Whittard of Chelsea Celebrates 140 Years at RHS Chelsea 2026
A gold-winning debut container garden and Ruby Bhogal collaboration bring tea-inspired creativity to life
Whittard of Chelsea marked its 140th anniversary at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 with the unveiling of its debut container garden, which was awarded a prestigious RHS Gold Medal, alongside a special collaboration with baker and TV personality Ruby Bhogal. Ruby hosted VIP guests within the space and created a series of bespoke bakes inspired by the garden and Whittard’s English Rose Tea.
Designed by award-winning landscape designer Ollie Pike, the Whittard of Chelsea Garden reimagines tea as an extraordinary everyday ritual. Set as a private Chelsea townhouse courtyard, the garden tells the story of an eccentric tea enthusiast, blending curiosity, craft and sanctuary through layered planting, reclaimed materials and the gentle sound of flowing water inspired by the pour of tea.
The Gold Medal-winning garden was recognised by RHS judges for its immersive storytelling, thoughtful craftsmanship and sustainable approach.
Inspired by the garden’s fragrant planting and Whittard’s tea heritage, Ruby Bhogal unveiled a standout bake: a Lemon, Cardamom & Rose Loaf Cake, served in the garden to celebrate the launch. A refined twist on the classic British lemon drizzle, it’s thoughtfully crafted to complement Whittard’s English Rose Tea.
Reflecting on the creation, Ruby said: “This loaf blends warm cardamom with bright lemon and delicate rose, finished with vanilla whipped mascarpone, rose petals and cornflowers. Evoking a British spring garden, it’s designed to pair beautifully with Whittard’s English Rose Tea. The journalists visiting the garden really loved the cakes, and I couldn’t think of a more British way to enjoy a cup of tea.”
For Whittard loyalists who want to recreate the bake at home, the recipe will be available in-store for a limited time with a printed recipe card provided with any purchase (subject to availability). The garden will be open to ticketholders at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the duration of the festival.
The garden itself offers an immersive, multi-sensory experience rooted in heritage, experimentation and sustainability. Featuring 95% recycled or reclaimed materials, including historic Yorkstone paving from Sloane Square, the design reflected Whittard of Chelsea’s commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship and responsible innovation. The planting scheme drew on ingredients commonly found in tea infusions – including peppermint, lemon balm, roses, nettles and birch – creating a richly textured and aromatic environment.
As Whittard of Chelsea returns to its founding neighbourhood for this milestone year, the garden represents both a celebration of its 140-year legacy and a forward-looking expression of creativity and sustainability. Following the show, the Gold Medal-winning garden will be relocated to a Mind facility in Oxfordshire ensuring its impact can be enjoyed for years to come.
