A celebration of the diversity of Britain’s forests
From 23rd September to 25th October, Michelin Starred Chef Mauro Colagreco will mark the changing of the British seasons with a limited-edition Forest Menu in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Led by Head Chef Leonel Aguirre, the Forest menu will be available at Chef Colagreco’s signature Michelin-starred restaurant at Raffles London at The OWO and will celebrate the incredible diversity of produce found in Britain’s forests.
A UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, Chef Colagreco is committed to championing this crucial environmental cause through his food. This year, Chef Colagreco’s passion for the study and history of botany has led him to partner with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The menu will run alongside Kew Garden’s’ Woodlands and Forests Exhibition – which showcases the essential roles which trees play within their environments, and the ways humans have interacted with them over centuries. This collaborative exhibition showcases specimens and objects from across the Herbarium, Fungarium, and Economic Botany Collections.
Responsible for roughly 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, forest landscapes provide a bountiful foundation for showcasing the breadth of edible species our planet has to offer. Chef Colagreco’s menu explores the incredible produce to be found in the trees, shrubs and bushes of Britain’s forests – including roots, leaves, berries, nuts and game – and the diverse palette of flavours these ecosystems offer up.
Vital for nutrient recycling within ecosystems, the diverse kingdom of fungi are essential for plant growth, and offer multiple benefits to humans through food, drink and medicine. With 93% of the world’s fungi species yet to be described, the scientific research conducted at Kew – home to the largest and oldest collection of fungi in the world – is fundamental in supporting knowledge around biodiversity. Featuring Ceps and Girolles, Chef Colagreco’s Forest Menu showcases the variety of ways mushrooms can be enjoyed.
Diners will begin with a delicate selection of snacks, including Confit Cep, Crispy Chicken Skin, Mizuna and Liver Parfait. The menu will then move onto starters of Black Walnut, Homemade Nocino, English Oyster and Pearl Onions, followed by Roasted Apple, Juniper emulsion, Grilled Scottish Lobster and Dulse seaweed, as well as Panfried Monkfish, Sobacha, Barbecued Sweetbreads, Scottish Girolles and Meadowsweet. Diners will then enjoy dishes of Wild berries, Wild Grouse, Kalibos Cabbage and Timut Pepper. For dessert, Pine and pears will
Precede a Mushroom and Chocolate Millefeuille. To note, there is a five course menu (£175) and a seven-course menu (£205).
As with all of Mauro Colagreco’s menus, this limited-edition offering features dishes crafted from local, seasonal, and organically produced ingredients. A passionate advocate for small-scale farmers and independent producers, Chef Colagreco ensures each dish reflects both quality and sustainability.
£2 from each menu sitting will be contributed to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to support their important work.
The Forest Menu will run at Chef Mauro Colagreco’s signature restaurant at Raffles London at The OWO from 23rd September to 25th October 2025. The menu is available for five courses at £175 and seven courses for £205. To book please contact: maurocolagreco.london@raffles.com or call 00 (44) 20 3907 7520.