Covent Garden-based branch of the Petersham chain in Richmond

The original Petersham Nurseries is a garden centre in Richmond with a restaurant by the side of it which at one time in recent years held a Michelin star. This is one venue that wished to hand their star back (which, is technically not possible in spite of however many people say this is) and this branch of Petersham Nurseries opened in Covent Garden in 2019. There are three dining facilities within the complex (The Petersham, La Gocci and a Petersham Deli) which also holds an alluring mini courtyard you can walk through to have a look. This lunch showed a modest level of food from a Mediterranean menu in a pleasurable setting.

Read full review

The restaurant sits off a courtyard that has pleasant al fresco options in the summer and has a very pleasant and large, embroidered linin napkin for each guest and there is some good focaccia to start off with (the sourdough being a little too chewy and a little under par on the crust).

I fancied small plates on this occasion and opted for a courgette flower friti with sage and lemon which has become a classic option. The tempura was actually very hard and crunchy with indistinct courgette and deep-fried sage unfortunately on this version. A variety of tomatoes: cherry, yellow submarine, tigrella were enjoyed as a salad.

Mackerel with chestnut and yoghurt like mayo was fresh but a little under seasoned. Sadly it di no really singing mackerel and lemon improved this slightly. A side of salad was earthy in flavour and the bulky elements could have been stemmed a little better – £6 for some leaves was not great when served at this level.

Overall this was a little disappointing as a food experience however, it is a nice spot and perhaps a coffee and small bite in the sunshine of the warmer months al fresco will be a better option for here until it finds its feet more in the kitchen.

Food Grade: 54%