Garden cafés in idyllic settings

Lose yourself in our pick of beautiful rustic eateries surrounded by lush plants and gorgeous flowers

Imagine sitting down to lunch or afternoon tea in an old greenhouse or conservatory lined with rustic weathered tables. Perhaps with a view of a walled garden buzzing with bees or an abundant vegetable plot…

If this is your idea of bliss, then check out our pick of laid-back cafés with a gorgeous vintage vibe, offering everything from fluffy scones to organic salad picked fresh from the garden.

Petersham Nurseries

Where Richmond, Surrey, near the Thames

The story Gael and Francesco Boglione opened Petersham Nurseries in 2004. Their vision was to sell vintage furniture and antiques in a unique garden setting.

The vibe Botanical bohemian. Set within old greenhouses, draped with jasmine and bougainvillea, Petersham Nurseries is filled with antique furniture, mirrors and reclaimed ornate door frames sourced from India. In the evenings, the space is used for private dining and supper clubs.

On the menu The Teahouse serves homemade cakes, soups, sandwiches and salads. There’s a restaurant café too, serving ‘slow’ seasonal food often with an Italian twist, such as char-grilled monkfish with wild mushrooms, capers, herb potato and sea beets.

Worton Organic Garden

Where Worton, near Cassington, Oxfordshire

The story Founders David and Anneke Blake started Worton Organic Garden to make ‘a practical contribution towards a healthier, fairer and more beautiful world’, and resident baker Simon Spence took over the helm in 2021. It’s a working organic garden, farm shop and café, with seating inside and out.

The vibe Relaxed, friendly and heavenly, this gorgeous garden is always a delight to explore, with hens, pigs and flowers amongst the fruit and vegetables. Vintage bistro furniture adds to the charm, plus there’s a pizza oven, a greenhouse you can eat inside and a log fire on colder days.

On the menu Fresh, seasonal, organic food using produce from the garden.

Pythouse Kitchen Garden

Where Tisbury, Wiltshire

The story This stylish café, restaurant and events venue run by Sophia and Piers Milburn is set within a stunning Victorian walled garden. You can pick your own flowers in the summer and warm up beside a firepit in winter.

The vibe Insta-cool rustic, Pythouse Kitchen Garden is a hidden gem, with a conservatory and seating throughout the garden. There’s also a glamping orchard with a firepit and posh bathrooms.

On the menu Most of the fruit and veg comes fresh from the garden each day. In springtime, expect the likes of roast Cornish hake, Dorset crab, crushed potatoes, samphire, lovage and apple blossom. The emphasis is on fire cooking, so look out for barbecue suppers and slow-cooked produce too.

King John’s Nursery

Where Etchingham, East Sussex

The story Harry Cunningham started King John’s Nursery in 2006, transforming two derelict chicken sheds into a space to grow plants and set up a shop. In 2013, the café was opened to serve homemade cakes and in 2015 it graduated to lunches with a professional kitchen and expanded tearoom.

The vibe Laidback and lovely with vintage furniture and a friendly feel. Sit outside under an arbour of roses in the summer, or snuggle up beside a roaring fire inside on colder days.

On the menu Downsview dairy ice cream, homemade scones, breakfasts and daily specials.

Potager

Where Constantine, near Falmouth, Cornwall

The story Peter Skerrett and Dan Thomas bought the site for Potager in January 2000. It was a market garden in the 1950s, a garden centre in the 1980s, then left abandoned for 10 years. Potager has emerged from the ‘bramble-choked wilderness’ and is now a thriving garden with workshops, events and a café.

The vibe Creative and chilled-out. There are hammocks slung between trees, artist studio spaces and craft classes such as weaving, hedgerow basketry and painting. The café is in a converted greenhouse, amongst plum trees.

On the menu Homemade cakes, great veggie breakfasts and wholesome lunches. Evening dining events explore food from further afield, such as Japan, the Middle East and Mexico. There’s a pizza oven too.

WORDS: ELLIE TENNANT