Garden Kitchen Restaurant and Cafe in Cheshire East

We visited the main restaurant while visiting Bridgemere. We settled on a cheese scone and a coffeee each. What a mistake!!! The scones, costing £2.75 each, were probably the worst scones we had ever come across. They were hard, crumbled in many fragments when cut and were extremely dry and unpleasnt to eat. This experience has put us off ever eating a scone ever again.

The basic, typical Blue Diamond breakfast. Cooked and served as specified by a large organisation. Nothing wrong with it. I just left feeling adequately fed and flat. If you are already there, then probably worth having, but we wouldn’t make a special trip.

One slice of bread and ham squashed together and wrapped in cling film, juice and quavers £6.45, Terrible, total rip off. Service was good though.

We visited the garden centre on the 20th June 2021 and it got to lunch time so thought we would stop in the cafe for a bite to eat , on arrival we were seated but then left for another 20 minutes before a order was taken , then fairly quickly our food from the kitchen came out however the same can’t be said about our drinks and scones. Our order was placed at 12.15 and drinks finally arrived at 12.45 , we then waited another 10 minutes for our scones to arrive with no clotted cream when we did receive the cream it was frozen so obviously couldn’t use it. They didn’t rightly take it off the bill. My summary of our visit would be it has potential to be nice as the food was good but the service lacked organisation and the staff seemed like some extra training was needed. I will admit it was busy but that’s where you need a clear leader and it didn’t look there was one present.

It was way too crowded For a start, there was no room for any king of social distancing walking between tables, and because it was so packed there was always a group of people walking past. The order at the table QR code did not work which was frustrating. The woman taking you to your table wasn't wearing a mask which i know she legally doesn't have to but she kept getting way too close for comfort! All the young staff waiting and serving were wearing masks and they were really good about about being aware of being in your space. But the 2 older women who should have known better just seemed oblivious. Had to walk out in the end. I will admit the food is amazing and when things go back to normal I'll be back...but not until then after this experience.

I was so excited when Bridgemere was taken over by blue diamond because I am an absolute fan of the blue diamond friquet garden centre in Guernsey, their cafe/restaurant/coffee shop is absolutely amazing and I was expecting the same standard at Bridgemere. This is my second visit since the takeover and I am so disappointed as nothing in the cafe has changed since wyevale days. Is it going to be taken up to friquets standards or am I destined to be disappointed forever

Went for lunch. Jacket potato-not hot and not cooked properly. Scone hard as a rock, could have used it as a doorstop. Had trouble getting a knife in to it. It was returned and given refund of £2.50! Yes...£2.50 for a scone!!!!! No complaints about the coffee. ..I have noticed other comments about the scones on here. Someone even said their husband thought he was eating shortbread! Really need to improve, We can't all be wrong!

Visited here just before Christmas to visit Hobbycraft which is a well stocked store and Staff are helpful. Happened upon the farm shop upon exit. Wow lovely place with great food! We purchased a few savoury bits including a Stilton pork pie, bacon and cheese roll over and some lovely Indian starter bits. Lovely! Will be returning to visit this farm shop. Not cheap but well worth it for taste value. If you haven't been then go. Lovely huge complex. Have visited the garden centre since I was a child over 40 years ago with my late Parents and it has just got bigger and bigger. Brill.

Been today , Christmas Eve ,to visit Santa . We've been for a few years now and today lived up to expectations ! The whole experience was magical , we had two children with us age 10 and 3 and both loved it ! The elves and Santa we're so lovely with the children and nothing was rushed . We saw Santa in the grotto then we went to the restaurant and the elves and Santa came into there too and spoke to all the children . We also enjoyed looking at all the lovely decorations and we had fun in the snow globe too . We came away very excited for Santa to come and will definitely be returning again next year.

Visited today for first time in i guess a year. What has happended to the restaurant???? Firstly the main restaurant average food which looks tired. Dont mention the scones, I asked my other half to close his eyes and guess what pudding was. He thought it was shortbread, no, it was a scone, I don't think they were even yesterdays bake, cold, hard, tasteless and palest looking things you are likely to see. Save your money go somewhere else - its not a treat if its not enjoyable!

My friend and I have just enjoyed Afternoon Tea in the main Restaurant at Blue Diamond Garden Centre, Bridgemere. We had a large teapot with complimentary refills. We each had 2 ham and tomato sandwiches on white bread and 2 cheese and pickle sandwiches on brown bread. Between us we had a large plain scone and a large fruit scone with butter, and clotted cream and a jar of black currant jam, plus a jar of raspberry jam. Very nice! We then took home a macaroon each, plus a delicious meringue with cream, a piece of chocolate brownie and a slice of lovely moist flap jack. All in all it was very good value for money. We would definitely do it again. The Staff were all very pleasant and efficient, nothing was too much trouble for them. Thank you ladies, it was lovely.

Not been to this garden centre in a long time . We had lunch at the dog friendly dinner by hobby craft . The cafe had a lot of tables full of empty plates and cups and we found a table that was clear . I ordered a panini bacon and Brie for my wife and I ordered a fish finger panini , with a bowl of chips and two coffees priced £20.40 . The meal was served within 15 mins and my order was incorrect , they served me a wrap and a bacon and Brie panini . The waitress informed me that the system was playing up today and she served me with my fish finger panini 10 mins later . The fish fingers were dry, and a cheap fish fillet and was served on a dried, hard, and stale panini with a cheap spread on the panini . The salad was not fresh either , The sachet of sauces were a cheap brand . Overhaul very disappointed as the place was dirty and badly run . No attention to detail . It will be a very long time until I return and will never eat in that place again ! The manager needs to stand back and look at the detail and quality of food being served ? And ask himself or her would I eat in this place . ? I was in the food industry before retirement and really know what good looks like !

Tea with friends the fruit scones were dry and tasteless some of the worst I 've had in a long time. Hope the new owners Blue Diamond can sort this out. The pot of tea was very nice.

Came here to try the place out, wishing we hadn't. We tried the one next to Lakeland Decor is simple. Staff are not overly friendly nor enthusiastic. Prices are atrocious, as you would expect better quality food for that. I had the lasagne... It was just like a school dinner, maybe even worse. Lukewarm in the middle. The accompanying salad was terrible. My relative had the soup which she said was very mediocre. Now the service was extremely quick, it only took them 1-2 minutes for our food to be ready, I assume it was microwaved. Also they have no water taps/fountains to fill your glass, you have to get it from the kitchen. So the food was beyond good to say the least. Overpriced prices and simple decor.

Blue Diamond have taken over from Wyevale. The garden centre and main ( non franchise) shops look like they are being run down for closure. The restaurant has had some changes.....prices are the same for meal deals but the deal itself is much worse. Previously included coffees ( not cheap) are now extra.....quality is at best average. The significant numbers of elderly customers means that long queues at tills are a regular feature,food is cold by the time that the till waits are over. Lots of lunch attenders ( particularly OAP ' s) were chuntering that they wouldn't be returning. You only get one chance to make a good first impression as the saying goes.....Blue Diamond could well consider this !

We have visited over the years, because of the large selection of plants and the Lakeland and Hobbycraft Shops.

Had a morning here browsing and called here for lunch, Nice selection of main courses which two of us had the Cheese toastie with caramelised onion chutney very nice and quickly served. My only regret was scone with jam and cream expensive and the scone was more like a "rock" cake Certainly not freshly baked and tasted as though had been in the fridge for two days. Certainly not melt in the mouth although served with decent cream and jam. On the whole expensive for the choice. of food on offer. Not somewhere I would dine at again

What a busy place this is! There is an enormous car park that was nearly full. Inside was equally as busy but we were served quite swiftly. The food was OK but surprised to be served lettuce that had turned brown. The scones were tasty. It was also disappointing to see so many weeds in the garden centre walkways. The garden centre itself appeared well stocked.

We used a £12 voucher for afternoon tea for two, it was very good value for money.

Quite enjoyed but more and better selection of sandwichs, plenty of cakes and creme scone. prehaps one less cake to componsate for sanwich selection. Otherwise good value

Wanted to make an enquiry before visiting, however after a frustrating wait and no one bothering to answer the phone didn't bother going ....one loss sale!!

Went durng the week with my grandchildren , husband and son. Had to wait ages just to be seved and then it was by a sullen, bad tempered woman who should not be dealing with the public. Another employee was stocking the cold shelves that were already full but never came over to help. Then, the container of water on the side table ran out and someone asked for water. So, this other, equally bad tempered person, went into the kitchen and brought out 1 glass of water, only later taking the large container to fill. Will never go again but it is obvious that the staff and management really aren't bothered. Pity as it ruined an otherwise nice day.

Often visit here....but today it was specifically to buy from Hobbycraft .......We had lots of help today, and I would like to thank the ladies. Got everything we needed and had a good laugh with staff to boot....great experience.

Had breakfast here as we were en route between our home and visitors.

Visited the Garden Kitchen Restaurant (?) with family on Mothering Sunday. We have visited Bridgemere several times over the years and on our last couple of visits have eaten in the Garden Kitchen Cafe which we have enjoyed especially now that there is an indoor seating section where you can take your dog into. However, as it was a special occasion we elected to eat in the restaurant. (?).We have eaten here before but quite some time ago probably when Bridgemere was in private hands and recalled pleasant experiences.

Outdoor section is a large well stocked garden centre, also a wide range of different merchandise from a variety of franchises. I can recommend the fruit and veg stall, large variety of quality produce at reasonable prices. Look out for the plant offers. When I visited a large sign said 'Alpines 1 litre pots @ 3 for £10'. When I got to the cash desk however i was asked for £12. The cashier couldn't tell me why and denied all knowledge of the sign. Wyvale shouldn't need to use those tactics.

Had scones & cake. Scones quite tasty. Cake very nice. Son and his wife had toasted sandwiches. Short of staff so tables slow to get cleared. Happened to be lovely day so busy. Very warm & appeared no air con on.

Great day for all, something for the kids fantastic selection of plants and garden equipment. The food is great, the butchers the meats r fantastic as is the cheese, the cakes and the breads. Top drawer, you need to visit, if only to stock up your freezer.

This place has absolutely sunk to the lowest level imaginable. Garden Centre? No! I went with a list needing about 20-30 plants - came out empty handed. A loss to you of at least £200. Had a tiny cup of coffee and a small hot choc - £5. If you are interested in Edinburgh Woollen Mill (when there’s one of them around you know you’re on a slippery slope), Lakeland, Hobby Craft, Cotton Traders and a ‘cafe’ that reminds me of my high school refectory in the late 1970’s then carry on! And a crazy golf - dear me! If you’re a gardener then turn left out of the gates and pop into the little nursery on your left! Cheaper and good quality. Mr Ravenscroft would not enjoy this at all ... avoid ... please decide who you are trying to appeal to because I’m flummoxed! All I know is it isn’t me!

We visited Bridgemere garden centre last weekend and had lunch in the restaurant. The food was quite pricey and the quality very disappointing. We both had fish and chips: the fish was just about acceptable though over-cooked but the chips and peas were dried-up and hard. We had a fairly early lunch but the food gave the impression of having been kept warm for hours.The coffee I had to follow was very weak and didn't taste of anything. Before Wyvale took over the restaurant was much better. Wyvale is a large organisation but seems to have lost its way, or perhaps just become complacent.

We've just been today (Christmas Eve) to visit santa .

I visit bridgemere quite regularly, especially as it has a Lakeland store.

An afternoon to take in-laws to Bridgemere, lots of festive activities and an enjoyable time and I an understand that it's the weekends leading upto Christmas but sadly the service from the staff in the cafe was terrible. Come on Wyevale sort it out, Mr Ravenscroft wouldn't have allowed this!

Called in today, both my partner and I opted for the roast dinner. Cold meat, overcooked vegetables to the point the parsnips were inedible. Very overpriced for an extremely disappointing experience. Great shame because the garden centre on the whole is very good.

Right or wrong I have found since Wyvale have taken over Bridgemere continues to increase prices and reduce stock. The cafes are very expensive and the cakes quite bland. Two pots of tea, two cakes £9:90.

The staff here seemed frazzled as soon as we arrived. It was in to the afternoon but breakfast menus still out. I had to wait a good while to receive the kiddies lunch menu. I would have had to wait half an hour for the hot sandwich (turkey and cranberry) why??

Recently visited here as it always seems busy. The garden centre is very good although this year the christmas dispay was disdappointing. It seemed bland and empty. We visited the restaurant as it always seems busy. We had two main meals and they were dreadful. The vegetables were cold and not cooked thoroughly with little taste and chicken and sausage were also cold and tasteless. Will never have a main meal here again. Do not know what the attraction is as the prices are not very good either. The service was mediocre also with those serving the food not very friendly.

We enjoy visiting the Garden Centre which has a brilliant selection of plants and goods with the added advantage of Hobby Craft and Lakeland shops.

ordered 4 meals and 1 childs meal, out of these meals 3 were wrong No branston pickle on 2 panninis, Fish finger sandwich came as a childs meal so then they took it away to change it and it came back on bread and butter not a pannini. Chocolate on cappucinno after we said no sprinkles. altogether an overpriced awful experience.

I do not get this place, great garden centre, good choice of other shops and a great food market hall, so why are the 2 cafes so bad.

Went to have something to eat and although it was only 2pm hardly anything available on menu,lots of wasps and flies around serving area so decided to just have a drink,£1.95 for a can of coke was way overpriced no wonder cafe was empty.Suggest they provide what’s on menu get rid of flying insects and reduce prices.

the cooked ham and the roast pork from walter smiths, the ham was full of salt, the roast pork was like cardboard the bin enjoyed both, once bitten twice shy,

On the day we visited they seemed to be struggling. Service was quite slow. Lots of tables hadn't been cleaned.

We regularly visit on a Friday for lunch.

Having a run out to Bridgemere Garden Centre and we decided to buy a Venus De Milo for my sons garden while we were looking at the statues we noticed that there was a crack running down her body A member of staff call Toby Salmon was watering, we pointed it out to him he said he will go and have a look for another one and I'll come and find you.We carried on looking around at different things and about 1/2hr later he came and said I found you,I have found oneHe went and got a truck placed the statue in the truck and took it to the pay out for me,then talking to my car and place it in the boot of my car,a very helpful gentleman Thank you.

Decided to try an afternoon tea........from the moment it arrived, it was clear that the sandwiches had been ready cut and stored in the fridge....my grandson, who will eat cucumber till it comes from his ears wouldn't touch them, he said they were "funny"...cakes were ok, but still, you could tell they were hard from fridge storage. Disappointed, expected more from Bridgmere.

The food was very nice but horrifically overpriced. £10.00 per main item and £2.00 per drink. Came away with a bill for £37.00. Never again, its put me off the whole place to be honest.

We have visited Bridgemere Garden Centre several times over the years mostly as a stop off en-route home after visiting family in the West Midlands. Bridgemere is a huge garden centre probably one of the biggest in the UK offering every thing for the garden and more. There are also a number of ‘retail outlets’ so plenty to see and do. One of the good things here is that you can take your dog into the centre. In the past you have not been able to take your dog into any of the eating establishments but on our most recently visit found that they have introduced an area in the Garden Cafe where dogs are welcome. They even provide fresh drinking water for your dog. There is still an outside eating area if the weather is hot.

Not only was the food pretty poor I was short-changed by £4. Didn't realise until I returned home that day.

We have been before as not too far to do a quick visit. Hadn't however visited the 'garden kitchen' cafe before - and doubt will again!

A larger than average garden centre incorporating other retail outlets

On sunday..my family visited the garden centre.and kitchen garden restaurant. It was 1pm...4 varied sandwiches..mostly on seeded loaf..no vegetarian option..i asked if i could have an egg mayo sandwich.made up..the answer was a strict NO. We have paninis and wraps..so i opted for jacket potato and chilli con carne..non vegetarian..the portion was MEAN..the QUALITY was POOR..yhe PRICE was ridiculous..teeny salad..unripe tomato..mean on the beef in the chilli and coleslaw was.horrendua..worse than a CHEAPM..BUDGET tub if supermarket 17pence rubbish..as stated before food was too.cold to eat after queing for 10 mins..not good..better experience on a local cafe..gone down holl and £1.80 for.a.can of pop...scandelous!!!!

Unlike an earlier reviewer we were in time for breakfast but were not very happy with the food. This was a buffet breakfast and we must have timed it badly because some of the trays were almost empty, the bacon slices were dried up and the eggs were a bit overdone. I don't know how they cooked the tomato which was served whole, the skin peeled away perfectly but the tomato itself was "rock hard" . The mushrooms and baked beans were OK but generally speaking the whole meal was not warm enough.

once again visited for afternoon tea can't believe the quality and value for money it's remarkable and all freshly made. well worth a visit,

This is one of Wyevale's Garden Centres. It has a large FREE car park. Hubby and I visited here on a recent Monday. We were too late for a cooked breakfast (only available up until 11.30 a.m.). They do a lunch meal deal for the over 60's but Hubby wasn't that hungry. I fancied afternoon tea (served from 2.30 p.m.) but I thought it was a bit expensive @ £16. Instead we just settled for a Costa coffee. We enjoyed looking around the Farm Shop and Santa's Grotto. We purchased a few items from Lakeland and Hobbycraft.

Went for breakfast with Santa with my granddaughter, wonderful English breakfast was very tasty plus coffee and toast, then the look on my granddaughter face when the man in the red suite arrived was marvellous really nice start to the day.