Birthday celebrations and the Chelsea Physic Garden

I was thoroughly spoilt for my birthday this year and had an excellent day off work celebrating which is just as well because turning 34 would be a bit depressing otherwise!

I was up early to unwrap presents and then off down the high road for a much-needed massage which was excellent. With the weight lifted off my shoulders, I met Rebecca for lunch at the Chelsea Physic Garden. 

I've been trying to get there for years, but it has limited summer opening hours so my day off was the perfect chance to visit. After days of spring rain, we were very lucky it was dry with the sun shining. We took one of the outdoor tables at the Tangerine Dream cafe set in the gardens. Naturally I had a glass of prosecco with my lunch - a savoury tart and salad - and then followed it up with a delicious piece of homemade cake. 

Lunch

Delightful setting of the Tangerine Dream cafe

We could have comfortably sat there all afternoon but Bex had to dash off so I spent a couple of hours exploring each corner of the garden and strolling down every aisle. It's actually quite small (4 acres) but a lovely place to wander around. It's London's oldest botanic garden and was founded in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries and is presided over by a statue of Dr Hans Sloane. As well as all the plants (some planted by Joseph Banks) they keep bee hives to make their own honey.

This is the oldest rock garden in Europe is Grade Listed

Invitation to all the Chelsea bees

Then it was off to meet Kris for a bite to eat and some more bubbles on the outdoor terrace of the Young Vic before we, now joined by Stuart, went to see a play called Detroit at the National Theatre. It was a lovely evening and still light afterwards so we went to one of the pop up bars on the embankment and had a few glasses of English champagne to end the day.

Pre-theatre dinner at the Young Vic

It was a lovely birthday. Thanks to everyone for their birthday wishes, cards, gifts and to my friends who celebrated with me the Saturday night before at the Zetter & Giant Robot as well.

Having birthday cocktails at Zetter Townhouse