When I was invited to review an afternoon tea at Clapham’s Secret Garden, I sure wasn’t expecting this:
A mini picnic bench (quite literally) of meaty goodness. It sure does look pretty darn tasty, but sadly, I couldn’t try any of it (save a bit of toast and a circle of bruschetta, both of which were yummy), because I’m a vegetarian. So yeah, I’m probably not the best person to tell you exactly what the food was like, but I’m sure if you ask my companion for the afternoon nicely (Hannah from That Adventurer), she’ll let you know her views.
So if I could hardly eat anything during my visit, why would I still recommend you head along before the end of August? Here are just a few reasons why I fell in love with this not-so-secret pop-up:
The experience starts before you even enter…
Hidden away above the Clapham North pub (opposite the tube station of the same name), you’re whisked up to an enchanting urban jungle via a staircase filled with flowers and ivy vines. If you’re anything like me you’ll want to take a hundred photos before you’ve even stepped through the door!
The decor is just incredible.
For somewhere that’s only going to exist for a matter of months, they’ve really pulled all the stops out with the ‘garden’ theme.
The drinks are quite impressive
Secret Garden spritz? Brixton balm? Or a Paddington Sour? English-themed names for cocktails grace the menu, and I want to try each and every one. Eventually I opted for the ‘Dillusion’ – a gin, elderflower, cucumber and dill concoction. Oh, and if you’re more of a fan of beer or wine, you’re in luck too, as the menu boasts a whole range of them.
It feels lovely and summery – even when the weather outside isn’t that great
Let’s face it, when the weather’s pretty miserable we don’t like to be reminded that we’re stuck in London. The Secret Garden is a cute floral oasis hidden away from the horrid rain.
The kitchen’s exterior is dressed up like a caravan
…can you get any more British?
The desserts are DIVINE.
I’ve definitely saved the best point ’til last here. This caramel cheesecake wrapped in dark chocolate (on the menu as ‘The Edible Garden’) has to be up there with some of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Plus it’s just so pretty!
- The Secret Garden is open every day until the 31st August for afternoon tea, drinks and more substantial meals
- Nearest tube: Clapham North
Many thanks to the folks at The Secret Garden for inviting me along. All opinions are my own.
Oh no Emily, that meat was wasted on you – I’d have happily mopped it up for you 🙂 A friend of mine went to this recently and was saying how lovely it was – your dessert looks too pretty to eat and sounds divine! I’m really hoping I might be able to make it there before it disappears as it sounds so summery and lovely!
A mini picnic bench of meaty goodness?! that’s amazing. this place is seriously adorable!
I’m so impressed at the effort they have gone to with the decor, can’t they keep it going for longer? Am lusting after that dessert too
The cocktail you chose sounds amazing (probably more so as I can’t drink any atm!) and as far for that dessert…**drool**
Looks amazing!