Flora Indica (bar)

Green-fingered gardeners will recognise this new Earls Court bar and restaurant’s monicker as that of the 1850s tome co-authored by Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker. In it, the great Glasgow-educated botanist and director of Kew Gardens describes all the known plants of British India. In a lounge bar whose eccentric decor (dig the Gilbert Scott navy K6 telephone kiosk/ ‘Hertzian modulator’) might be described as Victorian steampunk meets Mumbai moderne, reasonably priced premium cocktails and ‘spiffy Indian punches’ are correspondingly of a botanical bent. Pick of the signature bunch are Orchard Garden, a gin and elderflower sour made with a pear and bay leaf shrub; Santra Sunset, a tequila, chilli, coriander and cardamom Margarita; and chai-infused rum, maize-infused whisky, Benedictine and fig liquor that together make for a Botanical Blazer. Quality gins and distinguished Scottish malts, a dozen wines by the glass from under £5, Indian teas and mocktails and – Evans & Peel excepted – a weedy choice of decent bars where Earls Court meets Chelsea are further reason to drop in, petal.

Flora Indica draws its inspiration from the adventurous Scottish botanists of the Victorian era who embarked on daring journeys through the landscapes of India. These intrepid explorations led to the remarkable discovery of numerous exotic plant species previously unknown in Britain. The culmination of these botanical endeavours resulted in the publication of the monumental catalogue of flora known as "Flora Indica" in London in 1855.

Flora Indica’s creative decor serves as a heartfelt tribute to this fascinating historical connection. You'll find the splendour of Scottish heritage represented through the use of Harris tweed fabric. Victorian steampunk aesthetics come to life in the form of zinc, copper, and brass accents. Moreover, the walls and shelves are adorned with Victorian-era scientific curiosities, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your visit.

At Flora Indica, the team takes pride in their connoisseurs who are dedicated to crafting an exceptional botanical experience. Within the elegant bar, you'll discover an exclusive assortment of top-tier gins, each thoughtfully chosen to enhance your taste experience. The commitment to local collaboration shines through with house-crafted Flora Indica Amber Ale, brewed in partnership with Portobello Brewery. For a truly unique taste adventure, indulge in a selection of imaginative cocktails that artfully capture the essence of the diverse flavours and botanical inspirations that define the identity of this bar and restaurant.

Some of the special Floral Indica cocktails include the Guru Bellini - made with white peach purée, homemade rose syrup, topped up with Prosecco, a Chillitini of Ketel One Vodka, Ancho Reyes, chilli liqueur, pomegranate juice, fig liqueur, citrus, and finally, Gandhi's Gilmet, a blend of Tanqueray, kaffir lime Leaves and lime, citrus juice and cucumber bitters.