Onion Garden — Attraction in London

When A Londoner Shares A Secret - Pay Attention!

This is a tough review, for me as a Londoner, to write publicly.

You see when Londoners find places they love they don’t usually tell other people.

They may share it amongst a very small select group of close friends, but no more.

It’s because having found their special place, they don’t want it overrun by Instagrammars or tourists, who'll ruin it for them.

This was best epitomised by the restaurant & fireplace shop, CVO Firevault off Mortimer Street, just seconds away from Regent Street, whose receipts read “This is London’s Best Kept Secret - Let’s keep it that way”.

A stark contrast to the constant promotion of most places in the mid 21st Century.

The places that Londoners protect for themselves are unique, hidden, quirky, customer focussed & extremely high quality - all these superlatives apply to The Onion Garden.

A location that in a million years you probably wouldn’t discover yourself, yet is just a few minutes walk from both St. James’s & Victoria Underground Stations. It is a superb oasis of plants and garden, wood & trees and even their empowering messages written in chalk on blackboards on the tables are smile - rather than cringe - inducing.

If you read Frances Hodgson Burnett’s book The Secret Garden when you were a child, then you’ll know you’ve just found the real thing - plaques advertising “Fairies Meeting Places” adorn hand crafted chairs. All types of flora and fauna are available for purchase. The area is a breathing space for the Victoria area. A mini Kew Garden that encourages nature to reclaim its place in the city.

The real hidden beauty and surprise of this venue though, is its size. A quick glance you’ll see the coffee shop and what looks like seating for about 20 covers in a wonderful garden setting - but the joy is in discovering the length of their planting is three times larger than this; if you dare to explore towards the Greenhouse all the way down to the left. Where you’ll find the space for at least another thirty customers.

So, you may reasonably ask, why am I sharing this with you dear reader? I clearly love this place and don’t want to lose it to the hordes. But on this occasion I want everyone to realise that there should be an Onion Garden in every part of London, so if you flood to this one, hopefully they’ll open another, and another, and another.

And when they’ve covered the City with them, I’ll find one that I won’t tell you about, but until then, go support this amazing initiative.

The best bit is you haven’t even got to do it philanthropically (although you can make a donation which they’ll be massively appreciative of) as you can enjoy one of the best coffees in London inside the coffee shop or under the growing fruit of one of their trees outside - in order to help the cause.

And just say A Londoner’s London sent you - they’ll know you’re a proper...

Onion Garden’s beautiful garden setting is unfortunately overshadowed by several serious issues. The service is very poor and not friendly—staff seemed uninterested and unhelpful throughout my visit, making the experience uncomfortable. The lemon cake, considering its high price, was extremely disappointing in both quality and taste. It lacked freshness and flavor, not justifying the cost in any way. The coffee was also a letdown: the cup size is notably small, and both the quality and portion do not match the price you pay. Although the garden is charming at first glance, not all décor lives up to the same standard. The cloths placed on benches look like old cleaning rags from the communist era in the 1970s, which detracts from the overall atmosphere instead of enhancing it. I do not agree with the previous positive reviews—my experience at Onion Garden was far below expectations both in terms of service and...

Located in the heart of London, this café is a true hidden gem that blends charm, magic, and environmental consciousness. From the moment you step inside, you’re embraced by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with carefully curated décor that transports visitors to a haven of tranquility amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

Every corner of the café seems designed to surprise, from its unique details to the sustainable materials that reflect a deep respect for the environment. Here, the commitment to eco-friendliness isn’t just talk—it’s a tangible practice: biodegradable utensils, locally sourced products, and an innovative focus on reducing waste.

The menu offers a delightful selection to suit all tastes, with fresh, healthy, and flavorful options. Whether you’re enjoying a perfectly brewed coffee, a special infusion, or a homemade dessert, this spot is perfect for a quick break or getting lost in a good...