The Culpeper's rooftop receives woodland makeover

The Culpeper in Spitalfields is set to reopen its rooftop garden on 12 May. This year, guests can enjoy a new grill menu, woodland-inspired cocktails and a setting reminiscent of a British woodland.

Opened by Nico Tréuger and Gareth Roberts in June 2014, The Culpeper has established itself as a pioneer in regenerative farming, emphasising soil health and the use of green spaces to cultivate food while enhancing biodiversity.

Originally acquired with a vision to transform underutilised urban spaces, the rooftop has since become a vibrant hub for growing fresh produce for visitors to the pub and restaurant.

This year's British woodland concept features a bold, creative design that elevates the decking while lowering the trees, allowing guests to sit among the tree trunks rather than above them.

Towering silver birch, apple and hazel trees provide shade, while a lush understorey of ferns, mint, sweet cicely, honeysuckle and wild strawberries creates a layered, edible landscape. The planting is themed to celebrate the 17th-century botanist Nicholas Culpeper, who inspired the name of the venue.

Dining on the rooftop

The wild plants have inspired both the 40-cover rooftop’s design and menu, with edible flowers and herbs heavily featured. The Great Woodland Grill menu, created by head chef Antony Knott, consists of dishes cooked over an open fire and celebrates British produce.

Menu highlights include smoked mackerel pâté, fennel and dulse with toasted sourdough; Ethical Butcher pork chipolata spiral with hot mustard; and Rhug Estate organic chicken with thyme and charred lemon, prepared on an architectural grill and served with Cornish early potatoes and spring vegetables. For dessert, there's The Culpeper’s twist on an Eton Mess – the Rooftop Mess – using wild strawberries foraged from the surrounding garden, Botivo, meringue and cream.

On the drinks front, the cocktail list is inspired by the surrounding edible landscape, with the team infusing their spirits in-house. Highlights include a Rhubarb & Ginger Spritz, Sweet Cicely Sour and the Hedgerow Collins, alongside beers on tap and wines by the glass or bottle.

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