Are greenhouses the new garden rooms? Fred Sirieix reveals the unusual way he’s using his

There’s a new garden dining spot on the cards: the greenhouse.

Since TV personality and Fred introduced Hampton’s The Causeway greenhouse to his space, he’s created a ‘plant to plate’ space ‘where ingredients can be grown, harvested and enjoyed in the very same setting’. It isn’t just a space to grow your tomatoes – it’s about carving out space to appreciate the hard work you’ve put into your crops, enjoy a cosy cup of coffee, and even entertain guests.

You don’t need a huge space to create a dining room out of your greenhouse, either. I spoke to the experts to find out how we can apply the greenhouse dining trend to our own gardens.

Between an emerging greenhouse decorating trend and Fred’s using his greenhouse as a dining space, it’s clear that gardeners are beginning to want more out of their glasshouses. In Fred’s case, it’s about connecting gardening with hospitality.

‘As someone who has spent a lifetime working in hospitality, I’ve always appreciated where great food comes from,’ says Fred. ‘The idea of nurturing ingredients from seed to harvest and then enjoying them just moments later, surrounded by the plants that produced them, really appealed to me. There’s something wonderfully authentic about that connection from plant to plate.’

According to Mervyn Montgomery, founder and joint director of Hampton, Fred’s greenhouse dining idea is a rising garden trend.

‘There is certainly a growing interest in gardeners incorporating dining areas into their greenhouses, reflecting a wider shift in how these spaces are being used,’ he says.

‘The type of dining area varies hugely. Some people incorporate more formal dining furniture, while others prefer relaxed bistro-style tables and chairs that can be brought in just when they’re entertaining.’

In fact, the greenhouse dining trend might have been around for longer than we realise. According Victorian greenhouse manufacturer Alitex, there’s been an appetite for combining growing and dining spaces for a while.

‘Alitex has long seen this dual purpose in action, with customers creating spaces that combine growing, relaxing and entertaining,’ says Nelly Hall, creative director at Alitex. ‘We often see, for example, our beautiful benching at either gable-end to leave the centre free for a bistro table and chairs.

‘Ultimately, it’s about seeing glasshouses as an extension of the home – a horticultural room under glass, surrounded by the things you love to grow.’

A simple bistro set like this Habitat Eve 2 Seater Metal Garden Bistro Set can transform a greenhouse – especially if you’re working with a smaller space.

Does the greenhouse dining trend work in a small garden?

You don’t have to have a huge greenhouse to jump on the greenhouse dining trend – even a smaller glasshouse like the Palram Canopia Harmony 10 x 6 ft Green Aluminium Apex Greenhouse from B&Q can accommodate space for plants and outdoor living.

‘In a smaller garden, simply creating a cosy corner with an armchair, bench or stool can give you much of the same enjoyment,’ explains Mervyn. ‘There’s something particularly rewarding about sitting amongst your plants enjoying a bowl of soup made from home-grown veggies, with a chunk of crusty bread on the side.’

It’s just about keeping your greenhouse clean and designing it in a way that maximises the space you already have.

‘The key is to think vertically and be clever with the layout,’ says Nelly from Alitex. ‘A smaller greenhouse doesn’t have to mean choosing between growing and dining; it’s about making every inch work harder.

‘Start by keeping the centre of the greenhouse relatively clear for a small table and perhaps two chairs. Use the perimeter for growing, with L-shaped or wraparound benching, and strawberry boards providing valuable growing and storage space up higher, without encroaching on the ‘dining’ area.’

Nelly also recommends growing vegetables vertically, since climbing plants like beans and cucumbers free up valuable floor space. This Garden Gear peat and bean tunnel from Thompson & Morgan is ideal.

Get the look

Gardeners are embracing the greenhouse dining trend more than ever, and I think we’re going to see a lot more of the idea in gardens across the UK over the next few years. It’s another benefit of owning a greenhouse!