano tomatoes and friggitelli and ricotta salata alongside torched apricot with whipped ricotta, honey, almonds and Nasturtium. Mains might look like Organic Haye Farm beef with lemon pomme puree, Catalogna chicory and foraged mushrooms or grilled monkfish with Puttanesca tomatoes, fennel and samphire. Finish with something sweet, such as an Amalfi lemon meringue tart.