Dean's Garden Centre - York

I knew Deans Garden Centre is very popular locally and highly regarded, now I know why. I went for dinner on 2nd February. Very busy at 12 and there was a short queue to get in. Considering how busy it was, the service was excellent as the staff were rushing about yet were polite, helpful and attentive. The menu was very extensive with something to suit every taste. The food was to an excellent standard, portion sizes were generous, prices are on the cheap side of reasonable. This is at a time when many places are cutting quality and portion sizes. Personally I would prefer to have higher prices and maintain quality. Seemed well organised and managed, for example, food brought out on trolleys making the job of the waitress much easier. Very conveniently located close to York. The only drawback of this place seems to be the fact that it gets so busy. I am suprised it has not got a five star rating, it should have. This may just be because it is getting so much custom and you can't keep everyone happy.

A relaxing coffee shop with, mercifully, no music. The coffee is nice and strong but unfortunately it gets cool very quickly. I think it's because the earthenware cups are very thick. We like the scones although sometimes they are over baked.

Only just got round to leaving a review after the festive period. We had the Christmas lunch and it was amazing. Great value for money. Not quite sure why others have complained, but guess people have different requirements when it comes to veg?! Maybe ask for things to be cooked a certain way if this is the case? We also purchased our Christmas decorations and Fresh Tree from here and it was perfect. Very few needles dropped and the assistance in choosing the right tree was fantastic. Thanks to everyone! We will definitely be returning and have already mentioned to friends and family about our visit to Dean's and they have all praised the service, friendly staff, value for money! It really is a great Garden Centre and Coffee Shop, although I would probably call it a restaurant with the range of food it serves!

Reading other reviews that come here regularly or are loyal customers then they leave a bad review after one meal, but never left a good one is really frustrating and I 'm sure it is for all the hardworking staff at Dean 's Garden Centre, both in the Coffee Shop and Garden Centre. We had a fantastic meal yesterday lunch time I had Fish and Chips and my wife had Ciabtta. Well after visiting many times we know how big the portions are, but wow the food is amazing. If we had a poor meal, we would have a quiet word with the manager, not write a poor review on here... Get a grip people and let 's start praising small, family run businesses and support them, rather than try ruin their reputation by one poor meal out of the 50+ you 've probably had...! Anyway I would recommend this place to all friends and family.

I'm so sad to have to write this negative review as myself and my friends have been loyal customers for many years and have enjoyed many enjoyable hours in the coffee shop, but sadly, over the last year/18 months things have slowly gone down hill. Staff are still wonderful. Always very polite, helpful and doing their best during busy times. I appreciate that finding enough staff to run such a busy place is difficult. It is the quality of the food that has gone downhill. Food coming out cold, toast soggy, recipes changed frequently, but this maybe a frequent change of kitchen staff cooking the meals? Porridge and berries yesterday were barely palatable and the last straw for us. All were sent back to be reheated and even then were lukewarm. Three strawberries cut up into tiny segments and 2 raspberries a bowl of lukewarm porridge for £5.99 is a sad example of being way over priced. We don't want to stop coming to Deans, but if we have another disappointing visit next month it will make us do so I'm afraid. Cutting corners is not the way because your regular customers will continue to notice and leave for elsewhere. Sorry!