Flowers: The Best Bunch
We love plants, big flowering explosions that can fill a room with fragrance and colour like only a living thing can. Picking the perfect bunch can be difficult, they not only have to live long, you don't want their pollen to stain clothes and their smell to disappear after a day.
Going to a specialist rather than picking up a rushed bunch from a service station can make all the difference. Often they aren't even as expensive as you would think and overall good value for money. We take a look at some of the best florists in London, good enough to rival Eliza Doolittle!
Rosa Florist , Highbury - Catherine is local to the area and says, "Nice florist of a reasonable size. Lots of choice and nice pre-made bouquets on offer. Friendly, helpful and informative staff. Open late, until 9 I think so it's is possible to pick something up outside office hours. The roses from here where a lovely colour lasted a week , excellent."
Liberty Flowers by Paula Pryke , Soho - If you have got a large budget to spend then these bouquets will make you very happy. LBC listener Lorraine from East Dulwich says, "Good florists all look the same. The flowers look fantastic, the staff are a little bit po-faced but they were nice aprons and wrap up your flowers in lots of cellophane and put a nice ribbon on it. This place is no different. The flowers are beautiful and you'll pay an arm and a leg for it."
Mister Buttercups, Putney - A quaint little family businesses that sells high quality flowers at reasonable prices. LBC listener Nicky says, "This is how florists should be! It's such a small shop that the scents hit you really hard when you walk in. Usually have a great range of flowers to choose from - and some things that are a little unusual."
The Flower Garden, Hammersmith - Don't be put of by this little shops grubby exterior, inside is an Aladdin’s cave of fresh flowers. Our flower expert Rob says, "We all need a nearby florist where you can pick up a top-notch bouquet at the last minute that doesn't scream petrol station. Well, this place is great."
Scarlet & Violet, Kensal Green - Advice and service is the strong point here so if in doubt as to what you should be buying, these guys can help you out. Myles from Harlesden says, "Scarlet and Violet have been going for a coup-le of years but they have carved out a real niche for themselves here.
They always have a great selection of flowers and plants and try to keep them seasonal to UK but that isn't always possible in winter. They are really friendly and helpful and always full of advice about the right flowers for the right occasion."
Flowers N16, Stoke Newington - Church street is sprawled with independent flower shops but this is by far the strongest contender. Fresh, bright colours that inspire the buyer.
Lizzie is a local to the area and says, "The people working there are also really helpful, they really know their stuff and any green fingered question you have, they will endeavour to help you with. My fella popped in here and got me a really simple and beautiful bouquet for Valentines and last summer I got all my window box flowers from here."