Petersham Nurseries has closed its two Covent Garden offshoots, citing rising rents, the recent budget and Brexit for the decision. Its famous flagship cafe will remain open in the old plant nursery on the edge of Richmond Park.
Facing an annual £1.2m bill for rent, rates and services at the Floral Court premises of The Petersham and La Goccia, the company said it had “struggled to reconcile revenues with fixed property costs and debts, business rates and recent increases in staff costs and the looming impact of the recent Budget”.
The Boglione family opened The Petersham and La Goccia six years ago, and the pair won a reputation for being a charming and beautiful – if rather expensive – oasis of calm in central London.
Lara Boglione said the decision to close had followed months of exploring options. The company blamed Brexit for its “inability to recruit people with the right experience and skills”.
