Petersham nurseries

Covent Garden

Gael and Francesco Boglione opened Richmond’s Petersham Nurseries in 1997 as a place where ethics meet aesthetics, and their new site in the heart of London operates with just the same philosophy. Home to an abundance of greenery and stocked with some of Italy’s finest produce, this Grade II-listed townhouse is as stylish as they come, with limewashed walls, antique Italian floorboards and vintage crystal chandeliers.

Step inside this bohemian paradise and breathe in the smell of freshly baked pastries, before perusing wooden shelves filled with Richmond Park natural honey, Torroni Baci nougat, Italian truffle cream and Petersham’s own wild strawberry jam. Glass fridges are stocked high with organic tomatoes of every colour, pesto genovese with almond, fresh tomato ragu and homemade buckwheat tagliolini pasta made with Haye Farm eggs. The cheese selection is equally carefully thought out. Our top picks are gorgonzola dolce and Sinodun Hill goat’s cheese, which goes superbly well with olive oil and sea salt crackers.

Looking for the perfect wine for a special occasion? A team of sommeliers are on hand to guide you around the cellar. Curated by Gael and Francesco’s daughter Lara and her husband Giovanni Mazzei, there is an ever-growing selection of fine Italian labels at any one time. The stand-out Castello di Fonterutoli red is produced from sangiovese grapes grown in Tuscany with unique earthy and spicy characteristics that are emblematic of the region. Pop along one evening to a wine tasting and be introduced to family favourites and the great styles of Italy, from Mont Blanc to Puglia.

With two restaurants due to open on the site next year that use its produce, this is a deli to revisit time and again.