Home to over 200 wild native plants, the beautiful little roof garden on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall at Southbank Centre was begun in 2011 as a partnership with the Eden Project.
The garden is maintained by Paul Pulford and volunteers from his organisation Grounded EcoTherapy, a pioneering recovery programme that provides therapy through horticulture to people struggling with mental health, addiction and homelessness.
In addition to a grassy lawn area with views over the river, the roof garden also boasts a dozen tables scattered across the rooftop. Hidden beneath treed canopies and tucked away among the wildflower beds, it's a serene space to escape for an afternoon refreshment in the heart of the city. For that extra sprinkle of zen, there's also a mindfulness playlist that you can download that was specifically commissioned to compliment the space.
A small pop-up bar counter in a transformed shipping container serves speciality coffee, savoury and sweet snacks, cold beer and there's also a selection of premium wines and house cocktails on sale.
When's it open?
The garden is open Wed–Sun and on bank holiday Mondays from 12pm until dusk. The cafe and bar opens Wed–Fri 4pm until dusk and on Sat, Sun and bank holiday Mondays from 12pm
How can I access the roof garden?
You can access the gardens via the yellow staircase in front of the entrance to the Queen Elizabeth Hall at Southbank Centre.