Welcome to the Culpeper, a pub in the heart of London with a secret weapon: a thriving rooftop garden! We believe in reclaiming underutilized urban space, and what better way to do it than by growing fresh, delicious food right where it will be enjoyed?
Food From the Sky
Our rooftop garden isn’t just a whimsical idea; it’s a passionate commitment to sustainability and community. We’re not trying to replace the vital role of rural farmers, but we are determined to grow as much food as possible close to where it will be consumed. Think of it as a little slice of farm-to-table heaven in the middle of the city.
Curious about how our rooftop garden feeds the Culpeper? We harvest everything we grow, ensuring that your meal or drink is likely to feature something straight from the garden. While our current space may not be able to supply everything, we envision a future where more rooftops across London transform into thriving green havens.
Is It Safe to Eat From the Roof?
It’s a common concern, but our rooftop garden is safe and sustainable. While we’re aware of pollutants in the city, the harmful ones are typically heavier than air and don’t reach our garden’s height. Plus, our plants are harvested before they have enough time to absorb any potential contaminants.
A Little Bit of Green in the Big Smoke
Our rooftop garden is 1,400 square feet of green space, with 500 square feet dedicated to growing food. We use a blend of mushroom compost, horse manure, and topsoil, enriched with a worm compost tea created from kitchen scraps.
What kind of deliciousness are we growing? We prioritize vegetables that thrive in small spaces and offer high yields, focusing on older, flavorful varieties. Our rooftop garden is home to year-round salad greens and herbs, with summer additions of courgettes, beans, tomatoes, chilies, aubergines, and root vegetables. We’re also experimenting with dwarf trees, climbing fruit, pea shoots, and micro herbs to maximize our vertical space.
Sharing the Green Revolution
We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge and love for rooftop farming with others. We welcome volunteers to join us on our weekly workdays and learn the secrets of organic rooftop growing.
We also offer monthly workshops on various aspects of urban gardening, from container planting to herb planters and successive cropping.
Worried about the weight our garden puts on the building? No need! The building was once two floors higher, and our structural engineers have ensured it can handle the weight with ease.
Winter Doesn’t Stop the Harvest
We’re ready for any weather! A dedicated greenhouse ensures year-round growing, and we plant winter-hardy vegetables during the colder months.
While we aren’t certified organic, we adhere to organic standards, using no chemicals on our soil or plants. We embrace companion planting, good husbandry, and pest-control techniques to maintain a healthy and flourishing garden.
A Vision for a Greener London
Imagine a network of rooftop gardens blooming across London, connected by pubs like the Culpeper. Each rooftop would be a place to learn, be inspired, grow, and cook with locally-grown fruits and vegetables.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey to transform urban spaces into edible oases. Together, we can make London a greener, healthier, and more delicious city!
