Petersham Nurseries Cafe which historically has only opened for lunch has obtained permission from the licensing authories for 6 evening supper clubs.
Petersham Nurseries Cafe, which seldom opens beyond sun down, is unlocking its weighty wooden gates for a bewitching series of six summer supper clubs. A rare opportunity to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Nurseries as night falls, head chef Skye Gyngell is creating a bespoke menu for each of the six evenings.
As the sun sets over the nursery, guests will be greeted with a signature summer fruit or flower bellini – melon in prosecco one night, perhaps violets or rose petals another – before being seated for a decadent but relaxed four course set menu. The suppers will take place in the enchanting and fragrant setting of the main greenhouse or weather permitting al fresco, dining under the stars.
The menu for each evening will be seasonally themed, beginning quite aptly in April with a menu inspired by the vibrant flavours of early spring. Skye’s menus are always confirmed at the very last minute subject to what she discovers growing or is offered by her trusted suppliers. Her April menu, for example, might comprise of hand dived scallops, velvety slow cooked lamb and verdant spring leeks with roasted shallots.
The celebration of spring produce will evolve with a ‘May Day’ menu which will also incorporate the sort-after artisan confectionery of 225 year old Genoese confectioners Pietro Romanengo fu Stefano, in anticipation of their visit to Petersham Nurseries later in the month.
Embracing bountiful midsummer produce, June’s feast will take advantage of the abundance of peas, broad beans and asparagus, whose brief season will have vanished for another year by the end of the month.
July’s menu will be a celebration of flowers and cooking with blossoms, whilst August will herald the end of summer with spectacular and truly spellbinding plates – the perfect close to summer’s yield.
Finally September will welcome the arrival of the first autumnal produce. A menu inspired by the excitement that accompanies a change in nature’s rhythms.
Although Skye will be squirreled away in the kitchen, she is planning the evenings as if they were feasts in her own home -“I want people to put their elbows on the table, throw their heads back with laughter and enjoy a memorable meal with friends and family”.
Dates:
Saturday 3rd April 2010
Saturday 1st May 2010
Saturday 5th June 2010
Saturday 3rd July 2010
Saturday 7th August 2010
Saturday 4th September 2010
Dinner reservations from 7pm – 9pm.
Price: £85.00 per person.