Dobbies Garden Centre Pennine in Kirklees

On 6/8/24 I was served by a lady named Theresa who was on the till. And let me just say her customer service skills need a lot of work. She scowled her whole time of serving myself and my wife. Just from this one encounter alone I will not be returning which is very disappointing due to the fact it would have been our local garden centre

This is not the place it used to be.Went to buy plants and shrubs/ conifers for a new border.And in spite of the website saying that it was free delivery on orders over £50, was told that it was only on line that this sevice was provided.I asked how you would be able to take a tree home, and was told I would have to hire a van.Everything overpriced, including the food.I know now why the place was so sparsely populated on the day I went, including staff.It used to be a good garden centre, which I have used many times over the years, and they delivered!

I've always found the staff to be friendly, especially Clare in the café who always has a smile. The food is what I'd expect from a garden centre, it's not restaurant quality, but it's certainly decent enough. There's plenty of different plants, for all budgets. It's somewhere I enjoy coming every month

Dobbies have destroyed this once great garden centre. AVOID AVOID AVOID!!! Dead plants for sale hugely over priced rubbish stock, and don’t even get me started on the cafe. The cafe customer service was awful to say the best I can, the food was over priced and mediocre, I got screamed at for needing a tray to put my drinks on, and a witnessed a poor old lady get shouted at for plating up a cake that was put out, because the horrible staff are meant to do it???? Well here’s an idea Dobbies don’t put the cakes out with plates if you’re not supposed to help yourself. Honestly the worst garden centre I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to some pretty bad ones.

Great breakfast with stunning views, nice little cafe dose what it says on the tin. Clean great service and a nice little plant shop

Let’s start with the positive- it’s local. Now it all goes downhill from there. When this was Pennine It used have a buzz and atmosphere. Weber BBQ was a smash, other demos, but generally a nice garden centre. Then Wyevale bought it then sold it to Dobbies and it has gone down a slippery slope since. The restaurant for me is a no go area after too many bad experiences of wrong orders and food irregularities. If Dobbies can’t see these reviews then they either don’t care or things could be to change again. O e way or another it’s not working

Mid-afternoon I asked for a cream scone and black coffee. I was told that cream scones were 2 for 1 this afternoon so I agreed to have 2. “Sorry, there’s only 1 left” so I asked if I could have a different scone. “No, not on this offer”. Scone looked very nice when it came, generously filled with cream and a layer of jam. The scone, however, was very stale, dry and hard, so I left some of it. I now know to avoid scones here because I only like fresh ones.

A quiet morning. Staff were nice. The food was miserable though. A scrambled egg on a full English that was possibly less than one egg! Half a portion of baked beans, made worse (visually) by the half-filled small tub they were served in. Coffee was the worst thin bean soup we've had there - ever. It was pretty expensive for what we were served. What's gone wrong folks?

Three of us went for breakfast. Two breakfasts arrived very quickly but the 3rd never arrived- despite asking the waitress twice and being told it would be out soon. Went to ask the lady who took our order and she had missed a breakfast off. At this point things went from bad to worse. No apology, no effort to try to sort anything out. Looked at her watch and said we couldn’t have another breakfast now because it was too late ( it was a few minutes before 11:30 and they finish at 11:30). When I complained she told me not to be rude and stropped off to get the Manager. The manager was dealing with another unhappy customer who had arrived just before 11:30 am for breakfast with her 2 children - only to be told there was no breakfast food left. My daughter ended up speaking directly to the chef who was stood at the pass and despite front of house telling us we couldn’t have breakfast he managed to cook another breakfast for us. Many thanks to the chef - who was lovely. Very poor customer service from front of house. Our table and many others were left for far too long with dirty plates waiting to be cleared. Then to top everything off - they took so long bringing out the 2nd coffee I ordered (about 20 minutes) I ended up asking for a paper cup to take it out. Not a great experience.

Went with my grandaughter, ordered two toasties, grandaughter received hers but mine never arrived. Upon asking about my food I was told the toaster had broken but they were fixing it. Another 20 mins passed, asked again same reply- by this time we had been there over an hour. Was told I could just have a cold sandwich or something else but as the place was full I asked for a refund. The young lad on the till just kept serving others so I then had to queue another 10 mins to get refunded. Unbelievably bad customer service, no-one came to inform me there was a problem with my food or I could have changed the order earlier. Then not to be refunded immediately was a joke. Many of the staff are quite young and no-one seems to take charge of situations. I suppose as long as the place is busy they don't care. I won't be returning, many more places to go.

Great breakfast 2 for £14 pound fantastic price great speedy service, with a cracking view. Colleagues were happy and friendly.

We were looking forward to eating lunch in the garden centre cafè but it turned out to be a big disappointment. We both ordered smoked salmon topped with sliced potatoes accompanied with vegetables, the salmon was unbelievably salty and the vegetables (broccoli, carrots and peas) were served virtually raw. Did not enjoy one bite of the whole dish.

Well to say we were disappointed is an understatement!! We went to order food to be told half of the menu wasn’t available then when we did get our order WELL it was horrendous we got quiche salad and boiled potatoes , the potatoes Weber microwaved to death they were all shrivelled up the quiche was the same ! The waitress who served us never spoke to us she just plonked the drinks on the table and left . I don’t think we will be going again it is overpriced rubbish 😡

Used to be a lovely clean garden centre with lots of choice restaurant was so good. Since it changed to Debbie's its gone downhill. Everything so expensive, even coffee prices gone up a lot in price. Toilets are dirty and half the taos/toilets not working. Restaurant could do with a good clean. Came in looking for garden bulbs, didn't have any. We used to come all the time when it was Shelley garden centre, but no more.

Very good garden plants but the rest is not is very interesting to visit. The café is only ok, but as we get free hot drinks per month it is really the only reason we visit so regularly.

Wish I had read these reviews before we went to this perticular store. Its says on website that they stop serving food at 4.30 we went to cafe and was told it closes at 3pm and we could have drinks and cakes. I explained that my sister was visiting from abroad and that we had paid 20 pounds each way in taxis to come to the cafe it was 3.15pm could they make us something I got a grumpy no!! Having worked in hospitality for years she could have tried to see if kitchen would make us something in the empty cold lifeless place. We ordered cakes and 2 teas and a latte it was approx 30 pounds no happy Christmas music half dead tree in cafe sloopy service two slices of cake on one plate second plate underneath so waiter didn't have to make two trips??? Dull atmosphere many other customers mentioned how cold it was in the cafe one lady told us they switch off the heating at 3pm i mentioned it to staff seems like its managers desicion staff looked well miserable. Well its true the fish rots from the head!!! The place has so much potential for Christmas trade yet its over priced cold miserable never will i go agian. Wheres your santas grotto or Christmas music in this crissis people won't pay the prices you need to overhaul and up your game and join the real world.

What used to be a bustling cafe is now a graveyard of empty fridges, chairs and tables. There is a sign telling you how to order when you arrive at the cafe which tells you they’ve made it far too complicated a process and got fed up of telling people. Basically have a browse of what you fancy from the empty fridges, then go find a table and note the number, then go to the till to order (hoping no one will choose your table in the meantime) and then go sit down and wait. Drinks arrived quickly and were very good. Staff attentive and smiling. Probably pleased to see human life. It’s a strange one as Dobbies in the other parts of the country are bustling, busy and full. Shelley Dobbies is not. You can see why when half the store is empty of products. The Christmas section used to be brimming with lights, sparkles, music and gifts. I actually walked past it without even seeing it. Disappointing.

We attended today (17/10/2022) with our dog and had driven from Leeds. With it being a lovely sunny day, we were looking forward to sitting outside on the terrace, like we have done in the past at this time of year. The terrace was closed so we asked if it could be opened and were told No. The manager said that it was winter season from September and would be closed until May. The weather was perfect for sitting outside and with us having a dog, we would have had to sit inside in the characterless pets room next to the main cafe which has none of the lovely views enjoyed from the terrace and to a lesser degree from the inside cafe. The manager said to us that it was their rules that the outside area was now closed for the next 7 months, regardless of any fine weather. She then said to us "What if everyone one wanted to sit outside like you, we wouldn't have the staff to serve them". They should ensure that they are not under staffed. Why would any cafe close areas to reduce the number of customers. I pointed out that the cafe wasn't full and we would take our own coffees out. I also told her that the outside had previously been open at this time of year. I have sat outside in February. She (wrongly) seemed to dispute this fact. We won't be going again. Their ordinary coffee is made palatable by the lovely views from the terrace, but seeing that they can't be bothered applying a bit of common sense, we can't be bothered driving 26 miles to be sat in a side room.

Absolutely useless cafe. Closes at random. Used to be heaving now it’s completely deserted. Did have 3 very busy tills ... now one unmanned one.

We used to go regularly under previous owners before COVID and thought we go here againfor a change. Wen we parked the car, we did wonder why the car park was so quiet, particularly on August Bank Holiday Sunday. But we went in anyway for tea, coffee and cake and were thoroughly disappointed with the general lack of organisation in the cafe and poor service. There is a lack of staff and those that were around didnt seem bothered. There were crumbs on table and chairs from previous people which I had to brush off, the tea was scalding hot and not nice, milk was slightly off leaving floaty bits in tea, the coffe was ok apparently, but cakes were tasteless and stodgy (probably bought wholesale from somewhere), the prices were expensive in the cafe too. The ladies toilets were absolutely disgusting - in first cubicle the loo holder wasn't working, next one was OK, next one locked (it didn't look like anyone was in there), next one was blocked and not flushed, next one had a notice that it was broken - with previous owners the toilets were often broken as were some sinks. After our experience today, we will definitely never be going back. There are plenty of other garden centres with cafes that are many many times better and plenty of nice tea shops.

Apparently there was no gas and therefore no chips! Service very slow. Disappointed with our visit on this occasion.

Very average. Scampi was on the menu but no longer available so I went for fish and chips. The fish was over cooked. Sadly, the garden centre has lost its character since being taken over by a chain. The staff were lovely though,

Oh dear! What a terrible decline in both quality and service. Food offering made school dinners look like Michelin star rated. Service so badly let down by teenage couldn’t care less attitude. Refurb whilst some now looks more like nursing home waiting room. This used...

Lunch was served quickly by friendly, professional staff. Food was of good quality, generous portions and well presented. Staff were understanding of my mum, who has dementia. Facilities are lovely and clean and restaurant has excellent views over the surrounding countryside.

We popped in for a quick toastie for Saturday lunch. Once seated, we were offered someone else's bacon rolls, then a waiter came to take our order. By this point we hadn't seen a menu. I had to ask the 3rd person who dropped by...

We called in for just coffees but there was a wait to be seated, then a further wait for someone to take our order plus of course a wait for the drinks. We were placed next to a group booking of about 16 people so...

We had the fish & chips in the restaurant. OK with an offer, and nicely cooked. but very small portion and poor value at £10.75.

Glad I hadn't read any reviews before visiting. Lot's of staff, really lovely toasties, followed by a cake.. Prefer the table service rather than queuing to order at the till, whilst coffee going cold!! Hopefully this will be the norm as it's a lovely big...

The third time I've visited without any food or drink. Still doing table service ( don't know why when there isn't enough staff) and after 35 minutes still weren't served. Such a shame as it used to be fab.

I fail to see why thes have had such poor reviews. Went today to buy seeds and out of the blue decided to stay for lunch I had a ham and cheese toast i.e. And my wife had a jacket potato with cheese and beans...

I've visited 3 times for breakfast in the last couple of months, and each time have been told they're not serving food today. Just cakes and coffee. Cake for breakfast!? They advertise as serving breakfast till 11.30, but clearly that is not the case. I...

I left visiting the garden centre cafe because of the either non existent food , dirty conditions and haphazard service. Then I decided to try again today and met a friend. Cafe opens at 9 . However we were told it wouldn’t be opening til...

I visited this week as part of a larger group for breakfast with the big man himself (Santa). The elves were great, they really made an effort to engage with the children and make us all laugh. But Santa could have done with a few...

Pre-booked an afternoon tea for a vegetarian, vegan and a child - I visited with my mum and 13 month old daughter and we'd booked for 1pm. When we arrived we were told by the waitress that the chef would be informed so our afternoon...

Went in with my son for lunch. Lots of fuss over 10 mins waiting for a table and 10 mins wait for a server when not even busy. Ordered two lots of fish and chips to be charged there and then at the table (what’s...

Came in with my mum for some lunch as we live locally and have always been customers of the garden centre for at least 20 years. Went to the restaurant and was told to wait to be seated which was fine, however when you have...

Visited looking to buy a new Christmas tree and have lunch. Pulled up in the car park and thought it strange that there were very few cars. On entering I realised why. The place is appalling. Badly set out and the Christmas display was terrible....

Wednesday 3rd November 2021 . Meals advertised on Boards but,Only Coffee and Cakes due to a shortage of staff. Good if your looking for House Plants ,Christmas Decorations and Candles. Gone are all the Special teas,Sauces ,Fancy biscuits ect. Very few items for Christmas Presents....

Today wait visited dobby's garden centre ah Shelly. This is the first time I have been for a number of years, and decided to have some lunch quite frankly the whole experiences was dreadful not the experience we had remembered. My husband chose a tikka...

Skinny portions and expensive for what you get at the restaurant - staff friendly enough. Young man on the till on exiting the garden centre was extremely surley - obviously wishing he was somewhere else (additional training in customer services advised). Not sure about returning...

Visited 14th October for some bulbs at the same time thought we would have lunch. Took ages to be seated then told only baked potatoes, toasties and sandwiches. Would have been helpful if told this before we even sat down otherwise we may not have...

Thought we’d stop off for a quick bite to eat and a cuppa before an afternoon of work. We were seated quickly but by someone who clearly worked in the garden centre and not the cafe. Our order was taken quickly and that’s about the...

Since Dobbies took over this garden centre it has massively gone downhill. The cafe is a joke. I meet a friend on a weekly basis there because it is situated roughly halfway between our homes. First of all cafe was closed altogether.. then only open...

Visited today, been a while since we were there & surprised how quiet it was. Asked a staff member for help & she was extremely friendly & went over & above. We were looking for vegetable plants & these were found easily & looked healthy....

Used to visit the cafe every morning for toast and coffee. What a shame the standards have gone down so much. Not enough staff and waited half an hour to be served at 10am. Customers who came in after us was served first. Waited another...

I was really disappointed at how little choice and how closed it looked when visiting in the summer holidays. Plenty of garden centre visitors but what was on offer looked overpriced. Poor, it used to look inviting.

On arrival someone eventually acknowledged our presence waiting to be seated and we were shown to the table furthest away even though my mother uses a stick. Someone took our order and brought our drinks quickly enough but our toasted teacakes hadn't arrived by the...

This garden centre has really gone downhill since Dobbies took over. Small tray of bedding plants over £8, foxglove £15, solar lantern three times the price of the garden centre we went to last week. There are many many garden centres a lot cheaper than...

This place has problems that seem to be more about poor management than the waiting staff. We had a terrible experience as they forgot/ said the order had gone through, then finally brought the wrong sandwich for one of the three items. The jacket potato...

Visited restaurant today and suffered an attack of sciatica Iwas asked to wait until I’d been cleared I waited a few minutes and then told the lady I was in pain due to sciatica and needed to sit She saidshe was sorry but I would...

Slow moving queue to enter ( at 11am) , made to show COVID-19 setting history as not believed after doing QR scan whilst waitress was busy, freezing cold due to every window being open for ventilation , badly lit , depressing seating area near toilets,...

The process for seating/t&t was invisible so when I left my wife to pay and find a seat outside the supervisor rudely shouted the instructions across the entire cafe. The instructions were in fact on a small A5 board propped up on a counter. The...

Very poor show, took mum as an 88th birthday outing, had to ask to leave track and trace, wait to pay was so long hot drinks went cold before I got back to our table, after an hour and 5 Min still no chicken sandwiches...

The café was terribly overpriced, cost £15 for a toastie, chips, drink, a bun and a biscuit. This price would have been reasonable had the food been nice, but the lemon meringue tasted like cardboard and the chips were clearly oven chips. In other local...

Most of staff helpful & friendly but the main assistant was very brosque & unhelpful.Long wait for food with no apology as they had forgotten the order & then not very warm! Even though ate on eat to help out pricey for quantity & quality...

The cafe is spacious with great views. The food is a little overpriced but it is OK and worth visiting if you are in the area.

Made our first visit to Shelley for breakfast yesterday, arriving at 9.30am. So disappointed to see the level of periferal cleanliness had not improved despite the pandemic and our expectations of improved hygiene. Lots of crumbs on the low level window ledge and cobwebs with...

Ordered food to take away as was with kids and dog. After waiting about 25 minutes and spending just short of £20 i got a Ham sandwich, Kids sandwich box, some chhesy chips very small portion and kids a biscuit each! Very dissapointed and outraged...

It was nice to receive a birthday greeting for the first time from Dobies. Offering a variety of cakes and drink for 2 was very good, however, when my wife and myself went to the Pennine garden centre for this offer, we were told by...

Dobbies, please read the reviews and take action. Called today for breakfast and waited 25 minutes. The cafe wasn't even busy. This has happened before and unfortunately, we will not be returning, hoping for 3rd time lucky. The staff are doing their best, but more...

We decided to have lunch. In the past, we were able to get an over 60’s lunch, which included a main, sweet and a drink. This is now only available on a Tuesday, today is Wednesday. However, my husband was able to order soup and...

Arrived at 3.40 with Grandchildren for a snack. No Toasted teascakes so ordered 'Fruit Scones' £2,40 each, bone dry and containing very little fruit. Coffee station was being cleaned, this was 50 minutes before restaurant closure, we were able to get drinks at self service....

Really gone downhill - we used to really enjoy meeting here for lunch but the quality of the food has dropped so much it’s almost inedible.

As previous posters have said, used to be good but now, appalling isn't too strong a word to describe this shambles. Bargain basement quality products at over inflated prices, ie £1.95 fo a can of irn bru in the cafe. Last visit from us I'm...

A very tasty lunch of x2 Salmon fishcakes with Hollandaise sauce, dry crispy chips and a fresh salad. Really enjoyed this one.

Called for coffee & scones latte was so weak it was like hot milk,(only allowed 1 shot of coffee apparently) scones were dissappointing appear to warmed up not fresh baked also only blackcurrant jam available. Gluten free choices were not good either no fresh cake...

Cafe used to be good now it's pretty dire. Slow, rubbish overpriced food. No atmosphere selling ridiculous products that you can get in Home Bargains. The Christmas decorations for sale were atrocious. Used to come a fair bit. Won't bother now. Really sad another big...

One lady on the drinks counter making coffees/lattes/cappuccinos and serving the cakes (a very sad, empty fridge with only 2 choices of cakes) It was 11.30am and we queued for a good 10 minutes for a latte. As we passed at 12, the lunch rush...

Visited today,just toast and coffee in the cafe,bog standard white square bread,rather unemaginative,take some inspiration from Costa,great white toast for no more effort!The Indore store is more like a wannabe supermarket,full of overpriced stuff that people who visit places like this don't want and decorations...

We visited at lunchtime as it's a couple of years since our last visit and on several occasions in the past we have enjoyed the food here which included several sunday roasts. One of us ordered the Festive turkey dinner, for the price of almost...

Poor service, poor quality and poor training of staff. Unsure about allergens, 35 minutes to get served. Luke warm coffee Absolute disgrace

This was our first visit since it has changed hands. Almost the same layout as previously and I must say we were a little dissapointed at the lack of range of Christmas decorations etc. It appears that more space has been allocated to Christmas goodies...

We ordered a tuna mayo sandwich on brown bread to share. Also got two teas and my husband got a coconut macaroon. The staff are always friendly and chatty. The sandwich came with a salad not just a few limp lettuce leaves but slices of...