Central London’s first Edible Trail planted on Pavilion Road

Above; Chelsea Pensioner, Monica Parrott, puts the finishing touches to the
Pavilion Road Edible Trail

The newly launched Edible Trail will change seasonally throughout the year and aims to educate and inspire those visiting Pavilion Road to grow their own produce. Peter Oates, Head of Gardens across the Cadogan Estate, has designed the trail in light of the growing trend of micro-gardening, and the wellbeing associated with the green fingered hobby.

On arrival to the entrance of Pavilion Road, visitors will see a beautifully hand-painted map of the edible trail designed by illustrator Claire Spake. Within each planter will also sit a brass plaque etched with a QR code which, when scanned by a smartphone, will present information on the planting as well as recipes and gardening tips.

Some of the seasonal produce available this summer for visitors to sample include:

-Heritage plants, such as the Chelsea fig

-Seasonal fruits that thrive in the local climate – including the Riesling grape vine, blueberries, apples, pears, blackberries and strawberries.

-‘Recipe pots’ – such as a ‘pear and berry crumble pot’, including all the main ingredients required to make the perfect crumble filling.

-Flavoured green tea pots, including a Camelia Sinensis (tea plant) and other ingredients such as mint and chamomile, which can also be used as infusions on their own

-Herbs and spices, a vast variety to activate the senses.

-Ready-planted pineapples, pomegranate and banana trees

The trail is environmentally considered with no plastic pots, peat-free compost and sustainable plant feed in the form of mulch. In addition, the compost used for the fruit is made from wool and bracken. Further contributing to the initiative’s sustainability credentials is the water supply that is used to hydrate the various plants, which is taken from tanks that collect rain water under the road.

Hugh Seaborn, CEO at Cadogan, comments:

“As the neighbourhood’s home for artisan food, Pavilion Road plays a vital role in strengthening the very special sense of community in Chelsea. Its traders take the everyday and make it exceptional through their expertise, ensuring that shopping there is a true pleasure. The ‘Edible Trail’ completes this experience with another layer of discovery and inspiration – it’s a joy to see Pavilion Road now complete and thriving”

Peter Oates, Head of Gardens at Cadogan, comments:

“There are many reasons we should be getting back to basics: sustainability, climate change and the satisfaction of ‘growing your own’ to name a few. In light of the rising trend of micro-gardening in London, and the wellbeing benefits that it brings, we wanted to introduce something to Pavilion Road to encourage visitors to get back to nature and perhaps to think of growing at home, even just on a windowsill or balcony.”

Pavilion Road, London’s longest mews that runs parallel to Sloane Street, has seen a complete transformation over the last two years. Formerly Victorian stable blocks, the road is now a picturesque haven for independent artisans, and provides a ‘village hub’ in response to Chelsea residents requesting local amenities. Having recently announced the launch of its latest vendor, The Sea, The Sea, a modern fishmonger and deli by day; a sit-in seafood and champagne bar by night, other amenities include a butcher, baker, greengrocer, cheesemonger, ice cream shop and wine merchant. The road is also home to three restaurants – Granger & Co, Wulf & Lamb and Hans’ Bar & Grill.

Peter Oates, Head of Gardens at Cadogan, will be hosting regular Edible Trail Tours (alongside the programme of tastings, talks and workshops offered by the shops). To view dates and book a tour, please visit the Pavilion Road website