London Secret Garden by Umami

The first London restaurant to launch the phenomenon of dining in outdoor igloos was Coppa Club back in 2017. Since then, various other London haunts have followed suit, launching igloos by the river, on rooftops and even indoors in some cases. In Kensington, those looking to snap a selfie or two can head to London Secret Garden, an outdoor restaurant which features five standalone domes.

Guests are able to exclusively book one of the domes for a unique night out, with available experiences including a multi-course pan-Asian menu, a classic afternoon tea topped up with Champagne, and a Sunday brunch served alongside bottomless Prosecco. We visited during the evening, when the domes are lit up by fairy lights festooned around the interior, adding a whimsical, romantic touch.

Each dome is named after an iconic late popstar, such as David Bowie or George Michael. We dined in the Aretha Franklin dome, but to be honest, didn’t get a feel for how it was themed around the songstress, aside from a picture of her on the front of the menu. The domes are cute and cosy spaces though, and manage to avoid feeling cramped. It’s also worth noting that they come equipped with heaters and fur throws on chillier nights, so there’s no need to worry about being exposed to the elements.

Once you’ve settled in, amiable staff present you with a run of crowd-pleasing dishes from across Asia. You’ll start with the likes of prawn crackers served alongside a sweet chilli dip with a subtle flash of heat or bowls of edamame studded with rock salt. For your mains, expect a selection of curries – a fragrant coconut curry is studded with plump prawns, while classic Thai green curry comes with all of the expected punch and spice. Desserts meanwhile, might see banana spring rolls or a bundle of cardamom chocolates.

It’s clear that London Secret Garden isn’t reinventing the wheel when it comes to Asian food, but there’s no denying that this is a fun and relatively unique experience, offering something different on London’s ever-competitive restaurant scene.

London Secret Garden by Umami is a hidden dining retreat in the heart of Kensington, offering a magical experience in private, heated dining domes. Nestled within a lush, lantern-lit garden, this exclusive destination combines elegance with tranquillity, providing an intimate setting perfect for romantic evenings, celebrations, and relaxed dining away from the city’s bustle. Each dome is thoughtfully designed with stylish décor, soft lighting, and plush seating, creating a cosy yet luxurious atmosphere all year round.

The menu at London Secret Garden showcases a fusion of Pan-Asian flavours, featuring a range of expertly prepared dishes. To start, guests can enjoy Edamame with rock salt or the chef’s recommended Korean Firecracker Chicken Wings, served with shredded lettuce, cucumber, and sesame seeds. The Flame Grilled Chicken Bao Bun, filled with cherry hoisin sauce and spring onion, delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and savoury flavours, while the Kushiyaki Grilled Chicken Skewer is infused with sesame and caramelised lime.

Dim sum lovers can savour Signature Dumplings, handcrafted prawn and chicken dumplings served with sweet soy sauce, or opt for the Emerald Parcels, a vibrant vegan option filled with cabbage, chives, carrots, and green peas. The Phoenix Gyoza offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese dumplings, featuring a delicious blend of steamed chicken, spring onion, and mushrooms in a ginger-infused soy sauce.

For sushi enthusiasts, the chef’s signature Jade Dragon Rolls combine tempura prawn, cucumber, tobiko, and mayonnaise, topped with creamy avocado. Vegetarians can indulge in the Secret Garden Rolls, made with chives, cucumber, avocado, sesame, and caramelised tofu, while the Crispy Duck Uramaki Rolls offer a delightful pairing of cherry hoisin sauce, cucumber, and spring onion slaw.

In addition to its exquisite Pan-Asian menu, London Secret Garden also offers a refined Afternoon Tea experience. Guests can indulge in a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of handcrafted pastries, accompanied by a choice of premium loose-leaf teas.

With its enchanting ambience, private dining domes, and a menu filled with flavourful and beautifully presented dishes, London Secret Garden by Umami provides an unforgettable dining experience, whether for an intimate meal, a celebration, or a relaxing Afternoon Tea in a hidden oasis.