Every May, London blooms to life with the arrival of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show — a five-day celebration of colour, creativity, and the very best in garden design. From 20th to 24th May 2025, horticultural enthusiasts, designers, food lovers, and day-trippers will flock to the Royal Hospital Chelsea to soak in world-class floral installations, sustainable landscaping innovations, and a touch of genteel British pageantry.
But between strolling the show gardens and snapping envy-inducing selfies beneath this year’s top displays, you’ll need a place to eat — something seasonal, fresh, and satisfying.
Just a short distance from the showground sits Manuka Kitchen, Fulham’s favourite neighbourhood bistro and a blooming good choice for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
What’s New We’re Cooking Up
Apart from our seasonal meals, we’ve taken the time to cook up some new flavours and dishes just for the occasion. Inspired by Chelsea flower show, here’ s what your taste buds can expect to find fresh from our kitchen:
English Asparagus with Capers & Almonds
Paired with tender parsley white beans, this dish is a celebration of early summer simplicity. The asparagus is lightly grilled for a hint of smokiness, while the capers add a gentle brininess that’s perfectly balanced by the crunch of toasted almonds. Finished with a drizzle of herb oil, it’s fresh, earthy, and beautifully understated — a plate that tastes like a garden in full bloom.
Tomato & Onion Tart
Slow-roasted tomatoes and sweet onions come together in a buttery tart – perfect for a light yet satisfying bite. The sweetness of the onions is deep and jammy, while the tomatoes burst with summery acidity. Served warm or cold, it’s a light yet satisfying bite. Ideal for those looking for something elegant but unfussy after a stroll through Chelsea’s show gardens.
Crispy Duck Salad with Spicy Plums
A vibrant mix of textures and bold flavours, this salad balances the richness of duck with the zing of spiced stone fruit.It’s a lively, generous salad that keeps things interesting to the very last forkful.
Tomato Salad with Date & Ricotta
Sweet, savoury, and a little creamy! This colourful plate brings summer sunshine straight to your fork. A dash of basil oil and a scattering of crushed walnuts bring savoury depth and a little crunch. It’s sweet, savoury, and delightfully fresh — the kind of dish that tastes like it was made to be eaten outdoors, preferably with a cold glass of white wine in hand.
Seasonal Dishes Worth Stopping For
At Manuka Kitchen, the focus is always on honest cooking, quality ingredients, and food that feels both elevated and comforting, perfect after a day spent admiring nature’s finest.
Whether you’re heading to the show early or looking to relax after a long day on your feet, here are a few dishes that deserve a spot on your plate:
Garden Scrambled Eggs
A celebration of spring on a plate — fluffy eggs with courgette, shallots, mint-marinated feta, and harissa. It’s vibrant, comforting, and quietly sophisticated like the flower show crowd.
Roasted Cauliflower (Vegan)
Tahini, red pepper, and pickled lemon elevate this beautifully plated dish into something far more than a side. It’s rich in flavour, fully plant-based, and ideal for guests looking for a light, vegan, and satisfying meal.
Chicken Salad with Freekeh & Sundried Tomato
If you’re looking for something hearty yet wholesome, this dish delivers it. Corn-fed chicken with grains, cherry tomato, and sundried zing — balanced, fresh, and ideal for lunch or a lighter dinner.
Blueberry Pancakes
Craving something sweet? These come with a gentle drizzle of maple syrup and just enough indulgence to feel like a reward — perfect for a mid-morning pick-me-up between gardens.
The Vibe: Relaxed, Stylish, and Utterly Local
Tucked along Fulham Road, Manuka Kitchen strikes the perfect balance between neighbourhood charm and polished bistro cool. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find regulars sipping turmeric lattes next to friends meeting for a long-overdue catch-up over cocktails and truffle fries.
If you’re looking to wind down after a day of flower-filled wonder, you’ll find comfort in the soft lighting, warm hospitality, and laid-back buzz that fills the space.
And while the surroundings are relaxed, the attention to detail — in both service and presentation — is never anything less than meticulous.
Make It Part of Your Chelsea Experience
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is all about beauty, creativity, and celebrating life in full bloom. Dining at Manuka Kitchen offers the same, with flavours that sing, dishes that delight, and a local setting that feels like a hidden garden in its own right.
So, before or after your visit to Chelsea, pop down to Fulham.
Let the flowers inspire you, then let the food do the same. Book Now.
