Site details:
| The Roof Gardens |
Kensington & Chelsea |
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The Roof Gardens, among the earliest in England, were built for the new Derry and Toms Department Store, which opened in 1933. The Gardens were conceived by Vice-President of Barkers Trevor Bowen, who employed landscape architect Ralph Handcock to realise his vision and comprised 3 gardens from the outset: Spanish Garden, English Woodland Garden and Tudor Courtyard. Opened in May 1938 by the Earl of Athlone, the gardens became a popular attraction. Owned by Biba in the 1970s, and by Richard Branson since 1982, the Gardens are now part of Virgin Limited Edition and host a members' club, a private function venue and, since 2001, the Babylon Restaurant on the 7th floor, which overlooks the gardens. They were extensively replanted in 2008/9 and are still home to exotic wildfowl including pink flamingos. The Spanish Garden is now planted in the style of the 1950s, while the Tudor Courtyard is based on the Biba ethos and planting from the 1970s. The English Woodland is being managed as a C21st environmental and wildlife garden. |
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| Previous / Other name: |
Derry and Toms Roof Garden |
| Site location: |
99-121 Kensington High Street (entrance in Derry Street) |
| Postcode: |
W8 5SA |
| Type of site: |
Private Garden |
| Date(s): |
1937-8 |
| Designer(s): |
Bernard George / Ralph Handcock (landscaping and planting) |
| Listed structures: |
LBII*: Derry and Toms Store |
| Borough: |
Kensington & Chelsea |
| Site ownership: |
Virgin Limited Edition |
| Site management: |
Virgin Limited Edition |
| Open to public? |
Yes |
| Opening times: |
Open to public daily unless private event taking place (check before visiting on 020 7937 7994) |
| Special conditions: |
Private bookings will take preference. For group visits to gardens: call Head Gardener on 020 7368 3981 |
| Facilities: |
Babylon Restaurant open daily for lunch, Mon-Sat for dinner. Events space in the Club House and Members Nightclub on Fri & Sat nights. |
| Events: |
Have opened for OGSW. Roof Gardens open for exclusive private hire all year round |
| Public transport: |
Tube: High Street Kensington (District, Circle). Bus: 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 52, 70, 328, 452 |
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The information shown above was correct at the time of the last update 01/09/2009
Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.roofgardens.virgin.com
