Rosie Boycott and designer Jekka McVicar unveil the Trafalgar Hotel's new herb garden

THE ROOF of a London hotel has been turned into a herb garden as part of the Mayor's campaign to grow more food in the capital.

The Trafalgar Hotel in Trafalgar Square handed over its rooftop bar to award-winning gardener Jekka McVicar who gave it a makeover as part of Boris Johnson's "Capital Growth" scheme.

The sixth floor bar now boasts an unusual array of herbs, including Bulbine - the burn jelly plant, Lovage - a traditional aphrodisiac and Nasturtiums - flowers which are delicious in salads.

The Mayor's food tsar Rosie Boycott, who unveiled the herb garden with McVicar, said: "London has an amazing range of underused spaces that could be turned into thriving food growing plots.

"This wonderfully imaginative roof-top herb garden highlights what can be achieved and is a great example of how such spaces can thrive, producing food and a welcome oasis for wildlife such as birds, bees and butterflies in the heart of the capital."

Dale MacPhee, general manager of The Trafalgar Hotel, says: "Our rooftop garden has long been a popular destination for guests to enjoy cocktails while taking in the breathtaking views over London.

"After learning about the Capital Growth initiative we decided to develop the space to greater effect and create an even more special experience for our guests, utilising the herbs throughout the hotel."

"I am delighted to welcome The Trafalgar Hotel's fantastic rooftop herb garden to Capital Growth"

Mayor Boris Johnson said: "I am delighted to welcome The Trafalgar Hotel's fantastic rooftop herb garden to Capital Growth.

"I urge more businesses to join up to make London a greener, more pleasant city while providing healthy and affordable grub."

The Capital Growth scheme, launched last year, aims to turn pieces of land across the capital into thriving green spaces, identify suitable patches and offer support to organisations which want to grow food.