Kensington Roof Gardens
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Trevor Bowen chairman of the John Barker company, owners of Derry and Toms department store in Kensington High Street, was so impressed by the roof gardens on the eleventh floor of the Rockefeller Centre in NYC, that he commissioned their designer Ralph Hancock to build similar gardens above Derry and Toms in Kensington.
The gardens were set on a
thick bitumastic base with hardcore and a 36 inch layer of topsoil. The gardens
were completed in 1938 at a cost on £25.000 and were officially opened by
the Earl of Athlone. Following a checkered history, the gardens were purchased
in 1986 by Richard Branson's Virgin Group and form part of the Babylon
restaurant and night club, they have since been awarded Grade II listing by
English Heritage. The Gardens have recently been refurbished and restored to as
they looked in 1938.The 1.5 acre gardens are divide into three disitnct areas: Traditional English wth a wild woodland theme, Formal Spanish and Tudor. The Traditional English garden contains over 100 trees, streams and pond, flamingos and ducks, which combine to create a magical environment that defies its unique elevation. This is contrasted by the formal layout of the Spanish Garden with its fountains, vines and palm trees, and red terracotta buildings.
This really is one of Londons secret treasures and worth the effort of a phone call to confirm a visit, which at the time of writing is completely free. Perhaps even stay for the evening when the gardens transform into part of an exclusive restaurant and clubbing venue at 99 Kensington High Street.
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