Introduction
As staff are away on their holiday breaks and offices are quieter than usual, we encourage our PAs, EAs and administrative professionals to treat themselves with some exceptional culinary experiences.
Petersham Nurseries
You know those weekends where you desperately crave to be surrounded by luscious greenery to soothe the busy mind? Sometimes a trip to Soho Farmhouse is not an option so why not consider Petersham Nurseries in picturesque Richmond? Booking in advance is highly recommended as the fairytale garden is never short on demand! The part bucolic idyll, part foodie haven has seen the likes of Madonna, Mike Jagger, Blake Lively and members of the Royal Family. If you are not sold by the quintessentially British charm and romanticism, the seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients is a delight to tuck-in to. Your horticulturalists +1s can even pick up some blooms in their plant nursery or homeware shop. Lazy summer supper on a warm evening? Look no further and always remember to stop by the deer in nearby Richmond Park!
Stanley's Chelsea
We continue with the British countryside and sophisticated food theme with Stanley’s, belonging to Hugh Stanley of the famous horse breeder family and previous owner of the Sydney Arms. It would be unusual to have the word ‘hotspot’ in the title without at least one option somewhere around the King’s Road. Neatly tucked away, this is perfect for a grown-up birthday party and is a favourite amongst the local lifestyle influencers. Thanks to Instagram, aesthetic appeal is increasingly playing a significant role in attracting customers and the ambiance here can never disappoint whether you grab a spot in the flower-festooned courtyard or inside the lean-to glasshouse. Their Instagram account is alive with their brightly coloured cocktails and punchy dishes which will guarantee a sophisticated dining experience with a menu featuring British and International cuisine (who can resist a mastermind chef who is ex Claridge’s?).
Chiltern Firehouse
Not really feeling the florals? We bring the fearlessly cool former grade II listed Victorian fire station that is Chiltern Firehouse. Not only does this plush velvet option ooze charm and character but it has become a magnet for a long list of a-list patrons since it opened its doors in 2013. The venue recently hosted the afterparty of the recent Barbie movie premier with attendees including Ryan Gosling and Dua Lipa (and we all remember Kate Moss’ most iconic Birthday celebration!). For those of us with a fascination for international high cuisine, the fact that that the executive chef was Nuno Mendes should be enough of a sell! For those of us who do not know, his innovative creations made a significant impact on the culinary world….and his resume includes The Fat Duck!
Daphne's
How could we possibly leave out the location of this year’s Bain and Gray team’s summer party? Stanley’s alfresco fine dining meets Chiltern Firehouse’s glitz and glamour! Daphne’s was founded more than half a century ago by the theatre agent Daphne Rye and has been a become something of an institution amongst the well-heeled Chelsea residents. Why did we pick it? Daphne’s is its best in the summer when the full-length windows open the dining room. The informal atmosphere and simple Italian home cooking beautifully contrasts the refined pink marble and the vintage Italian Murano glass chandeliers. If you can grab a spot there this week (before 1st August), there is a special, Italian-inspired cocktail menu, courtesy of Italicus Rosalio di Bergamotto.
