Elm Court Garden Centre Restaurant in Medway

Go occasionally,but have noticed a drop off in standard,like everywhere good and not so good points, Food is reasonable but prices are little silly now in certain areas,staff vary between excellent and somewhat arrogant, Probably biggest moan,how long you have to wait if your lucky it’s 30/40 minutes,so they take your order,15 minutes later you get coffee,tea etc,time meal arrives it’s either stone cold or you’ve drunk it.odd. Ben

We have just been for festive afternoon tea, It was amazing so much food and endless tea and coffee,the staff had made it look really special,we will definitely be going again the team of Joe,Caroline and Tori were exceptional so attentive.One of the best afternoon teas I have had.

Would have given it no stars if I could. Had to wait over 45 mins for a cold small poor quality and overcooked breakfast this morning - just terrible. Like to drink my tea with my meal but my tea had long gone by the time the meals turned up. Has really gone downhill.

We visited here for the first time as we saw they stocked Lemax Christmas models. They had a fabulous display set up and a huge variety. We then decided to stay and try one of the on site restaurants. We chose the Italian and it was a nice little treat. It’s ’cheap and cheerful’, so don’t go expecting home cooked Italian, but it was lovely for a quick and easy lunch.

Popped in for a lunch with friends. Great food and atmosphere. Garden centre is also really good. Cannot wait to try the new Italian that has recently opened !!

Booked afternoon tea for family on Saturday Great greeting when we arrived the table was set up beautiful. Service was fantastic the lady who looked after us was jo the team leader by her badge. she was very professional and polite and kept us supplied with tea and coffee and The food was lovely . Thank you jo and her team for a great afternoon. Would recomed it .

Elm Court Garden Centre Capstone Road Gillingham Kent With its large car park, toilet facilities, restaurant, garden cafe and the Italian diner, this establishment caters for all your needs. You can practically spend all day browsing for all your gardening requirements There are numerous artificial and real plants, flowers and shrubs to choose from. All shapes and sizes of pots are also available on display. They have a variety of garden furniture and wooden outbuildings to suit all tastes. All in all a very pleasant place to spend time enjoying browsing what’s on offer.

We went to look at garden furniture - not food and not, on this occasion, plants. There have perhaps 40 displays of which 4 or 5 were kind of what we were looking for. In the end, we bought a Hartman set plus a steel pergola to go over it all. Jamie, who seems to look at this this section, was just great. Not pushy but around to help answer questions. We also bought 300 plus click clack 30cm square outdoor tiles - never seen them anywhere else but perfect for us. Delivery was within a few days and the team, who we agreed would assemble everything, were great. Took all the packaging away and left everything tidy. When my wife came home, she noticed that we were one chair short. Rang Jamie the next morning who checked up. Rang back to apologise; entirely their fault and that the missing chair would be delivered the next day - and it was. We will go back. It’s just the excellence of service that we have received to date that stands this family-owned centre apart from all the chains - where service is not on the menu

Decided to have lunch here whilst on a shopping trip to get some plants with my mum. I ate the special which was vegetable lasagne in the cafe, cost £12 and was absolutely the worst portion size you could imagine. I couldn't believe that someone had dished up a piece the size it was, I thought that it was a mistake. It was served in a small baking dish and was a 3rd full. The annoying thing was I couldn't even complain at the time because it took ages to come out, at least 30 minutes, and my mum would have eaten hers if I had asked for something else, and taken even more time. My mum ended up giving me some of her dinner to make up the lack of mine. This is not the first time I've had a bad lunch, and thought I would give it the benefit of the doubt again, but wish I had followed my instincts. The staff were friendly enough and my mum enjoyed her fish and chips, but overall it's very hit or miss here and I would not recommend anything other than the breakfasts which have been ok.

A really BIG 'Thank-you' to Jo and all of her team for making our visit so great. Celebrating our Aunt's 90th Birthday, kicking off with a birthday breakfast with some members of the family was just such a huge hit for the 'Birthday Girl'. The table was laid up beautifully with some fantastic personalised touches, which included a card from the team which absolutely made our Aunt's day. Food was awesome, service terrific with so much attention given to detail. I truly cannot thank you all enough. Auntie has asked to return again, after coming back for an afternoon tea, a few days later. The fact that you have wheelchairs on site that we, the customer can use as well, is extremely helpful. You as a team really have given so much thought to making everyone's visit the very best. You all deserve a medal. We will definitely be back. Thank you all so very much.

Food was ok but mine was supposed to come with a side salad but it transpired it was just lettuce! No tomato, no dressing, no cumber or radish, just lettuce! To me that is not a side salad. Should say side of lettuce! Had to ask for service after our mains because we wanted dessert but most of the staff had gone on the school run and the others were serving other people. Not really good enough.

When for coffee and scone husband had hot chocolate and toast, toast was burnt, I waited another 5 minutes before my scone arrived which was ok, coffee and chocolate arrived another 5 minutes later no cream on chocolate which was ordered they took it back and dumped cream on hence the photo, staff were all miserable very disappointed

Our go to place whether as a couple, with friends or family. From the moment you arrive we’re made to feel welcome. It has become our regular place whether for a coffee and snack or for a lunchtime meal. The food is always excellent and is reasonably priced. From a shopping experience, again excellent service, a good range of plants, patio sets, garden hardware and household items.

My work arranged a baby shower for our manager, we had afternoon tea at Elm Court during the week, we were very lucky to be served and looked after by a lady called Jo, she was amazing, the service was phenomenal. The food was amazing and fresh, Jo was always asking if we needed more of anything and happy to get anything we needed. I will definitely return and have told friends about our great experience. Thankyou Jo and her team for looking after us !!!

Went to elm court yesterday for a baby shower afternoon tea 20 of us what a fantastic time we had the food was fantastic the tables were all decorated for the baby shower they pulled out all the stops. The lady Joe who organized done a fantastic job she made a fuss of us all was always asking if we needed anything else she was fantastic. We all want to say a massive thank you to Joe and the staff that looked after us we had a great time we never new they done events like that what a great idea. We would all recomed it to all our friends and colleagues who ever wanted a great place to go for an afternoon tea event. Absolutely brilliant. Once again thanks to Joe and her team. 👍👍

Stopped by en route home to have a browse , cuppa and slice of walnut coffee cake.service was good and the place was clean.

A large garden centre with a lovely cafe to meet friends. It’s got an outdoor play area with another small cafe. Excellent service in the main cafe and reasonable prices. Lots of parking available.

Visited here twice over a couple of weeks. reserved a table as wanted a booth, and needed space. Very accommodating staff. The menu is great plus there is a specilas menu, which is varied and does change! food always good, service always good and it is becoming THE place to meet friends for a good lunch that is exceptional value.

Love spot for lunch . Visited whilst passing through and glad we popped in . Our waitress was very friendly and food was co cooked very well

Today we visited Elm Court for the first time since Covid. The amount of changes that have occurred are uplifting and the centre in a whole is wonderful with so many upcoming changes still to happen. The staff in your garden centre are all very helpful helpful. Especially the ladies on your tills, both warm and welcoming. We also visited your Bistrant for a quick coffee and cake to test the waters. The coffee and cake were lovely. A hot coffee and a nice size cake were served promptly. The supervisor on shift served us, she was very charming and funny. Lovely atmosphere considering staff seemed stretched for a busy day.

Went to elm Court again today for lunch with friends. Was totally disappointed and discussed with the service and food . was told there was a 20 minute wait 40 minutes later still waiting drinks were cold where they were sitting on counter to be delivered to our table. The supervisor was barking orders at staff members while she was there talking to large table holding a baby.there were so many tables that needed cleaning and the poor ladies serving was trying to do everything. Usually when we go ie a Saturday or Tuesday it's a totally different atmosphere relaxing and enjoyable. Unfortunately the other supervisor with the glasses and blonde hair was not in today. What a shame . Hopefully she will be there next time we visit but Friday is a no go for us now.

I booked a table as I was dining with elderly folk and we were given a booth that was spacious and enough sapce to store a walker. Fantasic staff, very friendly and accommodating. Lovely menu, and they have a specials menu, that does actally chage, which is refershing! We all had the fish and chips, always a winner. Cooked to order, and delicious. We had prompt service, and the lovley waitress even changed a piece of cake that came up as rather a small portion! Great value for money. You pay on ordering, but get discount if you have a garden centre loyalty card, well worth it! It's a lovely place to eat for breakfast, lunch or snacks and there's even a section to take your dog which we have done in the past. Love it here!

Had a lovely Xmas dinner and wine with family. Love this garden centre always lovely and friendly. After bought some Christmas decorations and had a lovely day.

Regular visitors to elm Court restaurant this year took grandchildren to see the grotto in the week and breakfast with santa on Saturday23. Was greeted by Joe the supervisor all also she greeted us the grotto when we went (shes everywhere and still smiling) breakfast was great kids loved it when santa turned up they loved the story and singing and dancing it was magical for the kids. We enjoyed it to. It was more relaxing this year then than last year. It was great to be served our drinks at the table rather than lining up ourselves . Much more organised. Would like to stay a big thanks to Joe for her help and the team for making our Christmas visit special. Thank you.

This is our first time visit for breakfast, the meal was served on a hot plate, all food was beautifully cooked. It was served in good time by a cheerful waiter, overall good value for money and excellent meals. Well worth a return visit, highly recommended.

Absolute disaster, total shambles, called in for coffee and snack, ordered two coffees two slices of toast and marmalade, and one cheese scone. Waited about 15 minutes and boy delivered toast, no marmalade, asked where drinks were and also where is marmalade, was told drinks would be coming shortly and marmalade arrived. Called girl over and I said can you take toast away and keep warm while we wait for coffees. Waited another 15 minutes and asked where our coffees were then found out that they had run out of milk, was told this wouldn't affect our drinks, which we had been waiting for for 35 minutes by now, so asked for refund. Surly girl finally issued refund, this was about 11am Monday morning, RUN OUT OF MILK, What a joke, Probably won't go back!!!

Cannot express how amazing our afternoon tea was today. Bistrant staff thank you, thank you, we had the most amazing time and most amazing food and experience.

Regular visitors to elm Court restaurant meet friends for coffee and chat was sat by the coffee making area . ordered our drinks unfortunately we had to send to back as they were cold. The person behind the counter making the drinks was foul mounted swearing because the drinks were sent back. It was unusual the hear this kind of language she must be new . And definitely needs a lot of training in customer service. The usual lady the one with red hair who usually makes the drinks is friendly and bubbly and nothing is to much trouble. I hope she returns has haven't seen her for a while.

Visited for first time and very pleasantly surprised. Extremely helpful and friendly staff, excellent table service catering for all food intolerances with generous portions of food at competitive prices. Will be back soon and will introduce our friends too 👍

Best cup of coffee I've had in a long time. We stayed for a Ploughmans lunch, so much cheese on my plate I took some home. Staff shortage means wait times are longer but we couldn't rush anyway.

What an amazing restaurant (The Bistrant), usual type of food for a garden centre but well cooked and presented.THE STAFF WERE FANTASTIC! so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Will definitely be back 🙂

All staff are amazing but not the new man made me feel uncomfortable and the way he speaks to other staff

I booked an afternoon tea in the bistrant for my friends surprise baby shower. When I phoned to book, Jo the supervisor was the one to handle the booking so helpful throughout the whole experience no request was too much trouble. When I arrived she...

Wow!! We had the absolute pleasure of dining here for afternoon tea for my best friend’s baby shower. The service we received was outstanding nothing seemed too much trouble and very friendly too. The afternoon tea was made fresh and the homemade scones was still...

Delicious and fantastic cream tea made by chef Kierra and served by the lovely waitress Suzzie. Table laid beautifully with lovely china tea pots and cups ect in a private booth. I would highly recommend this venue.

We had a toasty and chips 🍟. It was really nice. Had cheese and tuna and a ham and cheese 🧀 had a coke to hot for coffee. Nice place to eat they also fo lunch fish chips etc

Did not rate the restaurant at all. Son had crumpets which arrived after 20 minutes, cold and undercooked. The butter wouldn't even melt on them. Jacket potato was "ok" but salad was far from fresh it was turning brown and no crunch. Fizzy drink tasted...

Once again went to elm court for lunch on Saturday 27th may it was really busy they seemed to be very short staffed. Was told by the supervisor that there was a 30 to 40 minutes wait for food as they were so busy but...

Went today to Elm Court and my children did the Coronation Hunt, a lovely touch and myself and my husband were able to view more as the children were looking all over. Planning to do a visit to the Bistrant, however it was extremely busy...

A very pleasant restaurant. Food is good although the cakes can be rather tired at times (a bit stale). However, their cheese scones are to die for. I also love the way they cater for dogs, with a special area - and even a doggie...

If you believe in the saying that ‘great food tastes even better when accompanied by great service’ , then Elm Court’s Bistrant gets my total seal of approval. Our server today was an absolute joy and took care of myself, my wife and friends in...

I have been to elm court many times, I can see how hard working the staff are. We came to elm court on a very busy day, you could see how stretched the staff were and how overworked they are. We were sat near the...

Went to the Music Cafe today with my daughters. Lovely experience from staff I recognise from the Bistrant. Very cheery and good with kids. Especially the girl. The guy she had with her was making the food and both are very friendly. My kids love...

Bistraunt?... Well that's a fancy name for what you really are. You're nothing more than an ordinary cafe in a garden centre, so get real! Yes, you've recently been vamped up and it's very nice... except for that horribly noisy aircon by the entrance.... ok,...

Once again went to elm court for lunch with friends. Was met by a blonde lady the supervisor who was very welcoming and sat us at a table. We was seen to promptly the young girl with glasses was very good. Drinks came up but...

The perfect place for either a breakfast or lunch , the staff are the friendliest that I have experienced anywhere .I would totally recommend this place to people and hopefully they don’t read all the negative reviews as they are totally out of place and...

I have had many meals here breakfast lunch afternoon tea and without exception the service is great with cloe attention to detail to nake sure what you order is what is delivered. I like the fact that drinks tea coffee etc are quickkybrought to ones...

We arrived at the Bistrant around midday and were greeted by a very abrupt and rude blonde lady who asked us whether we had booked or not. We hadn't. She told us that she didn't have a table and that we should try later as...

Have been going here for over two years. Great place for food and they even have a dog friendly area inside that is often busy. They are constantly improving the offerings of the garden centre and have a nice covered walkway outside - so if...

Today I visited Elm Court as I've done on numerous occasions. Today I felt the need to compliment the Chef on what seems a trivial item for many but it was so delicious I had to tell my favourite in there server Susie, that girl...

I really don't know what has happened to this bistrant. Shown to a table and ignored,pointed this out when we notice people sitting down and getting served before us, we sat down for about 2 hours maybe longer as talking but such along time to...

The breakfast is delicious and at a very reasonable price. Not greasy at all and tasty! The service received from Charles was outstanding, he is really welcoming, polite and cannot do enough for you. 5* service.

Recommended to us as a craft shop and it seemed daft not to try the restaurant whilst there. Approaching what we thought was the shop entrance, we mistakenly entered the restaurant. However the staff were helpful to me and my wheelchair bound partner and let...

A late weekend coffee and cake from the chilly weather outside.... should be simple to deliver? Seemingly not. Its 45 minutes to closing but we're packing up. Grab a seat and we'll come to you when finished spraying the soft furnishings. This is inspite of...

The best tea for two plus a prosecco wine we have had when l saw the owner on the way out l passed this message on big thank you all

Enjoyed a lovely cooked lunch which was Fish and Chips and Wiltshire ham egg & chips. Good quality fish & ham nicely presented and tasty. Thanks to the Chef Jess. We will be back again for sure

Had to pay in advance. Did not have a menu and prices on show before entering. Ordered a large cappucino, which on arrival looked more like a small one. Two minute marshmallows in saucer, no biscuit! Varied price on menu for cakes, which ones and...

The Bistrant is well designed and creates a pleasant ambiance. On arrival you are greeted with a friendly smile by staff, who then escort you to a table along with a menu, thus enabling you to enjoy the benefit of table service. Time of day...

Went to elm court today for lunch food fantastic staff were brilliant helpful and couldn't do enough that fire alarm went off we all had to evacuate the building it was handled professionally. Once allowed back in was offered a free drink for the inconvenience....

I visited the Bistrant today in Elm Court with my husband John and had to share my experience. The young lady who served me, her name was Suzie was an absolute delight, not only did she serve with a beautiful smile and professional manner but...

Had a lovely time at The Bistrant. Our Server, Suzie, was helpful, funny, efficient and quick. Even though the, very popular restaurant was busy, she found us a table, close to the Manager Paul. As well as being helpful, he is also easy on the...