Conservatories and Orangeries have been used for public and private dining for centuries. It is said that during her later years, Queen Anne would frequently supper in the Orangery at Kensington Palace.

DURING THE NINETEENTH CENTURY, IT WAS THE HEIGHT OF FASHION TO HOLD DINNER PARTIES IN THE CONSERVATORIES WHERE GUESTS WOULD BE SERVED ORANGES PICKED FRESH FROM THE TREES JUST WITHIN THEIR REACH.

Many greenhouse conservatories at formerly private estates have now opened to the public as restaurants and clubs. Dining under the spread of huge palm trees and giant ferns, patrons enjoy an exotic experience as pleasing as the meal itself. The spectacular Palmenhaus in Vienna is an example. Originally a royal greenhouse that opened in 1882, it is now a popular brasserie, café and bar – and a must-see attraction in the Austrian capital.

These historic conservatories serve as inspiration for the glass-roofed palm courts at hotels such as The Palace in San Francisco and The Plaza in New York. They are the elegant forerunners of the modern glass-roofed food courts seen throughout the world.