Petersham Nurseries' Covent Garden Store is a Must for Design Lovers

It’s a fitting spot for the new store, with Covent Garden’s rich cultural association with the famous flower market that opened back in the mid-1800s. Petersham Nurseries is run by the Boglione family, and its blend of Italian and British heritage pervades everything throughout the boutique shop, whether its the Murano glassware on display or the fresh pasta and Italian-inspired sandwiches sold in the delicatessen.

The store is set in a stunning Grade-II listed building on King Street, which is located near to the Italianate market designed by famous Welsh architect Inigo Jones. Petersham Nurseries has transformed the space into a magical indoor sanctuary that’s abundant with greenery; it’s a treasure trove of individually sourced one-off homewares, from handcrafted and artisan pieces to antiques and small gifts.

To add to this, there will also be two restaurants and a bar opening at a later stage, and given Petersham Nuseries’ reputation for its award-winning seasonal dishes (it’s previously had Michelin stars for its understated yet refined ‘cafe’ food), they’re bound to be real foodie hotspots.

Lara Boglione, the eldest daughter of the Boglione clan, is running the show, and has conjured up an interior that bares a striking resemblance to the family home’s rustic-luxe look, teaming old floorboards and shabby-chic furniture with striking crystal chandeliers.

It’s a dangerous place to be, where it would be easy to spend hours perusing the specialist and exotic plants, maybe even taking advantage of the potting service on offer to create one or two window boxes or a terrarium to take home. Then there’s the delicatessen, which is of course only the finest produce from artisan suppliers, including Petersham Nurseries’ own range of honey, jams and muesli, plus Lara’s younger brother Harry grows a lot of seasonal fruit and veg on his farm in Devon, which is also stocked in the shop. And last but not least, don’t forget to take a visit to the cellar, where you’ll find a huge range of Italian wines that you won’t find in a regular store.

Essentially, this isn’t just a store, it’s a destination – and whether you’re an avid foodie, keen gardener or interior design enthusiast, you’ll find something to tempt you in this new Covent Garden venture. Heading to this area in London? Here are some other top things to see and do while you’re there.