I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was invited for a tour guide to Belgravia in Bloom. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this was going to be a personal walking tour just for me and Claire (@clairebearlondon).
Belgravia in Bloom takes part during Chelsea Flower Show; its stylish streets undergo a floral transformation and special events are held. The theme this year was “The Language of Flowers” and we were invited to discover the hidden meanings behind some of the installations (there were a total of 50) across Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, Pimlico Road and Eccleston Yards.
Our guide started at the Floral Mood Gardens – an immersive temporary floral experience in the Halkin Arcade with four different gardens designed to evoke specific feelings based on this year’s theme. Based just behind Motcomb Street, it’s a hidden outdoor space where you can sit away from the crowds and traffic. If you are hungry, Ottelenghi and The Cheese Company have tables outside for you to enjoy their delicious offerings or just sip a cup of coffee. If you really would like to indulge yourself, Amaya (one Michelin Star restaurant) is also located here. One of our favourite Indian restaurants in London.
We then visited ‘The Dress Edit’ pop up shop that was taking place at the time on Motcomb Street. Curated by Isabel Pearman and in partnership with Grosvenor Estate, the shop has been turned into a dress heaven. There were too many temptations. This shop is since no longer on Motcomb Street however – if you love dresses, follow Daily Dress Edit on their Instagram account @dailydressedit. Isabel has a great eye when it comes to choosing dresses and she has great suggestions for all budgets.
Our next stop was Instagram famous and one of my favourite florists in London, Neil Strain Flowers. Their Belgravia in Bloom installation was inspired by the flowers and fragrance notes that make up their new Candle No. 11. If only I could post the smell of the candle or the flowers. Their display of flowers are always an inspiration and often feature on my feed at @ritafarhifinds I have also ordered bouquets from here for special occasions. It’s impossible not to stop here if you are walking through it.
Since we were ahead of schedule, we walked to the Hari Hotel where Amie Bone Flowers have created yet another unique display in collaboration with Daks London. Amie has created some of the most breath-taking installations during this season throughout London. I had the pleasure to meet Amie at one of her press events. She is so creative. If you are on the lookout for something original for a special event or occasion, she is your person. Check out her Instagram account @amieboneflowers
After admiring Amie’s installation, we were whisked away in the cutest floral Tuk-Tuk to No.11 Pimlico Road. It had us at hello with its dreamy interiors. We nibbled and had drinks inspired by Belgravia in Bloom. The place is airy and light with friendly staff, the perfect spot for a brunch/lunch especially if you visit the Pimlico Road market on Saturdays. Of course, if you are more into happy hour, then their cocktails and bar will sort you out.
I was especially excited about our next stop, Jo Loves on Elizabeth Street. I have been following Jo Malone and her career since my early 20s. She is an inspiration to all of us. To amuse our nose and scent our skin, we were treated to experience their Fragrance Tapas. We created our personal plate of scented tapas. Bath cologne is warmed within a tagine and released via a cloud of scented steam while a cleanser is shaken over ice and strained into a glass. It’s been designed like a theatre show to entertain you but also to introduce you to her products. You can book your complimentary tapas bar-experience at www.joloves.com
We really took our time at Jo Loves as their Tapas Bar was so enjoyable. We were a bit late for our next destination at Jones Family Kitchen, hidden away in Eccleston Yards, where we were supposed to have cocktails. One thing that caught my eye is their outdoor dining space. Away from traffic, this is the place to be in the summer. Although I have yet to try the food, the location and the ambiance is simply perfect.
Grosvenor had kept the best for last. Our final stop at the tour was to visit and partake in Moyses Stevens’ Flower Arranging workshop at the Botanic Identity Station in Eccleston Yards. I first discovered Moyses Stevens 20 years ago while living close by. They used to have a shop based on Motcomb Street and I have admired their flowers ever since. Of course if you have visited my Instagram account @ritafarhifinds, you know by now my love affair with flowers. I took so many pictures. I don’t even know which ones to share.
As you can see, this turned out to be a fantastic day out with the Grosvenor Estate. Belgravia in Bloom is a massive organisation that takes place for a week and what I described was just a fraction of the events or installations that took place. I truly enjoyed my day out with Lauryn and was lucky to have Claire with me to keep me company.
I think I may have to do another blog about the area as there are so many other florists, shops, and restaurants that are worth mentioning and I didn’t get to in this piece.
