As cities grow more crowded and land becomes increasingly scarce, the question of how to sustainably feed urban populations is pressing. The Orangery Tottenham Court Road (TCR), a new dining destination in central London, may offer part of the answer. Built around a hydroponic farm located directly beneath the restaurant, The Orangery TCR is now home to the city’s largest on-site hydroponic installation—an advanced vertical farming system developed in partnership with Square Mile Farms.
Using state-of-the-art hydroponics, The Orangery Farm grows a wide range of leafy greens and herbs without soil, pesticides, or long-distance transport. In just a compact space beneath the city streets, the system yields the equivalent of 1.1 acres of traditional farmland—highlighting the potential for space-efficient food production in urban settings. This is particularly significant in a city like London, where green space is limited, but demand for fresh produce is constant.
Hydroponics as a method has seen rapid global adoption due to its resource efficiency. According to a 2024 report by Allied Market Research, the global hydroponics market is projected to reach $22.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2032. Benefits include up to 90% less water usage compared to traditional farming, year-round crop production, and lower carbon emissions due to reduced transportation needs.
At The Orangery TCR, approximately 70% of the hydroponic farm’s output is used directly in the restaurant’s Modern British menu, contributing to ultra-fresh, flavorful dishes while minimizing food miles. The remaining 30% is donated to local schools, community programs, and charities in Camden, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and social impact.
But the innovation doesn’t stop at food. The Orangery also opens its farm to the public through educational tours for schools, universities, and community organizations. Local gardening clubs, harvest events, and seminars on urban farming are regularly held to spread awareness of sustainable food practices. The Chef’s Table—located within the farm itself—offers guests a chance to dine among the crops, quite literally surrounded by the food on their plates.
This model of hyper-local, vertically integrated food production could serve as a blueprint for cities around the world facing the twin challenges of climate change and food security. As land becomes more valuable and environmental concerns rise, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) offers a promising path forward. Research from Cornell University suggests that integrating solar and vertical farming on urban rooftops and underutilized city spaces could increase city-level food independence while optimizing energy efficiency.
The Orangery TCR is not just a restaurant—it’s a working vision of what the future of urban agriculture could look like. By combining hydroponics, community education, and culinary excellence, it demonstrates that sustainable, high-yield farming is not only possible in cities but can also enhance food quality, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen local communities. As global agriculture evolves, projects like this will be crucial in shaping the future of food.
