The annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show took place at the end of May, a celebration of all things floral in London. We take a look at the food and drink on offer at this year's event. Flowers don't just inspire florists, they have a strong influence on chefs and mixologists too. As such it's not just about what's on offer at the event itself, but taking a look at the influences in the wider London community.
At the show itself there were several pop-up restaurants, food courts and picnic areas including luxury fine dining restaurant The Ranelagh, as well as a tempting Champagne and Seafood Restaurant too. Alternatively, you could settle into The Drawing Room for a floral-inspired Champagne afternoon tea.
Laduree, the well known French manufacturer and retailer of high-end pastries and sweets, not only sponsored a floral installation this year, the brand also had limited edition floral macarons for sale at their vintage cart stall.
Something a little different and riding the trend for mushroom consumption, The Mush Room showcased a display of homegrown edible mushrooms in the Great Tent, from Sussex mushroom growers Caley Brothers.
While if it was an afternoon drink to wind down, you were able to treat yourself to a beverage at The Newt Cyder or Babylonstoren Rose stands. The Newt in Somerset is owned by Karen and Koos Bekker who also have South African estate Babylonstoren to their name.
Heading outside the show into London itself, plenty of bars and restaurants were getting involved. Sticks & Sushi on King's Road are regulars when it comes to celebrating the flower show and this year was no different, with an impressive display focused around samurais, designed from a mix of dried and fresh flowers, created by Water Flowers. Just up the road there were more floral-inspired cocktails to be enjoyed at The Sloane Club, the members' club at hotel Sloane Place.
Restaurant Rabbit, from The Gladwin brothers in Chelsea, was made over with a floral arrangement that pointed towards the local and wild ethos of the venue. This floral theme spilled over onto the menu too in a four-course menu featuring dishes such as tempura courgette flower with goat's cheese and a pork tenderloin with rainbow cauliflower broad bean salsa.
You can find all of the award winners of this year's show on the RHS website here.
Image credit - https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show