SECRET GARDEN, CHELSEA HARBOUR

Brought to light by John Cullen, the Flora & Ember Secret Garden is truly a hidden gem at WOW!house 2025, an extraordinary outdoor dining experience created by Randle Siddeley and Simon Stallard. Tucked away in Chelsea Harbour, this secluded sanctuary hosts intimate private events, complete with open-fire cooking by renowned guest chefs, flowing cocktails, and an immersive, nature-rich atmosphere.

The lighting design scheme, curated by Betty Kajajian, Associate Lighting Designer, does more than simply illuminate. It takes guests on an intimate journey that evokes wonder, all secretly tucked in the heart of London.

Guests are led into the garden by stepping stones that meander through a meadow of wildflowers. Portobello spike lights gently reveal this path, drawing visitors toward the central pergola and inviting them to explore the space in a way that feels organic and natural.

Amongst the wildflowers, Carella fittings are discreetly placed to create sparkling pockets of light, glinting through the foliage to reveal dramatic layers and movement within the planting.

Seven majestic silver birches rise from the garden and are each grounded with Kew 40 spike lights, drawing the eye upward and creating a sculptural frame that encloses the space in a soft, glowing structure.

The main pergola itself, designed with six planted columns, comes to life with Kew 40 spike lights positioned at the base of each support. These fittings highlight the vertical planting and cast organic shadows across the pergola’s canopy, immersing diners in a textured interplay of light and greenery.

Above the table, a Cox London bronzed oak branch forms a stunning centrepiece. It is flanked by Kew 40 surface-mounted spotlights, integrated into the pergola beams to provide a warm, directional wash over the table.

To the rear of the garden, a smaller pergola houses the chef’s open show kitchen. Here, Kew 40 surface lights provide practical task lighting, ensuring every culinary moment is both beautifully lit and fully visible to guests.

At the far end of the garden, three mature existing trees are enhanced with strap-mounted Kew 40 surface spotlights, fixed directly to the trunks. These directed pools of light eliminate shadows in the garden’s corners and add depth, ultimately extending the space and enhancing the overall sense of scale.