Once upon a time, Petersham Nurseries was the only Michelin-starred restaurant located in a garden centre; it lost the star when Skye Gyngall left but the food and setting are as brilliant as ever. Just a couple of minutes from Richmond Park, the entrance is down a muddy path and after passing though rows of pots and plants for sale you enter a greenhouse filled with flowers, lights and old wooden tables – it’s all very romantic.
The menu is made up of rustic Italian dishes, many using produce grown at Petersham. We loved the ravioli starter which was stuffed with cime di rapa and ricotta and the beautiful crab salad decorated with herbs and flowers. Make sure you also order the crisp flat bread with melted taleggio and sage to snack on – it’s a winner.
For the mains we had some perfect slices of lamb leg served with borlotti beans and roast fennel and the meaty chargrilled monkfish, lentils and anchovies. Both were hearty portions but definitely try and save room for dessert – you won’t want to miss out the dark chocolate mousse and almond rhubarb tart.
Combined with a day trip to Richmond, Petersham Nurseries is the perfect spot for lunch. PLUS, get down in February for the ‘Friends of Petersham offer’ – you can get any 3 courses for £28 (or two for £23). Tues – Fri lunchtimes until February 27th. WINNING.
Church Lane, Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AB
www.petershamnurseries.com