Garden Pride in Lewes

For the 2nd time in a week, the service has been extremely slow. Food uncooked and had to send it back. The childrens tomato pasta was an absolute rip off at £5.95. Will not go again

We have been to Notcutts on previous occasions and have always liked it. It is one of the larger garden centres in the area and incorporates several things besides garden goods such as clothing, books and games and kitchenalia. The café has vastly improved over the years and is now as good as any you might find in a garden centre. The staff are very good and are to be commended as is the service in all the various departments. Worth a visit if you're in the vicinity.

Really good GLUTEN free options with food, we were very surprised of the amount of GLUTEN free food, we had GLUTEN free Cod and chips and they were very good, very friendly staff and helpful, going back for the GLUTEN free cream tea 😀

oh dear what has happened to this place! the restaurant is bipolar. different staff every week i see why. manager is nice. coffee awful. slow to be made. cold. your lucky to get what you ask for. took long to get so not bother going back to till. garden center got to be worst. elderly blonde cashier really rude and reluctant to help me or person before me. told me if I cant find it it not there only to find on next visit. i shall not name. emma and emelia only girlshappy help me. disgustd by older womens attitudes ans behaviours good price

Lovely restaurant seating and outdoor area BUT very disappointing food. We arrived 10:45am on a Sunday for a breakfast. Lukewarm gardeners breakfast and avo eggs and bacon. Would have thought first breakfasts out would be hot and fresh but had probably been cooked before opening at 10:30! Not great quality either. Could do so much better in such an impressive revamp. Shame on you.

The garden centre looked well-stocked, but we went there specifically to eat, so this review relates only to the restaurant.I ordered cod and chips, which came with mushy peas, accompanied by a pot of tea. When it arrived, the fish portion looked a decent size, but I soon discovered that was mainly because it was covered in half inch thick batter, which was extremely hard, to the point of being difficult to penetrate, even using full-force. It would in fact be more accurately described as 'armour-plated', rather than battered. The tartare sauce that accompanied the fish was unlike any other I've ever-tasted and not in a good way either.The portion of chips was miserly to say the least an pretty poor in terms of quality. The 'mushy peas' were more like a lumpy pea soup and pretty tasteless. The pot of tea was just as it should be.All in all, a very disappointing experience and for around £15.00, I expected much better. The same meal,in my local Morrison's supermarket café costs around £7.00 and is far better on every level.I would have only given one star, but for the staff who were very helpful and friendly.

No one told me when i renewed my discount that these facilities were no longer available,i was not told till i asked for card to facilitate this,very poor,

Visited the new restaurant for the first time on 30 June.Will not be going again.Food was ok but lady on Reception/Till was awful.No people skills, officious, arrogant. In totally the wrong job.Came across as someone emulating Rosa Kleenex from the film’Goldfinger’ or Nurse Ratchett in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’.If it hadn’t been so late at lunchtime and we were hungry, I would have told her to stuff it where the sun did not shine. Felt it might have been a bit crowded up there.Not all your customers are deaf senile old dears and even if tgey were, that was an appalling way to behave.

On first impression the restaurant feels like a massive improvement on the old, tired version. However, that's where the improvement ends. I've been to the new one on three occasions now but I've paid my last visit. Even though the old place was small and could feel overrun at times it always felt organised, the staff were friendly and the food quality was much better. The meals I've had since have been served lukewarm, expensive and very slowly. I would have spoken to the manager but nowhere to be seen. Do they even have one now? Doesn't seem like it. In fact, the whole centre seems much more poorly run than in the past. I shan't be going again.

Food very good good service, meals were hot and served quickly bu the staff. Despite being busy selection of condiments unable to identify server sadly they did good job

What in heavens name were you thinking of when you have one outdoor area and slam a HUGE play park in the middle of it. Seriously did you not identify that the majority of your customers were retired couples or people looking for a nice quiet relaxing visit to a Garden Centre. This isn't Nandos or Crawley Indoor Adventure Centre, this is a garden centre in Ditchling!!!!I sat outdoors for just 30 minutes and watched as couple after couple came, sat down and then went back inside muttering to each other about not coming back, too noisy etc. Outside was just 2 Mums with 4 screaming kids.Now it isn't rocket science, when designing the outdoor areas feel free to place a play park in some discreet corner away from the main area, DON'T have it as a centrepiece especially if you want to create a profitable business. Just to add that the staff here are great, friendly and welcoming and the food here is good, sausage rolls are especially great quality. I unfortunately won't be visiting again as I really do value a calm environment when eating or drinking

The food and drink cold and poor quality. Also sooo expensive.£22 for two breakfast and two coffees. I was told when I took the coffee back that I was not the first to complain. She said she could not change the temp. Why has the company stopped the two free coffees per month?Dobbies have carried over coffee from the first lock down.We will go round the corner to Tates. Hot tasty food and drink.

The restaurant itself is fantastic, the staff are friendly, however I’ve eaten here twice and the food ranged from average to poor. The last occasion both my partner and I chose from the sandwich menu, we both had sandwiches served where the bread was hard on the top where it had been left out for some time. The food is expensive so was very disappointed.I won’t eat here again.

The restaurant shuts at 3pm!- surely classic tea time! (not shown clearly on their website if indeed one felt it necessary to check) Furthermore the queue to pay was reminiscent of Christmas - very long! Sad because previously we have enjoyed our visits.

First visit for a long time, was so impresed with the way the restaurant seating was all arranged, tables and chairs were being cleaned after people had left and signs every where of where to go, also signs on the table to say if you can sit there as its been cleaned. The food was lovely and everyone was helpful and the staff were happy.

First visit to new resturant so impressed with food and service lovely outdoor patio best chips ever tasted..

I have eaten twice in the new restaurant, the food has been bad both times (cold and no love put into it), I had a cooked breakfast and a lunch, the children’s pasta was reheated pre cooked (not heated enough as the cheese served with it did not melt at all!), how long does it take to cook freshly some penne and heat up tomato sauce, no time at all, try it. The venue is very nice, the seating is very comfortable, but the staff are not happy in their work and it shows in the food and the service.

My brother-in-law and his wife took me to Notcutts Garden Centre for a walk around and cappuccinos.I've not been to this Garden Centre nor to the restaurant before.Lovely bright and welcome feeling.Lovely décor in the restaurant.We only ordered hot drinks no food which was hot and tasty.The ladies who served us was friendly.The restaurant was spotless clean.Highly recommended and I will go back.

I must say a vast improvement from the old restaurant, although we only had a quick coffee, it was nice that there was nice screen around dividing section, and not just open tables. Plus beautiful clean toilets. Well done.

We have visited Garden Pride a number of times over the last 2 years and always visited the restaurant, some of the food was so so but other parts of the menu's the sandwiches and pannini's were excellent. We have visited the new restaurant and have been terribly disappointed. Firstly the number of choices of made to order sandwiches have dropped dramaticly about 60 to 70%. We went there on Tuesday around 11 to 1130, my wife ordered a sausage sandwich only to be told they had no bread, I ordered a pannini again to be told they had none, hardly a situation you would expect at mid morning.

Today was our 3rd visit since the new cafe/restaurant opened. I’m afraid to say I wouldn’t recommend anyone going here for food. The old restaurant and food was so much better.On each visit the staff have been very poor. Lots of them standing around chatting to each other, ignoring customers. Thier conversation much more important than serving customers.The choice of food it appears to be very much reduced. The new screens don’t display all options. The roasts don’t appear on the screen at all? Also the quality of food not as good as it used to be. On each occasion our food has been Luke warm at best . Somehow they managed to serve a burnt, cold cottage pie.The new surroundings are beautiful shame the service and food don’t match.The old restaurant, food and service were better. I think most people only use the restaurant because they are Notcutt members and get thier 2 free drink each month.Such a shame.

We visited with a friend. My husband had jacket potato with prawns which although edible was quite burnt. My friend had palenta pie which she said as very nice although the pastry was burnt on top and the veg it sat on was only lukewarm. I had the pork roll with potato wedges which I sent back as roll was burnt and the wedges were inedible. They did replace it and it was better.The menu is very limited. It is a shame as it is a new restaurant and is very nicely laid out.

Had hoped the new restaurant would improve the food and service, but sadly no. Ordered 1 coffee and 1 chocolate, 4 assistants behind the counter appeared quite disorganised and oblivious to us as they carried on their conversations. Although no one else in queue we still had to wait.

Dogs were not allowed in restaurant so we sit on edge and tie our dog near us in shop, worked very well. This seemed to really anger the Lady Manager she kept walking passed us glaring at us, whispering about us to the staff , unbelievable really. Was told with new restaurant dogs are allowed ( not by her she is not that friendly) so off we went to try new restaurant with our dog, there she was again pounced on me to tell us no dogs allowed. Been coming here for years but wont anymore , now go to South Downs garden centre , nice food very friendly but most of all not a nasty spiteful manager

Plenty of parking space, great decor, nice atmosphere and service. Roast was ok however a little stingy on the amount of meat on the plate in comparison to other village pubs in the area.

Was delighted on a visit to the restaurant to find that they catered for vegans and the meal I had was absolutely delicious. We are returning again with other family members.

We thought as the new restaurant had opened recently the food may have also improved. Well let’s start from the beginning. On entering the new food restaurant it looks clean inviting and loads of space. We decided to try out the breakfast, I had a breakfast club sandwich and my wife had some cheese on toast.

Came at 11.45 to see the lunch menu . Nothing . What was available was beverages , sandwiches , cakes and brunch . We had a coffee and tea which was only warm . As there was obviously not lunches being served we decided to have our drink and go elsewhere for lunch . If you do not do lunches , people will not come .

Very impressive new restaurant absolutely huge! Food was better than before if a little expensive but could not find fault with it. Think they lacked a few staff but otherwise very good.

I visited Notcutts Ditchling this afternoon with my sister for coffee. This was the first time I had used the new restaurant and What a disappointment. It was overpriced and the service was poor.The staff appeared to be able to work at one speed, very slow. Tables needed clearing but staff seemed to be able to walk pass them with doing anything. I had to ask for teaspoons as no one has noticed there were none out,I also had to ask for a cup to go with my pot of tea which the lady had to go and find. The restaurant manager needs to train the staff properly because with the prices that is being charged the least your customers deserve is excellent customer service. Lastly the shelves of the room dividers need dusting!!!

Went here today with my husband to visit the new upgraded restaurant area. What a difference to the old cramped one. It was worth the wait of nearly a year for the refurbishment . There are 2 tills, with ample seating with plush chairs . Excellent main lunch menu, with choices of sandwiches, jacket potatoes or a main hot dish. Tempting cakes on display. It has a light and airy feel and also has outdoor seating and air conditioning. The main store hasn't changed much ,but restaurant definitely worth a visit

Enjoyed a prawn baguette and medium cappuncino. Both delicous and no queue at the counter. I just feel both were a little pricey £3.15 for the cappunicino - perhaps consider giving a biscuit with it and maybe offer crisps with a sandwich or baguette as £5.95 is a little steep.

Notcutts Garden Centre in Ditchling have recently opened their large new restaurant which we were looking forward to trying out with the family but were left very disappointed.

It was terrible. I used to come here with my family every year and this year to my disappointment they have changed some of the best bits they also have removed the giant raindeer which was a highlight from going there and also changed many other stuff that's I used to love about going here but now it's not fun so I had to move garden centre for christmas shopping.

Went today to try the brand new restaurant which is much larger than the old one and very spacious with good seating, BUT the service is SO SLOW and the food was frankly very poor quality. We had the Christmas dinner main course which was two small slices of dry Turkey with a rock hard stuffing ball, and some overcooked veggies which could only be described as warm. Half a jug of gravy was barely enough and at £13 a head it should have been a lot better. Come on Notcutts - let the food and service match the restaurant please!

Took my son and grandson here today for a coffee. I was appalled to discover that a SMALL cappuccino cost £2.85. Half of the cup was filled with foam and the coffee tasted absolutely dreadful. Certainly the worst cup of coffee I have ever tasted. They have a fancy new restaurant and obviously this is how they are paying for it. Service was poor ten minutes wait for 3 cups of coffee. I have been going to this garden centre fir many many years but will not be doing so in future. Considering half their patrons are pensioners, I wouldn't think they would be able to continue going either, quite shocking.

Went to Notcutts Ditchling this morning as they had members 15% discount on all items..... What a shambles.... When they have a nationwide promotion surley they should not have loads of stocks piled up in trolleys,boxes everywhere..... Items over priced.... Half plants dead/dieing. Cafe just a mess... Tables all wonky/unstable.... Health and Safety would have a field day there I am sure.... Left without buying anything....

Please please please read your reviews so you can improve. Tied our dog up just outside restaurant so we can see her and she can see us, we always but her a sausage . The female manager came over and was very stern with us and said," we will refund you but you cant give your dog a sausage" we said dont worry we can take it home. She was very abrupt and made us feel very unwelcome. Everyone go to South downs Nurseries restaurant is amazing dogs very welcome and happy to give a dog a sausage. Staff at South down Nurseries are so friendly and food is amazing .

Visited the restaurant at 10am, only 2 tables occupied, which should have raised suspicions. Waited ages for food but plenty of staff available. If you’re after a cold English breakfast, then this is the place to go. If you want hot food just go elsewhere. It’s such a shame as they use good ingredients.

The cafe toilets are a disgrace, this is the biggest letdown, then there is the right fit parking which is addressed by the overflow car park. The food portions are very generous. The shopping is above average, a little pricey but not samey, the Pro Cook store is very welcome. The cafe toilets make it a one-star place. Can be very busy and so a bit of a wait for food. Some choice are safer than others.

I ordered the italian roasted tomato and pesto soup - after waiting for some time (although it wasn't particularly busy...) soup finally arrived and it was absolutely dreadful. Watery, devoid of any flavour or seasoning, it tasted like a badly made cup-a-soup and I was charged £4.95 for it. Bread roll was white, spongy and came without butter. Will not be returning to eat there again, unless I've had my taste buds removed...

Had lunch here today. I ordered mozzarella tomato basil ciabatta, it was toasted and a little burnt at one end. The cheese was tasteless and there was no pesto, instead there was mayonnaise with a hint of pesto. Horrid and soggy. My mum ordered ham ciabatta, the girl on the counter -who couldn’t really be bothered- didn’t ask mum if she wanted it toasted. It didn’t occur to us to ask as assumed that’s how it would be served. But no. Nice ham but very chewy. £14 for two very poor ciabattas.

Had an enjoyable lunch here while passing through. Pea and mint soup was delicious, with fresh bread on the side. Friendly service. Would return!

Considering the competition in the area, sorry to say it wasn’t the best. The food was satisfactory, but the restaurant itself could do with a good tidy. Plenty of people around to do it too.

Ordered two different Toasted Panini. These were accompanied by Salad and Wedges. The Cheese and Ham was barely warm. The Panini showed signs of light toasting only. The Mushroom and Stilton was even worse. The Mushrooms were cold. The Wedges were cold and soft.

The cafe has become very tatty. Tables and chairs are worn. Food is no longer good quality and is expensive. I used to visit a lot over the years but hardly come at all now. Poor choice of cakes and we choose the cheaper options which, in our opinion, were over priced. 2 cakes and two coffees and over ten pounds is just ridiculously expensive. There are better places to eat and drink in the area.

Ordered jacket potato with Cheddar cheese.The potato was served barely warm and looked over cooked the skin of the potato was leathery and in edible.The cheese lacked any flavour .Very poor quality for a simple dish. I will not return there to eat.

Popped into the garden centre for a mooch and had a coffee. Didn’t appreciate the lady on till 2 grabbing the coffee cups with her hands round the rim of the cup where you drink from. She’s handling cash and different surfaces and shouldn’t then be touching where you drink from. Maybe a word from the management is needed

I decided to look around at the christmas decorations. Last years were a lot better quality and at reasonable prices, however this years christmas decorations are a lot to be desired! there was a garland that i had brought the previous year which has now gone up in price and no where near the same quality. The baubles were very tacky and cheaply made, yet very expensive price tags. Everything seemed to have been brought in cheap from China but sold on for a lot off money. Notcutts had always been the place to go for beautiful Christmas decorations, but now after seeing this years displays i will not bother...

Coffee here is very average. Tea tasted soapy. Mentioned this to the staff, but they didn't seem bothered.

Visited today for a second time with a friend who lives in the area. There is a good selection of plants, furniture,gifts,clothing etc, but the cafe was more like an under-staffed canteen resulting in a long queue with frustrated customers waiting over 15 minutes for orders to be taken. We only wanted drinks & very nearly gave up, the staff were slow to clear the tables & when they did they didn't bother to wipe them. The cafe floor was not very clean where we sat and the toilets left a lot to be desired with dirty cubicles & overflowing bins that needed emptying - maybe they are not checked regularly, but certainly should be - Management please take note.

So whilst they have a good sized kitchen that would be the envy of other garden centres, it has the feel of a works canteen about them. The toilets are tiny and have that 'old peoples home' smell about them. Once you have bought your lovely Sunday Roast (and it was), it would be nice to have quality salt and pepper, not the tasteless white pepper dust. It would cost little to just have more choice by the knives and forks.

Better than average garden centre(nottcutts) full range of garden equipment, pet store, pro cook shop etc. Cafe good

Garden Pride Garden Centre is located in an enormous warehouse-like structure set in the beautiful Sussex countryside near Ditchling, about nine miles from Brighton. It focuses on plants, tools and outdoor furniture, together with gifts and homewares - rather a mish-mash when you first walk in, but an attractive one, with clumps of flowers and plants, cakes and wines and greeting cards. However, we were there, for the first time, to meet friends who were aficionados of the garden centre’s restaurant. The specials were home-style beef stew and chicken & leek pie served with a variety of vegetables, but various lighter alternative were offered, like soup and baked potatoes with a side salad - all served cafeteria-style, and with condiments and water available nearby. Furnishings were simple but clean, people serving efficient and helpful. I had the chicken pie, carefully handed to me on a hot plate (good!), with gravy and a generous helping of vegetable cooked just right, and it was very tasty. My companions all had baked potatoes, generously filled as they had chosen, and with an attractive side salad, and clearly enjoyed them. It was a good, honest, no-frills meal, and we shall certainly return.

Dry scones and dry cake, flat white was rank. To top it off charged a ridiculous price. I think whoever makes up the prices must be on the crack pipe.

Popped in with my daughter to have a look around the garden centre. Decided to have some lunch of a overpriced panini and piece of cake. Also, not clear that you need to place your order at the beginning of the counter for hot snacks etc. Luckily no queue so went back to the beginning of the counter to have to interrupt 3 staff who were just chatting to place my order. Very disappointed in the whole experience. With a bit more organisation and management this place could be fabulous.

Appalling overpriced food and grumpy staff. I’m meant to say a bit more than that but I think I’ve said it all. Garden Centre itself is nice though, the restaurant lets it down badly.

Visited one lunch time Queuing system to receive hot food at counter Average quality Passable but nothing special

This is a large garden centre with a wide and varied range of plants, garden accessories, pet supplies, gifts etc.. The cafe is tucked away in a corner near the tills and was quite busy, far busier than the food would really justify. The dishes we had were bland and tepid, disappointing overall.

Went to this Garden Centre for the first time today as I was visiting a friend who lives in the area, we went for a browse + a mid morning snack & drink. Unfortunately, our toasted teacakes tasted very very stale & we just could not eat them - on complaining to the Manager, we were offered sandwiches or cake as an alternative. My friend opted for a tomato & mozarella sandwich instead, but said it was very bland and she really did not enjoy it. I did not like any of the other sandwich fillings that were available today so just had my tea. It is a fairly big Garden Centre with plenty of parking, lots of plants + a big selection of gifts, but based on our experience today we cannot recommend their toasted teacakes or sandwiches.

Lovely garden centre, plenty of choice and areas to browse. Decided to have brunch in the restaurant but regretted it.

Lovely place to look around, buy gifts and plants etc and even have lunch or afternoon tea. There's nothing unpleasant here. Staff are friendly, food is tasty and so many things to buy. Great place to use up a few hours.

Never disappointed at this place, plenty of choice and all to a very high quality. Friendly staff and delicious food

We visited here last week with some friends and had a very nice afternoon. They serve quite traditional food, as expected, and I had an excellent chicken and leek pie - with apple pie for afters. My friends wife has just recovered from an operation and the young man that works there couldn't do enough to make sure that we were comfortable.

Large cafe/ food bar part of good Nottcutts Garden centre. Reasonable setting and good traditional (or vegetarian breakfast which we did not try) at 2 for £10. Eggs cooked to order and food delivered to table with a smile. Some lounge seating.

Having walked to the Garden Centre from Burgess Hill, we felt we deserved a coffee and cake. The Entrance board informed us the the Garden Centre was Dog Friendly, We decided to have coffee first then buy the bits we wanted. While waiting in the Restaurant entrance to get our coffee we were rudely informed that DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE RESTAURANT, OK thats fair enough, so we asked if we could sit outside on the patio with our Dog, No we could not do that either, we said "all we want is a Coffee and Cake", but were told NOT WITH A DOG. So we left and walked back to Burgess Hill empty handed and thirsty because it was a warm sunny day. We won't be visiting ever again.

The centre is actually very well stocked and I would rate it as worth a visit , just don't use the Cafe. The food we had was cold and very bland, it was meant to be sausage and mash and was quite appalling. The tables were not being cleared and cleaned and we had to move other victims plates away to find a table to eat. Nobody was about to complain to so I sent an email to head office which to date has been ignored. I did also mention to them that the two tills in the garden centre where not working properly again ( this happened on a previous visit )making getting to pay for garden items a lengthy​ process. So my advice. Is to visit, look around, don't eat,don't buy anything . It could be so much better but it would seem management don't really care. Shame that , in such a competitive market.

A lovely outing to this garden centre today, plants looked in very good condition, and enjoyed a very nice lunch sitting outside in the sun. Food was good, plenty of staff serving so although busy we were served promptly, and all very friendly and smiling. Well done to you all.

A good garden centre to visit. Good parking. Wide range of plants, garden furiture and other products to choose from. The afternoon tea we had was nice, but average. That said we will visit again.

Restaurant has slipped in recent months, I cannot understand why for example, they serve peas with a pair of tongs!!!!