A secret garden on the rooftops of Soho

Situated on a Soho rooftop overlooking the London skyline is a secret garden, blooming all year round with scented flowers and over 600 bees. This is the Ham Yard Hotel’s fourth floor roof terrace, the produce of which can be enjoyed in the daily specials served in the hotel’s restaurant. 

Interior envy: the terrace was designed by Kit Kemp

Vegetables such as broccoli and kale populate the raised beds made of railway sleepers, and salad and fragrant herbs such as thyme grow in small gardens surrounded by picket fencing. In the summer months, the garden produces berries in addition to apples and pears from the orchard trees.

The secret garden at the Ham Yard Hotel; at the back are two beehives

And don’t forget the cocktails! Situated at the back of the garden are beehives which house over 600 bees, whose honey is used at the bar in delicious creations. As the beekeeper, Camilla, explains, because the honey is fresh it is able to retain its natural flavour and aromas.

The garden tells a story in its details; there are mosaic birdbaths and houses tucked away in the foliage, cups hanging from tree branches, and the soothing trickle of water from the antique Provençal fountain in the courtyard.

The fountain in the courtyard

The garden terrace was designed by British interior designer, Kit Kemp, who is internationally renowned for her unique hotel interiors. The result is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, hidden in plain sight down a side street in Piccadilly.

How to get there

1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT

Travel: Nearest tube station is Piccadilly, or Oxford Circus.

Entry: The roof terrace is only available to guests, but can be hired for private events.

Read more on the Firmdale Hotels website