GastroRanking-logo
3,25

Based on 1.921 opinions finded in 2 websites

3.3Ambience3.3Cuisine3.8Price3.8Service
site_photo4

comment_iconOpinions

This garden centre is first off bit on the pricey side. However there are good selections of products. Very interesting and unusual fishes to look at and buy. Worth a visit....

site_logo

Paul Hammond . 2024-09-13

MORE AT Google

Good selection for all your indoor and outdoor gardening needs.

site_logo

Justina Wright . 2024-09-02

MORE AT Google

Lots to look at, great food in the restaurant.

site_logo

Susan Matthews . 2024-08-23

MORE AT Google

Brilliant place, has friendly staff. Nice food and a nice soft play for the kids. All stock is reasonably priced and the cafe is brilliant.

site_logo

Worco Entertainment . 2024-08-22

MORE AT Google

Amazing afternoon tea. So much yummy food, we all had to take the leftovers home.

site_logo

JUSTINA RAISTRICK . 2024-08-11

MORE AT Google

Great garden centre, highly recommend

site_logo

Bodman12 . 2024-08-10

MORE AT Google

I hadn't ever been here till the other day, and all I can say is, wow! I picked up all the things I needed, and the flowers are just amazing and the aquatic part is just full of fishes definitely where I'll be going to get my fish for my pond and my little one absolutely loved seeing all the different kind of fish ❤️ 100% recommend

site_logo

XCharlottex Xx . 2024-08-06

MORE AT Google

Great place to go for a few hours, nice café for breakfast, coffee or lunch. Soft play area for younger children. Amazing tropical fish area with a huge selection of fish and aquariums to suit all pockets and experience. Lots of gardening paraphernalia that you didn't know you wanted :)

site_logo

Kay Cox . 2024-07-30

MORE AT Google

Great shopping centre. Spent a lot longer here than planned due to being bigger than expected but was great. Can’t fault it.

site_logo

Adrian . 2024-07-29

MORE AT Google

I have just moved from the North of England to Woodbridge Suffolk and am always looking for Gluten free food. Here they have a lovely freedom breakfast, so lovely to enjoy.

site_logo

Shirley-May Hardy . 2024-07-20

MORE AT Google

Very interesting products and nice food in the restaurant 🙂

site_logo

Sarah Norton . 2024-07-16

MORE AT Google

Went here yesterday with a coach party Sandwiches ..bread not nice Everything very Expensive Staff not very helpful ..no cutlery available .

site_logo

Sharon Daniels . 2024-07-13

MORE AT Google

Always enjoy a visit here, as the garden part is extensive and the staff are knowledgeable. Shop also has homeware, garden ware, toys, books, etc, plus a soft play area (book in advance), and restaurant. Meals are good quality, and dogs are allowed.

site_logo

Lewis Kirby . 2024-07-12

MORE AT Google

Only popped in as 2 year old granddaughter needed the toilet. Place looked lovely. I'll be back solo!

site_logo

carol stewart . 2024-07-09

MORE AT Google

A long wait for mediocre coffee. Very busy. Another day a different experience. Service was polite and speedy

site_logo

Maureen Wheeldon . 2024-07-08

MORE AT Google

Nice cafe area, friendly staff, lovely selection of cakes, but it's cold in the Cafe itself especially in winter time.

site_logo

Cyndi Martin . 2024-07-08

MORE AT Google

Nice large clean store, plenty of staff about to give help and advice.

site_logo

Shirl Sampson . 2024-07-04

MORE AT Google

Although we have a great time having coffee in the restaurant and a great selection of cakes, today's visit was somewhat of an eye opener. A busy time with a massive queue three times the order taker disappeared to serve food-there were plenty doing this-then to discuss something with the chef, and then to take some refuse out. My wife wondered where the hell I had got to. Come on guy's let's have a bit more organisation and emptying refuse isn't that hygienic when in a food environment.

site_logo

gary harper . 2024-06-28

MORE AT Google

We visited the cafe as we have many times before, sadly it will probably be the last time we will visit there for anything to eat. There is a new menu where the prices have risen substantially, a prawn sandwich at £9.49 is way to expensive, the bread is not particularly good, everything appears to have got up but the standards definitely have not. No tables were being cleaned after people had left, the table we were on I cleaned with wipes I had in my handbag. We have been to other garden centre cafes where they have a separate area for customers with dogs, at times at Dobbies it has seemed like we were sitting in a kennel, we like dogs and have had them in the past but would not have thought to take them into a place where people are eating. We have seen dogs on knees and being given food at the tables and when left the tables have not been cleaned before someone else has sat at them. Not sure if this is due to staff shortages or that the staff on duty are just too busy to clear and clean tables.

site_logo

lizzyrick . 2024-06-24

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I'm afraid to say that I would advise avoiding this place, and won't be going back. We're used to the wrong food coming out, cold food, long queues, etc. But those aren't major problems and staff usually do their best to help. Today, two breakfasts came out wrong and staff didn't know which one was gluten free (a problem for coeliacs). The member of staff did not listen to what the problem was and wandered off with one of the breakfasts and not the other. Came back and it was still wrong (probably because the didn't stay to listen to what was wrong). Still didn't know if it was gluten free or not. After trying to speak to her again, she raised her voice and told us to speak to the kitchen staff instead. After 40 minutes, and everybody else in our group having eaten, we finally got the two breakfasts. Not exactly what we'd ordered and cold but near enough. Mistakes happen, it's how we deal with them that's important, and this fell very short of the mark.

site_logo

Duncan S . 2024-06-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Great selection of plants and pots and everything you could need

site_logo

Raechal Simpson . 2024-06-15

MORE AT Google

A wide range of products available. A pet zone and aquarium as well as the expected range of plants. Other outlets such as Mountain Warehouse were also on site. Everything you would expect from a great Garden Centre.

site_logo

Rodney Button . 2024-06-14

MORE AT Google

It's a lovely garden centre haven't used the cafe but it looks nice and clean

site_logo

Paul Burden . 2024-06-13

MORE AT Google

Lovely selection of plants and gifts, easy parking and a varied choice on the menu in the restaurant

site_logo

Linda Joy . 2024-06-13

MORE AT Google

Love going to Dobbies and spend lots of time going round. The restaurant is lovely with plenty of food choices.

site_logo

Karen Dennis . 2024-06-12

MORE AT Google

Great garden centre with restaurant

site_logo

Brian Woods . 2024-06-11

MORE AT Google

Great visit staff friendly and helpful.

site_logo

Alan Smith . 2024-06-09

MORE AT Google

Very nice garden centre, good choice of plants at reasonable prices. Indoor selection of goods could do with an overhaul as when we visited it was looking a little tired (leaky roof).

site_logo

Michelle Needham . 2024-06-09

MORE AT Google

Bought loads of lovely plants, plus a few extra things I couldn't resist.

site_logo

Elaine Panther . 2024-06-06

MORE AT Google

Nice garden centre, lot's of different things to see and buy. Downside very expensive compaired to others in the area.

site_logo

Gary Trimmer . 2024-06-04

MORE AT Google

Great breakfast at a great price.

site_logo

Multi Strickland . 2024-06-02

MORE AT Google

Good selection of plants. Great fry up too.

site_logo

David Wright . 2024-05-29

MORE AT Google

A pleasant garden centre and food outlet (why we visited). Food hall and toilets were clean. There was a good selection of cakes.

site_logo

Deek4 King . 2024-05-29

MORE AT Google

Beautiful plants and flowers. A couple of shops. Lovely cafe. Cheese scones were delicious.

site_logo

Sharlene . 2024-05-27

MORE AT Google

Good garden centre and a very generous restaurant

site_logo

Judi Strain . 2024-05-25

MORE AT Google

Very expensive and slightly grubby.

site_logo

Brian Allott . 2024-05-22

MORE AT Google

Lovely garden centre and dog friendly as well, which is very helpful 😀

site_logo

Paul Mylod . 2024-05-17

MORE AT Google

Very helpful all my questions answered now have a happy fish pond

site_logo

Christopher Baldry . 2024-05-13

MORE AT Google

Our brunch stop on the way to Southwold every year. Food is good, staff are pleasant however the prices have gotten higher of late.

site_logo

Jacqui Espin . 2024-05-03

MORE AT Google

Overpriced child standard roast dinners. Asked one of the servers for the sauces that were supposed to come with them, saw girl telling lady who prepared our food, but more disappointingly we never had our sauces or any acknowledgement. Won’t be ordering roast again and we could see why not many people were having the roast either.

site_logo

Gary Lee . 2024-04-28

MORE AT Google

This is about the cafe. Had to queue for over 30 mins just to get order taken. Really need to sort the ordering out, as they have to take bookings for the soft play area as well, which slows down everyone wanting food. Menu could be more transparent too for example I wanted soup and sandwich, with sandwich being 'selected fillings' but no idea what that means. It actually means stripped down versions of the normal sandwiches, so cheese only not cheese and pickle like the menu or tuna without the cucumber. Only one till operating too but stop the playroom bookings it makes for a horrendous experience

site_logo

J V . 2024-04-27

MORE AT Google

Dobbies is a good value garden centre for everyday gardening essentials and is conveniently situated off the Grundisburgh Hasketon roundabout on the A12. It also offers good accessibility in and around the site with blue badge spaces and toilet facilities although some areas such as the non-gardening and retail areas could benefit from being wider and less cramped. The plant range is basic, well cared for and aimed toward the customer who is just starting out in gardening or the no frills traditional gardener. It is not a place for the plantsperson or seeker of the more unusual varieties. The site also offers a cafe with outdoor seating, for those rare dry and sunny days. An added incentive is Dobbies loyalty card plus that rewards with a free hot drink every month and in addition a birthday drink and cake! Overall, Dobbies is a good basic value garden centre.

site_logo

Ally Walker . 2024-04-25

MORE AT Google

New name but same as when it was Wyevale. Can be bit pricey!!

site_logo

Di Turner . 2024-04-25

MORE AT Google

Quick stop for lunch, it was tasty and reasonably quick!

site_logo

Paul Walker . 2024-04-23

MORE AT Google

Great choice of plants with nice cafe 😀

site_logo

Robert Martin . 2024-04-19

MORE AT Google

Very poor service. Could do with a couple more staff.

site_logo

TJ T . 2024-04-13

MORE AT Google

You need it, they have it , great range, great service. Food is amazing plus your great membership

site_logo

Goose Go . 2024-04-13

MORE AT Google

Thankyou to the brilliant first aider who helped my wife after she fell over this morning. Nothing was too much trouble. Thanks again

site_logo

Terence Burch . 2024-04-12

MORE AT Google

You can buy everything you need

site_logo

John Clarke . 2024-04-09

MORE AT Google

We called in to Dobbies for a cuppa & cake after a fairly long journey. First call was the loo. Every cubicle in-the ladies had loo paper strewn on the floor. Whilst drying my hands under the very slow drier, I could see from the rota on the wall, it stated that the last time the toilets were checked was at 10am. It was now 14.15. The queue in the restaurant was really long & slow. Finally, I ordered 2 fruit scones & tea. Our order was brought to us very quickly ( but sadly, with no smile or interaction with us!!) We had great difficulty slicing the scones as they were the flattest scones I’ve ever seen! On trying to slice them,they both disintegrated & fell apart. We buttered & ate them with great difficulty!! Very annoying & it really felt like a mission to try & eat a simple scone!!! Our tea,however, was good, hot & strong. Unfortunately, not a good visit. .

site_logo

DJC . 2024-04-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Great quality flowers and plants with a very clean Café

site_logo

Rev Simon Hodding . 2024-03-30

MORE AT Google

A huge range of products that didn't include what I wanted.

site_logo

Paul Atkin . 2024-03-30

MORE AT Google

Loads of different types of plants, plugs shrubs etc. But... not the ones I wanted, maybe it's a bit early in the year!!

site_logo

Rob Gooch . 2024-03-19

MORE AT Google

The shop was nice but the food in the café was a let down.

site_logo

David Rew . 2024-03-17

MORE AT Google

First, I asked for a pot of tea. This was the only good thing that had happened as the waiter who gave it to me was lovely and it was enjoyable to speak to him. Then, I asked for a mini breakfast. This consists of pork sausage, bacon, hash brown, baked beans, and a free range egg. Didn’t get the hash brown. There was no sausage, so they gave me extra bacon. It was salty and cold. My mother told a waiter that my breakfast came without a hash brown, and she didn’t really seem to care. 10 minutes later, still no hash brown. All of the food was cold, and the bacon was tough. If I could rate it a 0, I would. Overall, horrible experience and won’t be coming back.

site_logo

Evie . 2024-03-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Love Dobbies! We're club members and visit at least once a month to enjoy our free coffee/drinks and buy a new plant/herb for our garden.

site_logo

Nina Johannessen . 2024-03-16

MORE AT Google

Always a good selection of plants available, especially as spring time approaches.

site_logo

CaughtOnDigital . 2024-03-13

MORE AT Google

Went here for breakfast on mother's Day. And due to it being dog friendly. We apparently had a customer complain. But the thing that was disappointing was that all the booked tables for the mother's day lunch were all set. So people where being turned away. Or being forced from there tables by other customers. Considering breakfast only lasts an hour. There would have been plenty of time to set the tables properly for the mother's day lunch Rush. Poor servery and poor hosting of this company. This was recommended by other family members. Was our the first time there, we will not be coming back.

site_logo

Kate . 2024-03-13

MORE AT Google

Polite knowledgeable staff and a nice cafe - perfect way to kill 3 hours

site_logo

mark fivecortina . 2024-03-09

MORE AT Google

Great place to wander around with many beautiful gifts, greeting cards, and books. The cafe is basic, but offers vegan and gluten free options. The fish and chips were gluten free and delicious!!

site_logo

Suzie B Gluten-Free! . 2024-03-07

MORE AT TripAdvisor

This is OK and there was one member of staff who was very knowledgeable about the products they stocked. However, we felt that although all plants looked in very good condition, they were very expensive and the selection wasn't that great. Like so many garden centres nowadays, they seem to be concentrating more on the side products as opposed to the plants themselves. Personally, I don't go to a garden centre to buy clothes which you can get from the manufacturers website much cheaper. At the till, the woman who served us really didn't seem to know what she was doing all the time. Wanting to sell us their loyalty card, but not explaining the benefits until asked and didn't bother to explain that when she asked for me to insert my payment card, it wasn't in payment but rather to verify my card for their loyalty card. So I was then surprised when she asked me to insert my card again. So, there is supposed to be a 30 day trial of their loyalty card but I have no idea if verifying my debit card has now registered it to take payments for the privilege of having said loyalty card. The woman serving us really didn't seem to know exactly what she was doing and certainly not in informing the customer what she was doing, and she was taking so long in NOT doing so, we just wanted to get out of there.

site_logo

Tania . 2024-03-05

MORE AT Google

Was given a £20 voucher so used in the cafe for lunch today March 5th 2024 and not impressed table was dirty floor dirty cobwebs hanging from walls and ceiling dogs allowed to occupy seating in dining area the menu cards are shabby and dirty my husband and I won't be dining here again.

site_logo

kathleen newman . 2024-03-05

MORE AT Google

Everything you need for the garden

site_logo

Tony Smith . 2024-02-29

MORE AT Google

Ordered food from here today, I saw two mice run across the cafe which really put me off after paying for overpriced food which is pretty standard. Staff seem pretty miserable and lots of leaks in the roof! There was buckets of water all around the shop which is a hazard

site_logo

Katie Thrower . 2024-02-29

MORE AT Google

Can get very busy around lumch time

site_logo

Andrew Court . 2024-02-29

MORE AT Google

Great garden centre with great restaurant

site_logo

Graham White . 2024-02-28

MORE AT Google

Not the best Dobbies we have been to. The main building has plenty of leaks in the roof. Decent selection of plants etc. Decent parking.

site_logo

martin ainger . 2024-02-25

MORE AT Google

A nicely stocked garden centre with restaurant and pet shop attached. Aim to visit start to mid February for small plugs of summer bedding plants. It's not the cheapest but great if you want to pick out specific varieties or keep to a colour scheme. Lots of houseplants are kept in good condition with lots of accessories for sale. Light and airy with lots of free parking. Wheelchair accessible and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

site_logo

Jaye Na . 2024-02-20

MORE AT Google

Overpriced and poor quality food. I ordered a fish finger sandwich, the fish was brown not white as a fishfinger sandwwich should be, I said I cannot eat this and they didn't seem to care. Made me wait until I had to remind them that I was waiting. Then was given a soggy Croque Monsieur. AT over £8.00 for a sandwich. Avoid.

site_logo

P Saunders . 2024-02-11

MORE AT Google

Food was awful and service was rubbish. Had sold out of alot by 1pm! Don't understand why the restaurant was so busy!

site_logo

Emma Needs . 2024-02-10

MORE AT Google

Plenty on offer gardening wise great cafe friendly helpful staff nice and relaxed

site_logo

Kenneth NOBLE . 2024-02-07

MORE AT Google

Disappointed and cross! Something needs to be done about wait to order food! Arrived at Cafe at 10:55 and joined queue of ~5 people to order breakfast. Finally got to till, placed order and paid at 11:20 but then guy from kitchen shouted 'no more breakfasts'! Left store hungry!!! What was more annoying, as queuing, a member of staff walked past with 2 breakfasts and took into main shop!

site_logo

Chris Humphries . 2024-02-01

MORE AT Google

Great east little place to take your kid to soft play and have a coffee

site_logo

tribsabenny . 2024-01-31

MORE AT Google

Had a tasty free tea today as it was my birthday treat from them.🥮

site_logo

Bruce Wakefield . 2024-01-27

MORE AT Google

Great to get a bit of everything there

site_logo

Alexa Barnett . 2024-01-25

MORE AT Google

We have been regulars here for ten years and despite moving to Harwich from Ipswich we still return. Excellent stock, good quality, well layed out, friendly staff and superb restaurant with wonderful service. Yep, we're big fans.

site_logo

Neil Faulkner . 2024-01-07

MORE AT Google

Lovely to wander around the gardens some things are pricey The shop laid out beautifully was a pleasure to see The restaurant very busy at times..but food and service good I will beck 2024

site_logo

Rosemarie Winters . 2023-12-31

MORE AT Google

Managed to get some real bargains after Christmas. Very helpful staff and a nice cup of tea

site_logo

Sally Brown . 2023-12-30

MORE AT Google

I thought they were good. Lovely internal home items and garden items. Plants are of really good health, prices reasonable for the quality of plants. My only suggestion is they don't stock much outdoor lighting for a garden centre. Loved their house plant range very much. I will note I've visited in Winter, so maybe in the summer they may have more of interest, I'll go again and see

site_logo

Lynden Flack . 2023-12-28

MORE AT Google

Ft.interesant,Pentru cei care iubesc RUSTICUL

site_logo

DUMITRU ACUNUNE . 2023-12-22

MORE AT Google

Plenty of choice from snacks to main meal.

site_logo

Lesley Mortimer . 2023-12-22

MORE AT Google

I called here two weekends for their Christmas Dinner but they had sold out each time! After the 2nd time I was told to try on a weekday so I booked a day off work and went today Tuesday 12 Dec at midday in plenty of time I thought. Waited about 15 minutes in line but thought would be worth it this time. Only to be told I should have booked online and there was none available I was told nothing about this when called at either weekend. But we did buy some very nice Christmas decorations. I would have booked if only I was told about it! There was a separate menu on tables of which nothing was available! So why were they on table? There was nothing on menu about booking online! I was not very happy as looked a very nice dinner if your lucky enough to get one! Guess I will have to wait until next year now as have no more days off. You can understand I was not happy one bit! Updated 21 Dec 2023, finally managed got to try the Dobbies Christmas dinner it was very nice and staff were very friendly. I give the Christmas pudding five stars Black forest cheesecake five stars and main dinner four stars. I would definitely go again now I know you can pre-book.

site_logo

David Bloomfield . 2023-12-21

MORE AT Google

Me, my daughter and my grandson ,went to see father Christmas, near the Woodbridge roundabout, easy to find big parking spice ,found Santa's grotto walked in. We were meet by an elf, walk around. He had a little map. We had to find the animals hidden in the trees. My grandson loved it walking through the pretty lights. We met at elf on the chair with fur cones and they covered it with seeds and butter. My grandson thoroughly enjoyed it then went on and had a picture with my grandson in the elf suits then went on to see father Christmas and he loved every minute of it. My grandson ,he's autistic and he loved the pretty lights and he actually made a smile cuz he let Santa Claus touch him on the shoulder and have a photo with Santa, for him it's a very big achievement for my little grandson, , we all had a wonderful time and it was so well set out, and well worth the money. We had the book first for a time slot but it was well worth it

site_logo

harry farrow . 2023-12-18

MORE AT Google

Really enjoyed the afternoon tea, excellent service and lovely food.

site_logo

jason davey . 2023-12-18

MORE AT Google

A hollow experience, cafe needs a good clean.

site_logo

Graham Pewter . 2023-12-18

MORE AT Google

Excellent selection of Xmas trees

site_logo

Martin Pakes . 2023-12-10

MORE AT Google

Very nice and the coffee was great too

site_logo

Kim Malcolmson . 2023-12-07

MORE AT Google

Better in the spring and summer. Too much Xmas decorations this time of year.

site_logo

MARK THEOBALD . 2023-12-04

MORE AT Google

Very limited range of fairies to go on top of Christmas trees! Think there was just two - the same but one white and the other cream. Expected more!

site_logo

Dobby TheHouseElf . 2023-12-03

MORE AT Google

It was busy and service was a bit slow but they where understaffed and did what they could.

site_logo

angie collins . 2023-12-02

MORE AT Google

Came for a mice pie and hot drink today. The new table service is a nightmare, waited over 15 minutes, ran out of mince pies that I had paid for so had to have a replacement, very disappointed. Service has gone to pot.

site_logo

Paul Kent . 2023-12-02

MORE AT Google

Always a great selection. Fun to walk around. A bit pricey

site_logo

Steven Taylor . 2023-11-27

MORE AT Google

Could spend hours here, especially with children. Great fun in the soft play, the fish are wonderful and the cafe is delicious.

site_logo

Claire Haskew . 2023-11-26

MORE AT Google

Ladies toilet in a poor state, big puddles of water, lack of toilet rolls. Not enough staff to adequately run the restaurant, tables not cleared and no forks to eat with, drinks arrived after food eaten ,(with fingers) staff are doing their best, but all in all it is a shambles. Very poor experience.

site_logo

Ann Black . 2023-11-25

MORE AT Google

Fab garden centre, good site, cafe and staff on hand x

site_logo

Joanne Bebbington . 2023-11-24

MORE AT Google

I find Dobbies quite a miserable place to visit there was nothing there to make me want to buy for Christmas. Perhaps they should go to Notcuts for some ideas

site_logo

Barbara Smith . 2023-11-22

MORE AT Google

I always enjoy going to the garden for a mooch and a coffee. Dobbies has a pretty good range and the staff always seem lovely. Their Christmas range is good but I do wish they'd make a bit more of an effort with the displays like other garden centres do.

site_logo

Laura Abbs . 2023-11-15

MORE AT Google

Good garden centre, always busy. Has a good restaurant.

site_logo

clive everett . 2023-11-12

MORE AT Google

Every time I use the cafe wether is busy or quiet the service is so so slow, and there is always a lot of staff working in there. I would rather go to Notcutts

site_logo

b h . 2023-11-11

MORE AT Google

I got my baby buns from the pet store here! I love this place! But all their rabbits are so cute soon I'll be overrun by buns!

site_logo

milkscomic . 2023-11-05

MORE AT Google

Similary restaurants in East of England