The Culpeper celebrates a decade of sustainable dining with a rooftop garden refresh and a new edimental menu

The Culpeper in Spitalfields is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. Opened in June 2014 by Nico Tréuger and Gareth Roberts, the establishment is marking the occasion with a refreshed rooftop garden and a new menu that focuses on edimentals – plants that are both ornamental and edible. This approach highlights the venue’s commitment to regenerative farming and biodiversity.

Over the past decade, The Culpeper has established itself as a leader in sustainable urban farming, with initiatives that emphasize soil health and the cultivation of food in green spaces. The rooftop garden, initially envisioned as a way to utilize underused urban areas, has blossomed into a vibrant source of fresh produce for the pub. Building on this success, The Culpeper Family expanded their farming efforts to Deptford in April 2023, where they now operate a dedicated farm that supplies fruit and vegetables to their London pubs.

The newly revamped rooftop at The Culpeper features hanging baskets of trailing nasturtiums, marigolds in terracotta pots, and 1970s seersucker tablecloths, creating a visually appealing and environmentally conscious dining space. The menu takes full advantage of the edimental concept, incorporating these plants alongside produce from the Deptford Farm. Dishes such as Crab Brioche, Ethical Butcher Bavette with Wild Garlic Butter, and Swaledale Lamb Merguez with Labneh and Harissa are prepared on an architectural grill, showcasing the versatility and flavour of the edimentals. The drinks list has also been updated to include a Bee Pollen Margarita, Gin & Rhubarb Collins, and a refreshing Frozé, complemented by a selection of beers on tap and wines by the glass and bottle.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, The Culpeper’s famous 8ft pickle installation will make a return, illuminating the rooftop and adding a playful touch to the ambiance. For those seeking a more intimate setting, The Private Potting Shed can accommodate 8 seated and 12 standing guests.

Located at 40 Commercial St, London E1 6TB, The Culpeper is a testament to the fusion of traditional pub culture with modern sustainability practices. With a pub on the ground floor, a restaurant on the first floor, five hotel bedrooms on the second floor, and a greenhouse with a kitchen garden on the rooftop, it offers a comprehensive experience for those interested in the intersection of gastronomy and environmental stewardship. Named after the 17th-century herbalist, botanist, astrologer, and physician Nicholas Culpeper, the establishment continues to honour its namesake’s legacy by providing a space that nurtures both the community and the planet.

Food Desk