The month of May in West London’s elegant neighbourhood of West London is always destined to provide a feast for the senses. Amongst the grand townhouses, chic boutique shop fronts and thriving independent cafes, a new atmosphere blooms every spring as the annual Belgravia In Bloom Festival takes residence.
This is a wonderful celebration of creativity and community that augments and extends the allure of the world-famous Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, taking place this year from the 19th to the 26th of May.
A Horticultural History
The Chelsea Flower Show itself has an extraordinarily long history of well over a century, dating back to its humble beginnings in 1913. Over that time, it has become the most popular flower show in the world, which can ultimately mean that tickets are increasingly harder to obtain every year. So, in 2016, the Grosvenor Estate conceived Belgravia in Bloom to allow this beautiful riot of colour to break free from the confines of the ticketed show and grow into the surrounding neighbourhoods as an immersive experience for people to enjoy. All for free, too.
The themes for previous years have touched on ideas from children’s books to celebrations of famous artists, most notably in 2018 when the festival used the works of the celebrated Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as inspiration.
Through the Seasons
This year, Belgravia in Bloom is set to undertake a theme that may look simple in its idea but also incredibly ambitious in its execution. Through the Seasons will guide visitors as they navigate across the distinct seasons of a calendar year in one London neighbourhood. It intends to convey the vibrant awakenings of spring, to the lush and verdant abundance of summer, on to the golden melancholy of autumn before arriving at a bright, crisp and dazzling destination of winter.
Bloom with a View
The renowned locations that Belgravia is famous for will be home to this epic floral journey through time. Installations are set to line Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, Eccleston Yards and Pimlico with spring blossom arches, summer gardens spilling onto the pavement, falling golden leaves and winter landscapes all within a brisk walk of each other.
The floral artists who are responsible for making the sights and smells of Belgravia In Bloom a success often represent the finest in their craft from around the world. This year, Neill Strain Floral Couture will be leading the way with a flagship installation titled Mother Nature, which is taking up residence on Eccelston Street. Although the fine details will be kept as a welcome surprise, it is anticipated that this will combine all four seasons into an innovative blooming creation. Destined to draw visitors from all around the globe, this finite creation simply can’t be seen anywhere else, at any time.
Workshops & More
One of the most thrilling aspects of Belgravia in Bloom is how the local businesses and community react with their own interpretations every year to align with the chosen theme. Throughout the festival, they transform their offerings to include activities, workshops and services that help coordinate a truly immersive experience.
This year, the boutique bakery, Biscuiteers, will be offering a class on how to decorate their own tasty treats. The now iconic Peggy Porschen is joining in, with a masterclass on how to create elegant flower pastries in their enchanted Belgravia Woodland. If everything starts to become a little too busy, then MasterPeace in Eccleston Yard has mindful floral painting sessions ready to bring you right back to a naturally calm state.
Menus to Match
The culinary scene in Belgravia is quite rightly regarded as one of the most sophisticated in all of London, and they also jump at the opportunity to become a part of the In Bloom festival. The incredible Lanesborough Hotel on Hyde Park Corner is serving floral-themed Afternoon Tea and botanical cocktails in their exquisite Library Bar, which promises to be the most quintessential way to appreciate an event that is fast-becoming a new London institution. Restaurants such as Ganymede and Wild By Tart in Eccleston Yard will also be curating temporary exclusive menus that use edible flowers and seasonal ingredients for a real taste of Belgravia in Bloom.
Petals & Purpose
With such a huge platform, the festival is always keen to promote causes that can make a real difference too. For 2025, they have proudly partnered with the fantastic charity, Horatio’s Garden, an organisation dedicated to creating therapeutic gardens within NHS spinal injury units. They offer sanctuary and therapy for patients who are often confined to hospitals for long periods, to bring essential aspects of nature into their recovery practices. All festival attendees will have the opportunity to support the incredible work they do.
Get Going & Growing
The central location of Belgravia In Bloom makes it simple to access and exciting to explore. With underground stations at Knightsbridge, Sloane Square and Victoria, you can rise into the fresh bloom of the streets armed with a Festival walking map to enjoy a full day, and night of experiences framed by some of the most beautiful flower displays in the world.
All with a wonderful spring in your step too, no doubt.
