The Natural History Museum has opened the Garden Kitchen – a new café nestled within its recently transformed gardens.

Museum visitors, as well as passers-by, can take a break and immerse themselves in a garden which tells the story of life on earth, starting 540 million years ago, from the comfort of The Garden Kitchen.

Offering a seasonal menu with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available, the new eatery is open from 9.30am, has stunning views of the urban green space and the Museum’s latest resident dinosaur. Early risers can try the delicious slow roasted coffee, pastries and fresh juices. Lunchtime visitors can try dishes like Battered North Atlantic haddock, chunky chips, lemon, homemade tartare sauce 7; winter-spiced butternut squash salad made with radicchio, wild rocket, roasted butternut squash, spiced hazelnuts, pomegranate and beetroot dressing; or Aubergine tempura made with tahini yoghurt, date molasses; thanks to catering partner Benugo.

Those with a sweet tooth can get stuck into delicious blueberry muffins, chocolate muffins, mouthwatering carrot cake or mango and coconut cake. Set in the Evolution Garden amongst the beautiful planting, the Garden Kitchen is a vast open-plan space featuring wooden beams and huge expansive windows where visitors can keep an eye on Fern – the Museum’s newest resident diplodocus – while soaking in the sights and sounds of nature.

Robert Wetherell, Head of Events and Catering at the Natural History Museum said:

“We want to make sure our Museum guests are well fed when exploring our fascinating galleries, exhibitions and 18 million specimens – and we expect they’ll go wild for the delicious new menu on offer."

“This tranquil oasis in the heart of London offers the perfect respite with delicious warming meals, seasonal vegetables and perfectly-brewed coffee – all with a view of urban nature and the Evolution Garden, where our newest diplodocus Fern gazes down on an immersive timeline of life on earth, told through flowers, plants, geology and brass inlays of creatures.”

Ben Warner, Benugo co-founder said:

“We’re delighted to partner with the Natural History Museum to bring the Garden Kitchen to life. It’s a privilege to welcome visitors to enjoy this special space and our carefully curated seasonal menu while surrounded by a 2.7 billion year timeline of the planet.”

The Garden Kitchen is also open to the public, no Museum ticket needed, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.