Nestled amidst the quaint walkways of the Chelsea Physic Garden, a centuries-old botanical haven, lies a culinary secret that promises an unforgettable dining experience. The Chelsea Physic Garden Supper Club Series transports guests to a world of culinary artistry and tranquil elegance.Nestled amidst the quaint walkways of the Chelsea Physic Garden, a centuries-old botanical haven, lies a culinary secret that promises an unforgettable dining experience. The Chelsea Physic Garden Supper Club Series transports guests to a world of culinary artistry and tranquil elegance. Each supper club revolves around a meticulously crafted four-course menu, carefully curated by renowned chef Felipe de Jesus. The culinary themes embark on a global adventure, ranging from the rustic flavors of British cuisine to the vibrant Mediterranean and aromatic Mexican delights. As the evening unfolds, guests can sip on an exquisite aperitif while strolling through the deserted garden walkways, a hidden oasis of beauty and tranquility. The menu, while modest in its presentation, tantalizes the taste buds with its intricate flavors. Seafood lovers will delight in the delicate Cornish mackerel with chermoula, while the dry-aged gilthead bream and white chocolate pudding offer a unique symphony of flavors. The wine list is an excellent complement to the culinary creations, featuring an array of affordable options that enhance the dining experience. The Boatman’s Drift Chenin Blanc, with its refreshing notes of apple and white flowers, perfectly complements the light and delicate dishes. Beyond the exceptional culinary offerings, the real charm lies in the setting. The Chelsea Physic Garden boasts a rich history, serving as a learning garden for over 350 years. Its lush greenery and captivating beauty provide an enchanting backdrop for these culinary soirées. It is important to note that these supper clubs are highly coveted, so advance reservations are imperative. Additionally, the evenings can be chilly, so guests are advised to dress accordingly to fully immerse themselves in the enchanting ambiance. For those seeking a unique and unforgettable dining experience in London, the Chelsea Physic Garden Supper Club Series is an extraordinary choice. It combines culinary excellence with the tranquil beauty of a botanical paradise, creating an evening that lingers long after the last sip of wine.
Chelsea Physic Garden hosts a series of dining clubs throughout the spring and summer in the beautiful botanical garden. This is perhaps the most unique outdoor dining experience in London.
Each supperclub is based around a four-course menu that chef Felipe de Jesus weaves around a different culinary theme each night, ranging this summer from British, French, Italian, Mediterranean and Mexican to seafood. There is also a stylish live jazz accompaniment to several supperclubs.
The supper club begins with an aperitif that guests can enjoy while strolling in pairs or small groups through the beautiful deserted walkways of the Chelsea Physic Garden.
The menu for each supper club is deliberately modest and will appeal to a wide range of palates. For example, the recent seafood supper club featured a starter of delicate toasted Cornish mackerel with chermoula, fig leaf oil and capers, a main course of dry-aged gilthead bream, yellowfin tuna, seaweed and kohlrabi, and a white chocolate, coconut, cardamom and lemon verbena pudding. It was simply delicious and, surprisingly, reasonably priced.
The supper club wine list includes a decent selection of affordable champagne, red, rosé, sparkling and white wines. This includes a refreshing Boatman’s Drift Chenin Blanc from South Africa, which has a light lemony colour and exudes a perfectly fitting bouquet of apple and white flowers.
It would be foolish to overlook the remarkable setting in which these supper clubs take place, however. For the Chelsea Physic Garden is a centuries-old botanical garden that occupies a ten-acre site close to the River Thames between Cheyne Walk and the King’s Road. Founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to train their apprentices, the garden has been a learning garden for over 350 years.
Unusually for a botanic garden, the Chelsea Physic Garden is devoted exclusively to plants that are edible, medicinal or otherwise useful, and is home to over 4,500 species of such plants, including a bespoke poison garden. It is no surprise then that it is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Britain, after the Oxford Botanic Garden.
It is worth giving two warnings about the supper clubs at The Chelsea Physic Garden. Firstly, they are extremely popular, so early booking is essential. Secondly, it can get cold in the walled garden in the evenings and warm clothing should not be neglected.
Please note that the Chelsea Physic Garden and its charming Physic Garden Café are open to the general public for most of the year and host a range of interesting events, including parts of the Chelsea History Festival running from 25 to 29 September 2024.
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