Harlestone Heath Garden Centre

Very chill to go have a wonder round. Cafe inside is perfect for sit down with a hot brew plus with the Sainsburys inside a spot of grocery shopping can't hurt.

I visited with my children and a few other parents/children from school on a Friday afternoon. We received lovely service from an employee named Michael, he was really helpful throughout our visit. He made a request to the kitchen so the children could get hot meals (as these officially stop at 3pm), he made sure we had a nice area to sit in, helped get some glasses of water for the children and was chatty/friendly throughout. We really appreciated all his help to make our visit so enjoyable. The only negative (why I didn't give 5 stars) was that the soft play officially closes at 4.30pm and also hot food officially stops at 3PM. I think this is a shame. Could Dobbies re-look at this? However, this does not take away from oulr positive experience today. Thank you for a lovely visit and a special gratitude goes to Michael for all his wonderful help this evening.

Honestly what can I say. My friend and I were looking forward to meeting up for a walk and a nice ‘quick’ coffee. We waited for 30 minutes to be seated…and no it wasn’t peak lunchtime. Then waited a further 25minutes for our order to be taken. When we asked if our order could be taken, we were told it was done in seated order. We had asked because 4 sets of people behind us had had their orders taken. We ordered a couple coffees, a portion of chips and cake for my friend and a prepackaged gluten free slice for myself. The chips arrived first. Ten minutes later, the coffees and my friend’s cake. When I asked if I could have my gluten free cake. I was told the kitchen would get it out in a minute. I could see the basket of prepackaged GF from where I was sat. So waited again. Then asked again for it and had it dumpers on my table without a sorry, plate or anything. The whole experience took us 1.5 hours. Absolutely shocking. Don’t bother. We’re local and certainly won’t again. If I could score no stars I would.

We decided to visit the restaurant in Dobbies today, to use a gift card we received last Christmas from a friend. On arrival we were advised that gift cards can’t be used in the restaurant only in the garden centre itself. After a quick look on dobbies website it clearly states in the terms and conditions that gift cards can be used in both the restaurant and the garden centre. The general manager explained that following a new system being fitted they cannot process gift cards. Very disappointed! We visit this garden centre often hence why we were bought the gift card however we will think again in future.

I honestly didn't think I'd picked the right place when I saw the star rating of this place. It most certainly deserves 5 stars! My husband and I visited in the summer and we both had a very reasonably priced giant baked potato for lunch, cooked beautifully (wish I'd put something on tripadvisor then) . Just gone for our second visit and was so happy when I saw the vegan range added to the menu.fantastic choice, I had a smoked harrissa houmous and chargrilled pepper sandwich, the bread was so light and soft and the flavour of the filling was divine. We would usually be fine dining in a hotel this time of year but because of this virus we haven't... Quite glad actually as that sandwich will take a lot of beating in the taste stakes!