José Pizarro Cooking Food for Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show will commence its 103rd edition this May, promising to be a visual spectacle as in previous years. The event provides a culinary delight, featuring several dining experiences, including the esteemed farm-to-fork pop-up restaurant, Spring Garden, which will return from May 20 to May 24, 2025. Skye Gyngell will return to oversee the kitchen, accompanied this year by Spanish chef José Pizarro.

José Pizarro and Skye Gyngell To Oversee the Spring Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show’s Spring Garden has emerged as a crucial component of the festival in recent years, intended to exhibit the finest British seasonal produce within appropriately floral settings. The pop-up dining experience, situated on the premises of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, offers al fresco chalets available for group reservations, along with options for live music, wine pairings, and nature excursions.

This year, Pizarro will infuse British classics with a Spanish influence, utilizing locally sourced, organic ingredients such asparagus, lovage, and heritage citrus. Sample meals feature British heritage tomatoes with burrata and black olives; spring pea tortellini accompanied by wild herbs; cornfed chicken supreme served with potato pave; and pistachio Basque cheesecake. A variety of cocktails and sodas will be available, crafted with artisanal liquors, tinctures, and infusions.

RHS Garden of Royal Reflection and Commemoration. Created by Dave Green. Garden Feature. RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. Stand number 111. (RHS/Tim Sandall)

Spring Garden will provide afternoon tea including a selection of spring pastries, including lemon and poppyseed sponge, polenta and orange cake, and strawberry pavlova, accompanied by finger sandwiches and scones.

Pizarro stated, "I have consistently advocated for purposeful cooking, and Spring Garden's emphasis on sustainability resonated with me." It is a privilege to collaborate with such skilled colleagues, enabling us to challenge each other's limits. Guests should anticipate the unforeseen.

“I eagerly anticipate returning to Spring Garden for another year,” Gyngell remarked. I have consistently held José in high regard, and his inclusion will elevate the menu significantly. I am forward to observe our accomplishments as a team.

Spring Garden is one of several culinary experiences at the Chelsea Flower Show. Guests may reserve a meal at The Ranelagh Restaurant, indulge in a seafood and champagne luncheon, or partake in a floral-themed afternoon tea at The Promenade, developed in collaboration with The Dorchester.

RESERVE NOW at  springgarden.eventist.group. Packages range from £475 to £995, available from May 20 to May 24, 2025