The Garden Museum in Lambeth celebrates the history of the garden. It boasts exhibitions, events and of course, its own garden. Visitors can view paintings, tools and artefacts to gain a glimpse of how gardening came to be a staple of British society. However, the museum is also famous for its food. Not only is it highly affordable (all main courses are under £20), but it's award-winningly good. Branded as a cafe, this eatery is really more of a restaurant. Yes, you can enjoy coffee, tea, cakes and biscuits throughout the day, ideal for a quick boost after a stroll around the museum. But you can also sit down for a memorable three-course meal celebrating British produce.
The menu changes with the seasons, so any visit will be rewarded with what's best that month or even week. Start off with house bread and butter, rosemary focaccia or freshly cured white anchovies with orange zest and capers for a more substantial appetiser. Starters follow a more modern European theme with options like burrata with braised radicchio, duck rillettes with toast and cornichons or salt pollock with winter tomato and black olives.
Vegetarians can enjoy the likes of spelt with wild garlic and courgettes for their main, while pescetarians might see tagliatelle with cuttlefish ragu and pangratatto. Meat eaters might be able to choose, perhaps from a simple option like ham, egg and chips or something more refined like a roast chicken leg with salad and an anchovy dressing.
Finally, diners at The Garden Museum Cafe can finish off with a dessert like lemon posset with shortbread, chocolate mousse with praline or cheese. Head chefs Harry Kaufman and George Ryle have won numerous awards, including the Leading Cultural Destinations: Best Restaurant award. The committee said it was "a hidden gem for art and food lovers alike".