Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Kensington Palace Gardens, The Orangery offers a serene escape in the heart of London. Imagine a countryside retreat with a grand mansion overlooking a beautifully landscaped garden.
Normally, my park visits involve chasing my energetic toddler on busy weekends – often, trying to steer her away from the ice cream van! But on this sunny weekday, stepping off the bustling Broad Walk towards The Orangery revealed a tranquil haven. I could hear the birds chirping and people sat quietly on the benches, just enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Built in 1704-5, Queen Anne commissioned The Orangery as a lavish greenhouse for her orange trees. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, renowned for his contributions to English Baroque architecture, it has recently undergone extensive renovations. With high ceilings, decorative columns, and abundant natural light, it’s now the perfect spot for a relaxed, leisurely lunch or afternoon tea.
The furnishings, paintings and menus are inspired by Queen Anne’s greenhouse which celebrates the best of British seasonal produce, including English sparkling wine. Whilst It’s a popular venue for Afternoon Tea, their lunch menu (2 courses for £30), is also an excellent choice.
The starters we had, the Prawn & Avocado Cocktail and Heirloom Tomatoes with English Burrata were delicious, fresh and vibrant. If you do see Isle of Wight tomatoes on the menu, you will know you can’t go wrong. They are flavourful, savoury and a really great example of British produce.
For the mains, we were recommended to try the deconstructed “Palace Pie”, which consists of a slow cooked lamb topped with a luxurious mash. This was elegantly plated and definitely a pleasant surprise – it is definitely worth getting some recommendations as many of the menu descriptions do not do the dishes justice.
We love talking about hidden gems in London and I personally think this is one of those. Whilst you can take your lunch on the Verandah, the tables by the (almost) floor to ceiling windows are the best to enjoy the lush surroundings and immense history of the building.
Left to right: A window table overlooking Kensington Palace Gardens, The signature “Palace Pie”, Heirloom tomatoes with English Burrata
The Orangery
Kensington Palace Gardens
London W8 4PX
Opening hours: Mon – Sun, from 10am
Website: https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/visit/eating
Note: Dined as a guest, opinions are my own