Serving Up Sustainable Dining With London’s Biggest On-Site Farm

London’s Tottenham Court Road has welcomed a bold new addition to the capital’s culinary scene with the opening of The Orangery, a groundbreaking restaurant by The Good Eating Company that fuses sustainability, technology, and British cuisine.

Image: Peter Lowbridge

At the heart of The Orangery is the largest on-site hydroponic farm in London, built in partnership with Square Mile Farms. This innovative vertical farming system, hidden beneath the restaurant, grows over 35,000 plants using 90% less water than traditional farming methods. The result? A hyper-local farm-to-table experience that blends modern flavours with British heritage.

“This is an exciting step in our growth in London,” said Alex Kristall, Managing Director of The Good Eating Company. “We are looking forward to serving an exceptional dining experience whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner to our guests. We have been delivering great experiences for leading organisations in the creative, media and arts, investment and financial management and pharmaceutical industries since 1999. We look forward to seeing The Orangery take off as an exciting all-day dining destination.”

By combining advanced hydroponic technology with vertical farming techniques, The Orangery Farm achieves a yield equivalent to 1.1 acres of conventional farmland. Plants grow faster thanks to carefully controlled nutrients, circulating mineral-rich water, and LED lighting that mimics natural sunlight – ensuring fresh ingredients are available all year round. Around 70% of the farm’s produce is used in the restaurant, with the remainder donated to schools, charities, and community organisations across Camden each month.

The Orangery’s seasonal menu is built around this home-grown harvest. Guests can expect premium British produce, from fresh seafood and free-range meats to heritage grains and artisanal cheeses, all brought together with modern culinary techniques. A standout feature is the Chef’s Table, a private dining space nestled within the hydroponic farm itself, offering a bespoke tasting menu served among the crops that inspired it.

Beyond its culinary ambitions, The Orangery is rooted in social responsibility. The restaurant will host educational farm tours for local schools, colleges and universities, aiming to spark curiosity and awareness around sustainable food systems. Community initiatives will include gardening clubs, harvest events and seminars on urban farming.

The Orangery is the latest chapter in The Good Eating Company’s story. Founded in 1999, the company became part of Sodexo’s corporate services division in 2017. Now, with The Orangery, it is taking a bold leap into the future of food – one that is local, sustainable, and unmistakably British.

Source: FSE Journal