Previously known as a long-established plant nursery at it’s previous home, you would be forgiven for not knowing that Architectural Plants, now based in Pulborough, is actually home to a stunning café that you can visit and enjoy.

It is also home to a lovely range of high-quality gifts and homeware, as well as a selection of drinks from some of the finest producers.  The best bit –  you can enjoy all this while sitting amongst the most wonderful tropical plants and for a moment it genuinely feels like you are in paradise. Like a mini Kew Gardens in Sussex.

Established in 1990 by founder Angus White, Architectural Plants is set in 32 acres of prime Sussex land, at the foot of the South Downs. Open to both the trade and the general public, as a nursery, it’s changing the game.

Guy Watts (MD/ Owner), describes AP as always wanting to “push the boundaries and challenge the way things are done”.

If you are visiting as a customer for plants, you won’t be disappointed by the extensive range of Japanese and European Topiary, Hardy Palms, Bamboos and screening plants. Surprisingly, most of these exotic offerings are grown on site. And most that are not are sourced from within the UK. As well as selling their plants, trees and pots they also offer courses such as ‘Niwaki Pruning’ and ‘Creative Maintenance’ for beginners and Intermediates with MD/Owner Guy Watts.

Chatting to Lucy Strong (Business Development Manager) about the vision for the café, she tells me that as a business they agreed on only using British brands where possible.

Featuring brands such as Marion Brandis (Ceramics), Coburn and Baker (Cakes) and Tempus foods (Charcuterie).

Speaking of the café, MD Guy Watts  said

“As much as our focus is very much on plants and trees, our aim is to make this somewhere that people can come and enjoy what we have done here.  The Café is something we are really proud of as it has been an opportunity for us to work with some extremely talented local suppliers and diversify our offering as a destination nursery.”

Follow the team on the gram at @archiplants or visit their website here.

All photography credit copyright @georgegunnphoto