Food and Drink at the Chelsea Flower Show

At the world’s largest flower show, visitors are sure to find an abundance of classic English food and drink.  Of course, teas, coffees, soft drinks,  snacks and sandwiches are available through six food courts.   There are fine dining restaurants in idyllic settings offering spectacular views over the show gardens, the Palace and the historic deer park nearby.  Champagne and canapés are available as well as wide variety of pastries, crumpets, potted and clotted cheeses, sausages, smoked salmon, cakes, pasties, and every kind of pudding, trifle and curd.

The unofficial drink is the Pimm’s Cup, a classic cocktail invented in England in 1840 by James Pimm as a health tonic.  The Pimm’s Cup is a classic cocktail that’s best served on a hot summer day.  In fact, you might like to make one as you prepare for our August 25 tour or when joining friends for a game of  polo, a royal visit or as you  head out to your next regatta.   The nice thing about a Pimm’s Cup is that it is a light refreshing drink, with a moderate amount of alcohol.  This means that you can drink several during an afternoon of touring plant exhibitions and gardens. The Pimm’s Cup is really just the English  preferred way to drink a particular distilled spirit, so the drink took on the brand name.  The liquor is a gin based spirit with the flavor of fruit and spice.  Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda are occasionally used to replace lemonade.

Here is how to make a Pimm’s Cup:

• 2 oz Pimm’s No.l
• 3 oz Lemonade
• Lemon twist for garnish
• Cucumber slice or peel  (amust) for garnish

1. Pour the Pimm’s into a glass with ice cubes.
2. Add the lemonade and (if desired) a spash of lemon-lime soda.
3. Garnish with the lemon twist and cucumber.
4. Enjoy!