The Florist: More than just what meets the eye

It’s hard to ignore the effect that Instagram has had on restaurants. Our feeds are flooded with flower walls, neon signs and flower decorated food. Twenty three percent of Instagrammers take a picture of their food before they eat it, according to Business2Community. But, have we lost the line between a decent restaurant and just a good picture?

Based in the hustle of Watford High Street – 15 minutes from London – The Florist has become a staple for birthdays and hen dos amongst a younger crowd. Since opening their doors in April 2019, they've built a reputation on style. It’s become a reality star hot-spot, attracting the likes of Towie’s Courtney Green and Love Island’s Amber Turner. And, it’s no wonder why.

Cherry blossom trees tower over the busy dining tables – garbed in rustic lanterns. The Florist combines modern concepts with homely touches – like the woven hanging flower baskets and the marble bar, dressed in flowers.

The menu is led by Japanese curries, noodles and sushi – with vegan and gluten-free options available. Oh, and an English roast dinner and a burger stuck on the end of it randomly.

The ramen is a steaming bowl of goodness - the perfect harmony between the sweet juices and a fiery tang. Despite the tofu’s texture resembling my flat mate’s dirty dish sponge, the tender pak choi and salty noodles make up for it. Radish and sea weed are the finishing touches.

The curry is a crowd pleaser. Aubergine heavily coated in a crunchy panko bread crumb and drenched in a katsu sauce on a bed of sticky rice. Spice haters beware: it might not be for you. The mediocre portion is unsubstantial on the eye, yet filling. Though, I’m already eyeing up the dessert menu on the last mouthful.

Pudding is a winning conflict between warm stodgy sponge cake and cold chocolate miso ice cream. They may have nailed the key elements of a basic sticky toffee – but the flavour is absent and nowhere to be found.

The bar area is decked in pink velvet sofas, blossom draped ceilings, and their famous flower wall. There’s also a pastel telephone box and a bathtub ball pit. Naturally. A group of wide eyed girls patiently queue to take a picture next to the neon sign that reads, “born a wild child.”

The drinks menu proves a challenge to understand – it’s fussy and over the top. Split into three categories (Ikebana, Modern Contemporary and English Garden); the cocktails are “inspired by floristry and fragrance.”

Our waitress is the epitome of helpfulness; crouching down to our table level when decoding the menu for us. The restaurant offers a free cocktail and bottle of prosecco on your birthday – except for on the weekends. It’s a Saturday night, but she insists we take both on the house, anyway.

The Electric Daiquiri is a sapphire concoction of sweet and sour punches – a little too strong. Their beloved Raspberry Rose Sour is a hit – probably due to the candy floss topping. But, it’s sickly sweet, and not in a good way – making you want to brush your teeth instantly. Both come complete with an edible flower, of course.

A DJ plays commercial house music after 8pm and the room is transformed. Guests are given instruments and light up accessories – the type you begged for as child on Bonfire Night. The atmosphere is buzzing with fun, with most people up on their feet, dancing.

We end the night on the pink balcony, over-looking the high street. It’s an eyesore. The road is plastered with undesirable shops with tattered banners; groups of rowdy men lurking the streets, and drunken girls screeching. It’s not the prettiest sight to see, (or hear) – unless you enjoy nosy people watching, that is.

Many ‘Instagrammable’ restaurants feel cold and superficial – The Florist is an exception. The Japanese menu – with an English twist – is the perfect way to experiment with a new cuisine. The staff go to great lengths to make you feel like a friend (even if it means going against the boss). There really is more to this restaurant than pretty flowers and photogenic cocktails.

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