Summer is well on its way, that much Londoners will be looking for the best places to drink and dine al fresco.
Metro recently divided the capital the best terrace ABOUT cocktails IN the sun’s raysbut if it’s a garden you seek, there are plenty of green spots to enjoy.
And for the particularly bougie, one of the city’s most beautiful secret gardens is about to reopen to the public.
Here’s everything you need to know about it…
Where is London’s ‘most luxurious’ secret garden?
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Located in The Ritz in London, the garden is literally called the Secret Garden.
icon five star hotel is often hailed as one of the world’s ‘most luxurious’ places to stay and is regularly crowned the best hotel in Europe. And its exterior space is just as special as its interior.
It only opens at certain times of the year, and for 2026, the garden will open again from June 8.
But to gain access, you’ll need to make sure you’re properly dressed, as there is one dress code, that is casual smart.
The hotel’s website states that “shorts, ripped jeans, trainers and sportswear are not permitted in any of the hotel’s restaurants or bars”.
If you’re wearing any of these, you won’t be allowed in – and they’re very strict about this rule.
What’s in the garden?
Inside the garden, The Ritz says you’ll find an ‘ethereal’ mix of flowers and herbs, with everything from hydrangeas to white wisteria.
There is also a water feature and plenty of seating with parasols and canopies to protect guests from the sun.
And for those sitting in the garden as dusk approaches, there will be cashmere throws from Johnstons of Elgin to keep you warm.
Designed by Marcus Barnett Studio and David Collins Studio, the garden is described as a ‘secluded oasis’ that is inspired by English master gardens.
What’s on the menu?
Guests can access the garden through the hotel’s Arlington Street entrance, and anyone can visit, not just those staying at The Ritz.
The garden will be open daily throughout the summer (weather permitting), offering a menu of cocktails, champagnes and wines, including the newly launched Ritz 120 cocktail, in celebration of the hotel’s 120th anniversary.
This drink combines Belvedere Gold Infused Organic Vodka, Grand Marnier, The Newt English Ice Cyder, Manzana Verde and Barons de Rothschild ‘Réserve Ritz’ Brut Champagne.
The Ritz restaurant was named the UK’s best restaurant at the National Restaurant Awards earlier this year, and you’ll be able to sample some of the ‘top prices’ in the garden.
A selection of small plates, sandwichesmeat and fish dishes, and desserts will be available. Highlights include a Dorset Brioche Roll from Crab and Red Barbel with Ratatouille and Bouillabaisse, while desserts range from The Ritz Vanilla Trifle to a Banana and Caramelized Chocolate.
If that wasn’t enough, there will also be live entertainment on Thursday and Friday evenings, all day Saturday and Sunday lunchtime.
Reservations will be available daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, but a visit here likely won’t be cheap. A menu is not yet available online, but drinks at the hotel’s Rivoli Bar start at £25 for a cocktail and the food is also pricey, given the location.
Will you visit the Secret Garden?
What do visitors say about it?
Online, those who have visited the garden in previous years have described it as ‘beautiful’ and ‘worth every penny’ in Tripadvisor reviews.
Michele D said: “We booked our daughter’s 30th birthday party at The Secret Garden. It was a wonderful experience and the staff treated her like a princess. They even bought her a little birthday cake which was a lovely gesture.
The secret garden was a lovely spot in the hotel grounds, kept warm in the evenings by gas lanterns. Although the menu is expensive, you get what you pay for and the overall experience was worth every penny.’
Similarly, Jim L shared: “We love the Rivoli Bar at the Ritz Hotel, London, so when we found out that the Secret Garden was reopening, we had to visit as soon as possible. We weren’t disappointed; the food was excellent.
“We had a lovely afternoon.”
On Instagram, people claimed the garden was ‘amazing’ and ‘brilliant’ and admitted they ‘can’t wait’ to visit.
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Contact by sending email MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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