LUNCH IN BLOOM @ TOM AIKENS

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The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place next month which means almost every single business in London is jumping on the band wagon and creating something themed around the event, from floral cocktails to set menus. Whilst most might be pretty naff there are some gems on offer including this little corker, Lunch in Bloom at Tom Aikens.

Tom has teamed up with florist Wild At Heart to create a package which includes a two hour floristry class followed by lunch. We went along for a cheeky preview of the course and have to say we loved it, we’ve never tried our hand at been a florist before so luckily Nikki Tibbles, the founder of Wild at Heart was on hand to dish out her tips and make sure we made a masterpiece and not a mess. You also get to take said masterpiece home which is now taking pride of place in our HQ.

School out we headed into the restaurant to try the 3 course menu that incorporates flowers in every dish. We started off with the Loch Duart salmon with viola, violet flowers and pickled endive which gave the salmon a lovely sweet taste. Then we had the poached chicken with marigolds, lemon puree and vanilla oil, lemony and light this was our favourite course. Rounding off with a dessert of rose poached strawberries, aerated sorbet and mint syrup – a work of art. The flowers are all British to tie in with the RHS and the masterclass includes a glass of fizz, morning coffee and pastries (those muffins!). We had an amazing day, trying something a little different and eating lovely looking and tasting food.

The package costs £120 per person but it’s worth every penny. The masterclasses will occur throughout The RHS Chelsea Flower Show week (21st May- 25th May) with additional classes on: 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th May.

43 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT
www.tomaikens.co.uk