April 2025 by Colin Addison
Just called in to see what the new garden centre was like, well garden wise it was well stocked and reasonable prices with quite a few deals , not much in the way of vegetables plants but I suppose it is early just now , what lets it down is the cafe and the Prices ??. WOW £9 for a sandwich , I think not , and we had a caffe and scone still cost £13 for two , the scone was probably the worst I have ever had it was so stale and dry it was awful, most people were asking for more butter because they were really that dry they fell to bits , coffee was ok but I wouldn?t dream of going back in the cafe without a massive upgrade on freshly baked good and tell the staff to cheer up, I tried to make a friendly comment about it being busy because the sun was out but all I got was a scowl and ignored , not great if you?re trying to attract customers back after Dobbies have left , so for now I reserve my comments to a good garden centre but poor staff and cafe needs a good upgrade of attitude and fresh good , never tried the restaurant because I expect if the cafe is that pricey god know what the charges are for meals , I?ll stick to looking at plants in future , as we also have Azure and Wansbeck garden centres close by and I can vouch for their food being very good
March 2025 by michael potts
Good choice of plants, a small selection of shops, with a cafe attached. Liked everything about this place except the price. Slightly expensive.
March 2025 by Ellen Murray-Pym
So so so much better then when it was Dobbies! They actually have plants, plants which are cared for! They have a huge selection and well priced
It's a shame they haven't done out the childrens soft play
.. which was since desperate need of a refurb but hasn't been touched hence the 4*
March 2025 by Doreen Smith
Nicely laid out, but i found it to be just as expensive as Dobbies, which was disappointing. Also found alot of the staff quite miserable ( especially in the restaurant). I worked in retail for 20 years, and a smile goes along way. At one stage there were 5 of them behind the counter, having a chat amongst themselves whilst I was waiting to be served! Don't think I'll be returning.
March 2025 by Sean Kelleher
On website ?Restaurant closes 30 minutes before the garden centre? - no hot food being served at 4pm (closes ay 6pm) only cakes & drinks available. No clear info on the website or signage at the restaurant or in the menu. Purposely came to have hot food and wasn?t aware it wasn?t even serving food until we went to order. Serving cold cakes and drinks isn?t a ?restaurant? surely?
March 2025 by Adrian Churm
Called in today to get a few plants decided to have a coffee well coffee far to strong and charging £8.49 for a cheese savoury roll that is absolutely ridiculous.
March 2025 by Kevin Bowmaker
Apparently under new ownership / management.. very well stocked garden centre... And all plants ?? looking very healthy..However, no discount for blue light card holder's, even when spending a significant amount of money.... ?
March 2025 by L C
Coffee Haven (the café at the front) was unfortunately one of the worst experiences I?ve had in quite some time.
I initially asked for a filter coffee and was met with a sigh from one of the staff members. He turned to a colleague and asked, ?Can you explain why we don?t have filter coffee???followed by an unnecessary and condescending explanation. Honestly, if it?s not available, that?s perfectly fine?I didn?t need a full commentary, just a polite ?we don?t offer that.?
We then waited for our pot of tea, during which we noticed other customers (who arrived after us) receiving their drinks. A third customer was already being served when another staff member abruptly asked, ?Can I help you?? It caught me off guard, and I explained that we were still waiting on our order.
In contrast, the service at the back restaurant was absolutely amazing. Friendly, attentive, and welcoming?truly a different atmosphere. The rest of the store?s staff were also great and pleasant to interact with.
Sadly, Coffee Haven didn?t feel like a haven at all. If you?re after a good cup of tea and a relaxing experience, I?d recommend heading to the restaurant at the back instead?you might even enjoy a slice of cake while you?re there.
March 2025 by Karen Herrera
Just visited the newly opened/owned garden centre. Very well set out with lots of products. Went into the restaurant, which is now table service, lovely food. Not keen on the open dog seating area in the restaurant, a few dogs yapping and fighting which really spoilt our lunch,also is unhygenic. Having an open dog seating area seems unfair for those that are allergic to, and or have a fear of dogs, and wish to eat in the restaurant. Maybe a room closed off like the soft play, would be better,then everyone can attend & enjoy.
March 2025 by nathan waller
If I'm paying £3.45 for a small Fentimans, I expect a glass with ice with it. No ice
February 2025 by Eddie Kibbles
Not a lot to say about what was formerly Highly Gate Garden Centre, unfortunately the current owner (Dobbies) is now closed down.
February 2025 by Gerard Stewart
Highly expensive unless you caught closing down sale. Look forward to new venture plus always get my fruit & Veg from the family shop outside - lovely people
January 2025 by Sandra Boardman
As the garden centre is closing and they have a half price sale on,the shelves were virtually empty.
January 2025 by Dave Bro
Sadly this garden center is closing down but will reopen in February 2025 under a different company name. Other concessions are located here
January 2025 by Lorraine
Sorry to see this place is closing down
