Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden will open its two restaurants, bar and courtyard this April. The addition of The Petersham, La Goccia, and Floral Court will complement the existing homewares shop, delicatessen, wine cellar and florist, to complete this unparalleled lifestyle destination in the heart of London. The restaurants will be accessible via both Floral Street and King Street and will flow onto the aptly named Floral Court, a central courtyard which will transform the urban space into a haven and garden of inspiration.
Lara Boglione, Managing Director and eldest daughter of Francesco and Gael, is the visionary and driving force behind the brand’s move to Covent Garden. Having opened the first phase in summer 2017, she is now working with Damian Clisby who leads the culinary direction of the new restaurants and bar. Damian brings with him years of experience with a background that includes J Sheekey with Tim Hughes, Putney Bridge under Anthony Demetre and Thyme with Adam Byatt, Executive Chef at Cotswold House. Latterly, Damian has spent the last four years at Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond. Maintaining the family’s passion for seasonality, Italian food, and responsibly sourced ingredients, Damian works closely with his suppliers and Harry Boglione, son of Gael and Francesco, whose Haye Farm provides much of the produce used throughout Petersham Nurseries.
The Petersham
The Petersham, an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is an elegant and refined à la carte restaurant. Drawing inspiration from the family home, Petersham House in Richmond, the interiors demonstrate the Bogliones’ passion for contemporary art, Murano glassware and understated grandeur, reflecting their personal tastes and collections.
Respecting the Slow Food philosophy of Good, Clean and Fair and the traditions on which Petersham Nurseries Richmond was founded, The Petersham will focus on the finest seasonal produce, quality ingredients and Italian flavours.
Serving lunch and dinner, with pre and post theatre menus, diners can enjoy seasonal Bellinis with tempting appetisers, handmade pasta and gnocchi, day boat fish from Cornwall, organic meat from Haye Farm and Petersham Nurseries garden salad. Desserts will include Petersham Nurseries’ Original Bean Chocolate with Zisola olive oil and sea salt and the finest of Italian and British cheeses.
La Goccia
La Goccia will be a vibrant, accessible, all-day restaurant with an open kitchen, wood fired oven, large grill and dining bar. From breakfast through to dinner, the dishes will be prepared by chefs in front of guests adding an element of drama and theatre to the ambience. It will offer Petersham Nurseries’ interpretation of the Italian aperitivo and small plates known as ‘cicchetti’. The emphasis on seasonality will be key to the extensive menu that will change regularly with the best seasonal produce.
Expect to see pizzette, fritti and dishes inspired by the garden such as spring panzanella. Fresh pasta made daily will be served alongside homemade Tuscan style sausages and vegetables from the grill. La Goccia will also celebrate one hero ingredient each month through three or four simple dishes and a recipe to take home. Ingredients will be available to buy in the Delicatessen across the Courtyard.
La Goccia Bar
For the first time Petersham Nurseries will serve its own signature cocktails in La Goccia Bar. Inspired by nature and evolving with the seasons, the cocktail list will be a thoughtfully created menu of crafted cocktails using botanicals, herbs and edible flowers.
This perfect meeting point will overlook Floral Court and surround a striking bar which has been hand cast from individual bronze leaves.