Alexandra Nurseries

There's nothing unusual about garden centres masquerading as lifestyle emporia (hello, Petersham Nurseries!) but Alexandra Nurseries does it in a way that feels more charming and authentic than most. This small Penge site is divided into a series of intimate rooms with reclaimed wooden window frames, stained glass filtering on the plants and cast iron tea tables. Pick up a plant, browse the treasures in the gift shop (from luscious Sicilian lemon-shaped soaps to designer Franchi seeds) or tuck into a cup of tea and a freshly baked slice of cake.