Fakenham Garden Centre in North Norfolk

Very disappointed with the roast and the xmas lunch, not hot, Brussels raw, and the roast potatoes were to hard to eat, went with friends who we have taken there before and really enjoyed our meals, they were paying and were upset that it was virtually inedible.

Could not fault the customer service the four members of staff we encountered were all helpful from the gentleman who offered to get me a trolley when he noticed my basket wasn't big enough,to the two young ladies offering help on the shop floor with information and help reaching an item and finally the lady on the till who boxed up Xmas decs for safe travels home.proper customer service.

Visit the garden centre for lunch however as soon as we got to the entrance of restaurant we could smell dogs put us right off our food, I have nothing against dogs but they shouldn’t be allowed where food is, we walked out such a shame

We’ve passed this place dozens of times, so we thought we’d go in and have something to eat. It was perfect okay, was moderately clean and the staff were polite and nice. We ordered tea and I ordered the bread pudding. Unfortunately I had to take that back as it was only partially baked. We decided to have a late breakfast instead and looked at the menu. Some might consider £12.50 a little high for small breakfast but we’d chosen to be there so… let that be. My wife was very disappointed to find out that the vegetarian option (vegan) was significantly smaller and yet the same price as the other breakfast. The sausage was replaced with a vegetarian sausage and the bacon and eggs were removed and not replaced with anything. No additions were offered. I realise that a lot of smaller restaurants don’t think that they can carry much in the way of vegetarian food (although that’s never made much sense to me) however something is simple as offering three sausages isn’t beyond them, surely.

Rude cafe staff , this is the second time my friend and I have experienced this with the same woman on a Sunday behind the counter , I only asked a simple question and was met with a snarl and rude manner I can see from previous reviews that others have said there are rude staff , they obviously still haven't had any customer skill training Food is good though, just spoilt by this particular staff member

Popped in for coffee and cake whilst visiting the garden centre for a few bits. Service was friendly, the cake selection amazing. My mum enjoyed a cream scone and hubby and I shared a slice of chocolate cake and some blackcurrant gateaux. The coffee was good quality and I was pleased to see chai latte on the menu

I visited this garden centre to buy a bird table - I found exactly what I wanted for the best price of the three garden centres that I had compared. The young man who served me ( I think his name was Nathan) was very helpful and as well as carrying it out to my car, he took the top off to enable me to get it out when I got home as it was quite heavy. Excellent service - well done.

Absolutely fantastic coffee shop/restaurant. Prices, quality, ambience all super. No wonder it was packed. We had a few coffees and piece of cake each, just chatted the morning away whilst it was raining outside!

My wife and I visited the garden centre on a Sunday 11th February 2024, and whilst we were there, decided to treat ourselves to lunch. As a treat, we thought we would have a Sunday roast. My wife fancied the beef and I settled for chicken. It looked nicely presented, but we noticed straightaway that the plates were cold. However, we gave them the benefit of doubt, and tucked into the meal. We were sorely disappointed with the main ingredients - the meat and the roast potatoes. The chicken was well overcooked and tough as old boots, and half of the beef was tough and uneatable. Similarly, the roast potatoes were overcooked and hard as bullets. The £28 that we paid for those 2 meals represented very poor value, and one that we will never repeat.

We had an amazing Sunday lunch…. Very tasty with lots of meat and so much flavour. The best coffee in town also! Customer service was very good despite all the bad reviews. The small, smiley lady with glasses on the cake stand was so lovely ! Would definitely go back again !

We went in for lunch and ordered 2 tuna sandwich’s. When they turned up it was thick bread and you could just see the tuna you could hardly taste the tuna I think they use thick bread to make it look big and good total wrong.but believe you me I think it’s a rip off . Also can you tell me were the they get the price of a pot of tea for 2 at £4.59 that works out at £2.29 per tea bag another rip off I will not return her for lunch again.total con.

Visited on a Sunday lunchtime. Having heard lots of good reviews decided to try it out. Wonderful service from staff … polite and friendly. Ordered 3 beef roasts. Sat at table with our buzzer. The 3 hot drinks were good, nice clean pottery. The roasts arrived within 5to 7 minutes. Hot tasty and good portions. Excellent! Cafe had lots of happy customers. Nice setting. We looked around the garden centre afterwards, buying a few items. Lots of healthy plants and a very good display of Christmas items ( we will return nearer December for these ) !

We visited Today Friday 6 th October we have been a few times in the last couple of years, one of the best in norfolk for quality and selection as per the photos, cafe is a great asset to the garden centre with lovely staff and selection of fresh food although depending on the time of day you visit selection does vary, in the plant section there’s always great variety of shrubs,perennials, pots and small things like ties, vine eyes, stakes and plant supports, the section inside has everything you could almost think of for gardening like forks spades variety of plastic and spring tine rakes and the bird feed section has lots of things that you would want for the birds and they have a small but good selection of healthy and well looked after fish for a tropical fish tank with all the accessories too, we’ll worth the visit to see for yourself even if you live an hour away from fakenham

A compact, dog friendly garden centre selling a wide variety of good relating to the usual garden centre stuff. The cafe offered delicious home made food using local sourced products. Very friendly staff.

Excellent cafe, for a very good breakfast. Stopped on chance on way home and really welcoming with friendly staff and good food

A real find. The cafeteria is excellent with a massive selection of cakes biscuits and snacks as we ll as full meals. The ambience is first class with really helpful friendly staff. My wife and I had a pot of tea and a truly delicious apricot and date slice. I kid myself it is two of my five a day!!

Always love visiting this garden centre, with a vast selection of plants and garden related items. But most of all I love the simple treat of coffee and fresh homely cakes. Great value for money too.

Usually very good, but today not at their best. We were only ones waiting for breakfast to be cooked & it took over half an hour for 2 courtyard breakfasts. The bacon was overcooked it was as hard as crackling. The staff weren’t busy as we were the only ones there waiting for cooked food. It’s nice to see the staff chatting and having a joke with each other. Just a shame the breakfast was overcooked. We have been customers for 15 years since before the adjacent houses were built and it was a much smaller business.

Excellent place, surlty the best cup of coffee in Norfolk. Lovely cakes and scones. I have always found the staff to be charming. Although we live near Swaffham we drive the 18 miles or so to Fkenham Garden Centre/

Really rude staff, who aren’t even human, if you ask a question they look at you with two heads can’t chat or share a joke. Unhelpful , ridiculous idea of having to leave a dog at the end but if you need to go and pay - you can’t!!! So you loose your place in the queue and you have to shout at them which when that’s busy is impossible. They seem to gain most pleasure in talking amongst themselves and just can’t be bothered with anyone vaguely literate or not with a Norfolk accent.

Was bought a voucher for afternoon tea for two so took my best friend with me today. It was delicious. Everything so fresh, 3 different types of sandwiches, cheese scone, very tasty sausage roll, 3 lovely homemade cakes that just melted in your mouth & fruit scone with jam & clotted cream served with delicous coffee or tea. Thankyou Julie and team it was superb!

We booked in during the week for afternoon tea for 2 for Saturday. We were greeted by polite and friendly staff who were attentive throughout even topping up our tea. The food came out quickly and everything was fresh and delicious with a very nice selection. There was even a table cloth on our table with very nice cups and saucers which was a nice touch. I will definitely be coming again and at £17.50 per person it was a bargain. This was my first visit to the cafe and it has such a nice relaxed atmosphere and the large cakes looked amazing too.

Always use this eatery when in the area. Best filter coffee around. Cakes and scones are wonderful. Crab salad to die for. Excellent.

I met with friends today for lunch it was mediocre , I was with my puppy and it was lunch time , I went to the counter to ask for some water and if I could order some chicken breast, the woman with short brown hair straight up denied me some chicken as she didn’t want my puppy eating in the restaurant even tho it’s “dog friendly “ they should train the dog behind the counter to be more friendly. I haven’t been spoken to so rudely in a long time and it’s expensive for what you get ,Wont return.

Will start with the good points , cakes pastries fantastic very good selection and all of good quality , scones very good , service ok food way overpriced and not great quality , order taken wrong and not pleased when they was informed will not return

My partner and I stopped in the cafe for a cuppa before purchasing plants, as we usually do. My partner wished to have a cup of tea, and I just asked for a cup of hot water. I was rather shocked when they charged 59p. The lady behind the counter was obviously put out, that that's all i wanted, and was quite unpleasant.

Stopped off for a spot of lunch and as we tend to go for scones, we were not disappointed. Fruit and cheese scones along with coffee. The scones are freshly baked each morning and this was evident by the texture and flavour. Brilliant. There were...

Whilst the coffee area staff were very pleasant and helpful, the food fell below the expectations from others recommendations. Fish and chips - the fish meat was good but the batter was both burned and oily. The Quiche was ok but the vegetables were cold....

Had a late ish breakfast, one vegan, one regular. Both arrived hot and fresh. Probably one of the best breakfasts we have had for a while. Not the cheapest, but the price was justified in the quality products, service, and taste. Will visit again.

Visited for a wander round the garden centre and some coffee/cake. We hit a bit of a lunchtime busy spell and if the cafe queue gets to the end of the counter then you can be waiting 20-30 mins in line to place your order...

Had hoped to have lunch in Holt but we could not park so called in here on our way home. It was ok. They had a slightly odd way of ordering: you filled in a form for what you wanted, went to the counter and...

Amongst the garden centre breakfasts, the one offered at Fakenham is above average with good ingredients, well cooked and pleasant service

We visited this garden centre today, choosing to support our local business rather than a big chain garden centre. We spent several hundred pounds and the plants look nice, but the lady on the till was so rude my parents and children were really quite...

Restaurant area and tables lovely and clean. Small but varied menu. Food nice and fresh and served with a smile. Great staff

Impressed with lovely helpful staff. Cleanliness & fab food. Even getting me a wheelchair. Thankyou!

This is more of a cafeteria than a restaurant but, if you accept it for what it is, it is not bad. Staff are helpful and efficient and service is reasonably quick. My wife's requirement for gluten-free food were understood and met (though choice was...

Went for lunch at this lovely Garden Centre now that they are open again, and was totally delighted with both the quality of the food and the excellence of the staff. I treated the staff with friendly helpfulness and they treated me with courtesy and...

I was most surprised to see a very negative review in 2017 ?? I've been visiting here for years & it was the first place we visited after14 months of lockdown & we live over 60 miles away ! We were very impressed with how...

We have made several visits to the garden centre and have spent a lot of money overall BUT we're constantly disappointed by the staff. They really need to get of their high horse' and get rid of their 'jobsworth' attitude (particularly noticeable during the pandemic)....

We have had several visits to Fakenham garden centre over the years. Have always enjoyed going there. Always a good selection of plants in every catergary, and pet products.

Had a delicious lunch today, pork and cider pie with veg, really tasty. Service is always good and staff reassuring. Such a safe environment to enjoy a coffee or lunch during these difficult times.

I decided to Pop into Fakenham garden centre for some bird feeding equipment. We fancied a coffee first. My wife used the NHS covid app on arrival to the cafe. We then had to fill in a form to order. My wife went to the counter and was spoken to like she was a child. She was told to go away and fill in the covid section at the bottom of the form.. they are extremely rude. We left without purchasing anything, an will never ever return again.

The cafe at the garden centre was well organised and I felt confident that it is looking after its customers in these unusual times. Having only been out to eat once since lockdown was lifted, I felt quite unnerved, but the staff were exceptionally kind and I had lunch there on both Saturday and Sunday.

The staff need to be more understanding of customers regarding covid 19 ,the politeness in the way they give instruction leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe better training as I do understand their fears too ,But I hasten to add if not improved upon you will a lot of customers.

Visited today and during these times we find ourselves in (covid 19) I found the place ridiculous!!!!Member of staff in shop floor, no masks, gloves, no obeying 2m rule and then when you get to the check out oh my god!!!Place you item down and walk away!! Go stand on the X, masks gloves and don’t take cash, yet look biologically prepared for a fall out.Everything and I mean everything is massively over priced left feeling very disappointed after hearing only good things.Went to corners in Dereham and although smaller had everything I wanted and customer service was excellent as was the prices (a fraction of the cost)

The Fakenham garden centre is a really terrific garden centre and although slightly more expensive than others it’s plants are a very high quality. However, for us and members of our family, the drawer is their terrific little restaurant. They do an exceptionally good breakfast and their lunches are fabulous. If one can cope with the calories the cream teas are also very very good.All their food is very reasonably priced.

Had lunch there today. Celeriac and sage soup with 2 granary rolls, the also had gluten free bread. Nice hot soup.

Visited garden centre whilst on holiday for Christmas in Great Ryburgh, located in Hempton, Fakenham visited for lunch time food just before Christmas 2019. Place is dog friendly provided dog well behaved which our greyhound is and enjoyed very good wraps and beverages including a veggie option (halloumi wrap) enjoyed by the wife. Garden centres are worth exploring specially when they have a restaurant/café facility and this one is worth a visit.

This place is huge & parking was difficult near to Christmas. Despite its size it is divided nicely into discrete areas. As well as the normal & essential garden centre products there were lots of lovely temptations for the home or for gifts. Lots for pets & the wild birds too. I’m sure we didn’t see it all! The cafe summoned & we thoroughly enjoyed a coffee - normal & decaf!

All you will every require for your garden is right here. Plus gifts and clothing and you can sustain the inner being with a good menu choice in the café.

I visited fakenham garden centre for breakfast today. It was incredibly busy, and a young boy was serving (obviously his first job) he was trying really hard and you could tell, another member of staff (female) called Sam was incredibly rude to him, also the chef was. I can be quite honest in saying I won’t be visiting this place again knowing that the senior staff can be so rude and horrible to the younger staff members. I am truly horrified by their behaviour.

Went with a friend for lunch. The restaurant was very busy. We had to wait quite a while for our meal to be served. The staff were friendly and the food of good quality.

Clean with great choice of food .polite kind staff. Hot food served with a smile and very little wait. Lovely to help yourself to a fresh glass of water.

Very well looked after plants all healthy, lovely shop although was dissapointed with the cafe, food was warm as was the tea but I have been before and things were quite different food was very nice that time

Food is delicious and made to order, highly recommend the sandwiches that also come with salad and a handful of chips. Only issue is that the food is VERY overpriced.

It was ok, staff ok, service ok chips with cream cheese were divine Pricey too and kids meal wasn't that good Wont hurry back

Either looking around the garden centre or going on to the Hawk & Owl reserve not to far away we call into the cafe for a drink and a bite. Staff efficient and friendly and so far we've had no qualms with either the food or drink. It can get very busy and table clearance can sometimes be an issue and if you do not mind queuing give it a try.

Took a visit to the local garden centre, however on this occasion decided to stop for coffee and cake and wasn’t disappointed.

Definitely a place where the locals go. Amazing food and staff were very helpful. Not many local products on display but they must be at change over getting ready for Christmas. Nice place to go and have wander round.

Stopped here for breakfast on our journey home. There are half a dozen tables in the cafe reserved for dog owners - wonderful. The english breakfast was freshly cooked and absolutely delicious. The staff were all friendly and helpful. A great place to visit.

We have been coming here for many years when we are passing through the area. They have a large display of plants, trees etc for your garden once you walked through the side entrance that has so many pretty flowering plants some on offer.

Camped locally at a Fakenham race course and came here for breakfast as this garden centre was only down the road. Friendly staff in the cafe, had poached eggs on toast and porridge with fresh raspberries and a pot of tea for two. Overall was nice menu including was a little over priced.

We went today to look at plants for garden and ended up with a Sunday lunch. Value for money. Cooked well and well presented.. staff friendly and welcoming.. would recommend a visit even if you don't have a lunch.. lol

Called in for lunch with parents and the main courses arrived pretty swiftly and were tasty.

Well known for high quality cakes, nice drinks and snacks, we decided to try full lunch this time. It was very busy on a Wednesday lunchtime but we found a table no problem. Not keen on what seemed to be regulars officiously telling me what to do with my father's wheelchair and I told them so! A bad start. Ordered after queuing up which was not unreasonable. Nice coffee and pleasant staff who explained there might me delays in food service which was acceptable to us. However when it arrived, the fish and chips were terrible. The fish was overcooked, covered in excessive batter and the fish itself really dry. Chips not great and a very small portion of mushy peas. I had the local cheese ploughman's which was adequate. Did taste quite bland overall and one of the cheeses had obviously been in the heat too long but other two varieties fine.Table was a "rocker" and this seems to be a common problem here.

Went for a promotional afternoon tea, two for £10. Requested one gluten free and not the prepackaged variety! Well did they pull out all the stops. I was told it was the work of all the team. Best ever, will not need to eat for a week. Three types of sandwiches, posh crops, salad leaves,fruit scone with jam and clotted cream, triffle, and cakes, yum yum.

All food tastes remarkable, Time and effort first class for a garden centre cafe. Staff are very busy but still maintain a friendly attitude. I notice it is used by a variety of ages but especially popular for the elderly and I often hear the staff ask them if they need help.

Came here for a coffee and cake with my friends and family through previous recommendations. All I can say is I was thoroughly disappointed the cake selection was extremely poor and not only that the cornflake cake I chose could have been out on display for 9 months it was that dry and cheap tasting. Coffee was nice but nothing special. Overall I wouldn’t be returning or recommending this place in the future.

I am a regular visitor to The Garden Centre Cafe. It is fantastic. Coffee with coffee in it which is a pleasant change. Excellent cakes and scones, always a variety. So cheap you wonder how they do it. Keep it up.

Surprised to see the Scones not displayed undercover, flies on the last remaining Scones were somewhat off putting. A frequent visitor and generally very satisfied, but feel this needs a mention

Well worth a visit. The flower displays a couple of weeks ago were fabulous! The layout of the Centre is great and it offers a great variety of products to look at. Aside from that....the food is marvellous!

This is a much improved Garden Centre with a good and wide choice of plants & products and those for the garden are priced competitively. Plenty of room with everything now well and truly under cover. In addition, there is a good,clean restaurant with helpful staff.

Friendly and efficient staff on a busy day.

We were on holiday so didn't really want any plants but what we saw seemed good and reasonably priced. The cafe was busy but service was efficient. We had scones with our coffee. They were a good size and very tasty and well cooked

Several of us from Parkinson’s Dereham group came to the garden centre for afternoon tea to celebrate our 14th birthday. Made to feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble, even though some of us had mobility issues. Three different sandwiches, plus scone with clotted cream and jam, chocolate brownie and apple cake. All delicious, service very good.

Great food scone butter cream and jam coffee all went down well very busy but was very good service and very clean

We stopped off here on the way to North Norfolk. It was a little busy, but the food was excellent and the service wasn't too slow. The prices were a little high for the type of food they were providing

Hadn't eaten here before, wish I hadn't left it so long. Fantastic choice, fearful quality may not be high quality, but my fears were unfounded, top quality produce, quick service fairly priced. The cooks are skilled, food is prepared and sent out quickly and plates are very well presented especially for a local garden centre canteen. 5 stars!

We stopped for a late lunch. Most things were 'sold out' though. The menu is very much a basic cafe, but with restaurant prices. Can't say it was bad, just not fabulous. At over £22 for 2 small, basic meals & 2 coffee's is a bit steep for the lack of quality & quantity.

Hadn't been to the cafe for a good few years however as we were in the Garden Centre, we decided to stay for a little light refreshment.

Great improvement with new menus visited 3/4/19 and again today 9/4/19. The food is freshly cooked and there are new fillings for the jacket potatoes, plenty of filling made in house which makes them good value for money and do fill you up, tries the crayfish and the crispy bacon so far with husband going for for the coronation chicken which had large pieces of chicken, fresh made sauce served warm. The sausages I have found out are gluten free so makes the breakfast tempting, they do have gluten free bread but you would need to ask. Shame their gluten free scones are pre-packed and the cakes also the gluten free cake bars, although they have told me that if you let them know before hand they will make you a cake or adjust the menu for you, always nice to know. There home made cakes and scones are a jewel in their crown, the marangues are chewy in the middle but very large for one. Great that dogs are allowed in and have there own tables so usually a waggy fail to put a smile on your face. Lots to see and near by common land play area and duck pond. Well worth a visit.

Limited menu but good. Lots of choice of cakes and a good spread of those that are gluten-free. My wife and I ordered lunch. The serving lady seemed unclear about our request for gluten-free food so we sat down to examine the menu in detail. To our surprise, another lady ( who we took to be the manager) came out to our table and explained the options to us in detail. We had not called for her and her attendance was a very unexpected "wow". We did eventually order appropriately and the food wad good.

Called in here one weekday lunch time. Our visit coincided with a gardening talk in the main garden centre, and as a result, it was really busy (we had to park on the roadside). However we managed to get a table towards the back and near the window. We had a bit of difficulty negotiating a wheelchair through narrow gaps but we managed it. There were some spare tables nearer the front but these were reserved for customers with dogs.It would be nice if a couple of these tables could also be reserved for people with a disability. There was a nice selection of food on offer, and I really enjoyed the quiche special. For the money, I do think the slice of quiche could have been a little larger, however it was tasty.I really liked that that you could help yourself to chilled drinking water, available at the end of the serving counter.It’s also nice that dog owners can bring their pets in.The staff were really friendly and helpful.

Clled in for moring coffee and had to try an orange cranberry and white chocolate scone. It was scrumptious and still warm from the oven having been freshly baked. The garden centre staff in all departments were very helpful and friendly. If you want a lovely experience when in Fakenham you should really find time to visit

We love coming to this Eatery the skulls are huge and really tasty crispy on the outside and fluffy perfect on the inside plenty of butter to go with them we had the usual cheese scone and a cranberry white chocolate and orange scone both were absolutely lovely if you're nearby you must pop in and try them always fresh and baked in a local bakery

Helpful staff who know what they are doing. Pet department will try to source what you need if it is not in stock. Up to date decor. Dogs welcome, staff not happy if they are left in the car. Everything for the garden from seeds to design. Guest appearances from specialists cooking, plants. Very much part of the community and help when they can. Still a family business, with great service. Good coffee shop with good service.

The Fakenham Garden Centre can be relied upon to give you good food with pleasant service. The tables are fairly "cramped" - but then you are not there for a "fine dining" experience

Scrumptious scones always Scrumptious scones I always prefer cheese they are massive just need to take about 3 portions of butter per side we visit this place regularly just for the scones the tea or coffee or Cola just help some go down with ease friendly staff good seating for people that are less able

Had breakfast with Santa today and would like to how the 3 generations enjoyed our time. The grandsons were too excited to eat too much, but there was a choice of cereals and cereals, then a hot breakfast, with plenty of squash. The adults enjoyed their choices i especially liked my pancakes. Head "Elf" helper as so good with everyone, Santa was good with our Grandsons, plenty pf photo opportunities. A brilliant start to the festivities, thanks from The Constances and Hills.

Lots Of Christmas bits and pieces to purchase. Meals in restaurant are Excellent Too. Highly recommended

Maybe it was the time of day 4 of us went we had the sausage rolls and it was like they were re heated from the day before only barely warm and the meat inside was hard

After buying some plants in the garden centre, I visited the cafe with my elderly father, my brother, sister in law and three under fives. It was a lovely friendly atmosphere and the staff were helpful and cheerful. The cakes were delicious too!

Two visits in a week! Once for tea and cake and later in the week for lunch.

Stopped by to have a coffee and cake in the cafe. The person on the till was unsmiling and not welcoming, especially when asking if the cake had a particular ingredient in it due to an allergy. It is what it says was the answer.

Came upon Fakenham Garden Centre whilst on our way to the coast. The cafe is bijou but clean and neat. The menu choice is concise and all meals cooked from fresh. We had jacket potatoes that both came with generous fillings and fluffy potato. Friendly and helpful staff. Parts of the restaurant are dog friendly too.

Self service cafe!! Great selection of food on menu!! The Mango cake was the best!! Put your finished plates away on the trolley provided!! All lovely and clean everywhere!! Would recommend!!

Drove the 10 miles here to get some much needed supplies for my Guinea Pigs, rocked up at 5.02pm and the gates are shut and locked! Even though they have two massive signs stating they open until 5.30pm Monday to Friday!! So annoying!

Thank you too the very helpful young man today, was very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of good advice which we didn't receive else where, we will definitely be coming to you in the future for all our aquarium essentials. Very happy with our extended fish family

Popped in just for brekkie, all very good (one bacon & egg baguette & one beans on toast with mushrooms) and two hot drinks, all delicious, little bit expensive at nearly £14 but at least I didn't have to cook it or wash up! Friendly, chatty staff in cafe & cakes looked lovely.

We stop off here for lunch every time we're in the area. The food has always been good be it a meal or a snack.