Here in London, we quite like a floral or two. It all kicks into gear with cherry blossom season, swiftly followed by the aptly titled wisteria hysteria, not to mention the countless floral installations that have become a ubiquitous part of the London landscape. But there is one very special week, where the floral frenzy reaches new heights. Alongside the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the well-heeled West London neighbourhood gets decked out in floral installations for a week long series of festivities.
Chelsea in Bloom 2022, themed around "British Icons" to celebrate the impending Royal Diamond Jubilee, is a riot of colour and community, with local businesses competing to create eye-catching floral displays, and plenty of special events throughout. At the end of the week a judging panel selects the best entry from the bunch. I've captured a few of my favourites in a little photo diary of a day at Chelsea in Bloom - which do you think should win?
Chelsea in Bloom 2022: Things To Know
When: Chelsea in Bloom 2022 runs from May 23rd-28th
Where: The main streets to head to are Pavillion Road, King's Road, and Sloane Street, although you can find all the displays listed on this map. You can also take a rickshaw ride from Sloane Square that will guide you through a tour of the displays.
How to Get Here: The nearest station is Sloane Square, on the District and Circle lines.
How Long to Spend: You could probably get through the displays in an hour if you're pressed for time, but why not make a day of it? Book in a lunch, get involved with the egg hunt, grab some limited-edition cocktails, or even do a spot of shopping on-route!
Must See Displays: Make sure you hunt down the floral mini on The King's Road, Olivia von Halle's pretty in pink picnic on Pavillion Road, the spitfire at Beaverbrook Town House and Hackett's impressive floral postbox on Sloane Street.
Read More: Plan your Chelsea Day Out with my Chelsea Neighbourhood Guide
Find these show-stopping postbox displays at Hackett on Sloane Street.
Make sure you make it all the way down The King's Road as you'll be rewarded with some of the flashiest displays. Though not technically part of Chelsea in Bloom (the flowers aren't real!), The Ivy Chelsea Garden is famous for it's flamboyant floral installs, and the latest is no different. Opposite you'll find a unique installation inspired by Vivienne Westwood, which encourages viewers to stand inside the display for a surreal upside down shot.
Duke of York Square (left) and Pavillion Road (right) are two key locations for Chelsea in Bloom displays, including this dramatic oversized Mad Hatter's Tea Party inspired installation, and an iconic Beefeater.
If you're getting peckish and looking for a special Chelsea in Bloom experience, head to swish gastropub The Cadogan Arms. The restaurant is offering a Chelsea in Bloom themed set menu, priced at £35 for three courses and a cocktail. They also have a limited-edition cocktail menu inspired by the show. It's classic, hearty British dining at it's best, in cosy pub surroundings - the perfect accompaniment to a "British Icons" themed day!
Getting thirsty? Chic luxury hotel Beaverbrook Town House has crafted a special limited-edition Chelsea in Bloom 2022 cocktail. Comprised of gin, honey dew, and prosecco (amongst other things), it's a lovely sweet, floral, but not overpowering cocktail. I love anything gin and prosecco, so I was a fan! Bonus points for the excellent bar interiors that had me plotting and planning for my own home.
