Hillier Garden Centre in Chichester

Aweful service, visited with my sister for a quick lunch, took ages for our sandwiches to arrive, my hot chocolate was cold, plates/dishes left on tables - seemed to be plenty of people milling around in the kitchen, and that’s where they stayed. One person bringing food out, two behind the counter - no co-ordination. Queue to be served was ridiculous. Don’t think I’ll be visiting again.

This really couldn’t have been much worse. I ordered 3 drinks and 3 toasted tea cakes. When the drinks were delivered at the counter the milk was missing from one of them. Several minutes late the 3 toasted tea cakes were delivered , one of which was toasted but the other two were barely warm and still creamy white. I asked for these to be taken back and toasted properly but unfortunately in picking a plate up, the waitress knocked a cup over and spilled my coffee across the table and my leg. The waitress did have the good grace to offer to replace the coffee, for which I am grateful , however on her return with fresh coffee, she asked if I would like some serviettes to clean up the spill on the table, now I may be a bit old fashioned here, but as she’s spilt the coffee, I would have expected her to be returning with a cloth to do this. The staff all seem very pleasant, but are not well trained - come on manager, step up and train your team!

We arrived to an almost empty cafe, which was surprising from the start, as it is normally very popular. We ordered our breakfasts and a Latte from the counter servers, paid and sat down with our food number. The bottled apple juice was nice as was the latte. We waited for some time for our breakfast bap and buck rarebit to arrive. A young lad plonked it on the table, took our order number away. We were shocked at first. The breakfast bap contained one small slice of leathery bacon, we believe the small oblong item was meant to be a cut in half sausage (slightly bigger than a cocktail sausage and smaller than a chipolata) and a fried egg on top covering the disaster underneath. The Buck Rarebit looked good on the outside, but trying to cut into the muffin was a nightmare. I came to a conclusion that even a steak knife would have been inadequate. Portion sizes were very small and we suggest that if you are going to serve that size put it on smaller plates, it looked ridiculous. We could have complained, but it would have been unfair on the school children who were the servers and there didn't seem to be adults around that area. It now explains why the cafe was empty.

Hello lovely food here served by nice people let down by The dishwasher which isn’t working properly. My glass was filthy and when I tried to replace it they couldn’t find a clean one. Please replace the dishwasher or fix it as you are letting down your staff and yourselves and the food is good.

Unfortunately I never got as far as having coffee and cake here (though the cakes looked very nice) because the small queue to be served was sooo slow. How can it take so long just to make coffees and teas. The queue was quite short but I stood for ages without it moving. Even though it was only 10.45 in the morning a lady was spending time putting salt and pepper pots on tables whilst people were standing waiting long enough to grow roots. I gave up in the end and left.

Had afternoon tea for 3 people. We had 4 quarter sandwiches each, egg and cress and nice carved ham and tomato, I had asked for those fillings, a chocolate cake, a rocky road cake with icing on top, fruit cake and almond cake all about 2 bites. I asked for 3 sausage rolls to be added. If I had been blindfolded I would not have known the flavours of each cake, all quite dry and tasteless. We had a scone each and a bowl of thick cream and a bowl of seedless strawberry jam. It was presented very nice. Had to pay 40p extra each for drinks as we wanted 2 iced coffees and a latte. We could of had filter coffee which was included in the price. I was rather put out with that as we didn't have the pot of tea or jug of milk so why pay more. Even though we booked for 14:00 the assistant prepared it a few minutes after we sat down. So we had it about 14:20. I was very pleased that we didn't pay full price, there was a special offer on thank goodness. It would have been £20 per person, it was not worth £20. I ended up paying around £47. We took home a sausage roll and a scone. We left quite a few cakes. Definately not value for money and would not have afternoon tea there again.

Was here recently with my family. The whole garden centre venue is stunning. The restaurant has a nice selection of food. We didn’t have to wait long and the cost was very reasonable. I noticed that it is a popular spot for senior citizens to meet for a chat and a cuppa. Very comfy!

Waiting for 25 mins for a sales to arrive so far.....tea all gone now and still waiting. Let's see what arrives once it comes. Zzzzzzz, zzzzzzz, Well, it arrived 35 mins from the order time (note it's a ploghmans so not to taxing to assemble. No dressing, cheap cheese, unripe tomatoes and generally poor value. Better option would have been tea and cake on reflection. Will go to Stanstead House (Pavilion tea rooms) next time. "Must try harder"

Excellent cafe , all home made sandwiches , soups cakes etc . Really tasty and welcome surprise. Garden centre is vast , and fair prices . The Huxleys bird of prey centre is at the back , and well worth a visit . Your be offered to help feed the birds and everyone goes out of there way to talk to you . Great for kids .

High-quality products at much better prices than London. The staff was friendly and helpful and the coffee shop had great coffee

We popped in for a coffee and we were very disappointed with the service as well as the cleanliness of the cafe area. I have a back injury and was struggling to stand in the queue as the service was very slow. I tried to sit down but was told by the lady behind the counter, in a very loud sharp voice to wait! I appreciate times are different, however, a little bit of empathy towards disability would be appreciated. When we finally managed to sit down, the floor was very dirty around the table. At 10 in the morning this is unacceptable.

We had a long wait for our breakfast, but had tea and coffee while we waited. However, the coffee wasn't very hot, although plentiful. The breakfast wasn't over hot either....but the bacon was good and mushrooms tasty.

Visited but seems not to want your custom the cafe ,go to the independent cafes restaurant instead they are more than welcome for your custom at this moment in time...

We've been here a few times. I was specifically looking for two particular planters, so before making a 20mile round journey I called to ask if they had particular pots in. Response was no. We then went elsewhere and paid £67 for pots, which are nice but not what we really wanted. Our return journey took us past Hilliers, so we popped in for a browse. Imagine our surprise when we saw the pots we'd rung about- clearly displayed. We did purchase two and spoke to both the lady on the till and another in the indoor garden area - manager not in evidence. I'm afraid that if they can't be bothered doing a physical check for a customer, then we won't be bothered going back.

It's in a good location and the cafe itself is nice enough. But - not enough staff to deal with the short but very slow moving queue. And - the 'super soup' was adequate but not super and had a curious little dish of beetroot where there should have been pickle with the cheese - the cheese itself was adequate but small. Roll nice and warm though.

We stopped here on our way to a friends home because we needed a coffee and a snack. The lady that took our order was extremely pleasant and helpful, we decided to settle for scones to eat which were extremely tasty we asked for jam with the scones and were given a choice and a small jar which was great as it was nice to get a sealed jar of our own. The premises were very clean and there was a male member of staff constantly replenishing the self serve area of cutlery and condiments, he also, along with another member of staff kept the tables cleared and clean. I have no problem in recommending a visit to this friendly establishment, the prices were very reasonable too.

I went here for a friends birthday in September on a Wednesday afternoon. There was one member of staff doing the payments and serving drinks she seemed stretched. The other 2 staff were just talking out the back and letting her do it all by herself when there was a huge que of customers. She apologised for the wait time and time again bless her. If I could I would have jumped over there to help her. I asked for a toasted sandwich waited 15 minutes for it and got told that they were short staffed and very busy. This was at 3pm and I was the only one who had ordered. Personally I think the staff are lazy and it’s bad management. That poor girl working on her own deserves so much credit. I came back a few days later and the same thing happened. She looked tired but always had a smile on her face. From her badge I think her name was Louisa or something like that. I took a quick glance because she was rushing around so much. So thank you to that girl who made our time so much more welcome.

We enjoyed a lovely bowl of hot butternut squash soup with a warm sourdough roll here at lunchtime.The only problem was the wait. They certainly could have done with additional staff to help, especially at lunchtime. It is a popular place, close to Bosham, attracting people to the well stocked nursery.

Thought I would give this place a second chance to no avail. It is really dirty. We sat by the window and the windowsill was covered in tea stains and the skirting boards are black. It needs a thorough deep clean and update. Needs serious help.

Very poor service at this restaurant! Waited 25 minutes for a toasted sandwich! Then when it came they mixed us up with another table!

I visited for my birthday and had the cream tea which you need to book prior to going. The table was reserved with a white tablecloth on it. The food was well presented on a wooden style picnic table and benches. The food was great and a great quantity.

Very extensive menu for a garden centre restaurant ! From lovely sandwiches, jacket potatoes or larger meals. Sweets are limited but very good.

We past this garden centre and decided to stop, it is very nice has a great selection of plants and pots. We went into the cafe for a drink and cake. The tea is served in a large pot so you get plenty. The cakes are very tasty looking. We had the lemon cake which was delicious. Very good place to have a stop. It is light and airy with comfortable seating.

Prebooking is essential and you can do this by phone or online. On arrival, we were given a warm greeting and the table was laid up with a white linen tablecloth and pretty serviettes. The tea was ingeniously presented on a miniature picnic bench and looked beautiful - sandwiches crammed with filling, cream scones and an assortment of cakes, The teapot was constantly refilled. A delightful way for my friend and I to celebrate our birthdays.

Decided to treat ourselves to a cream tea and were not disappointed.

What is going on at Hilliers Garden Centre restaurant ? On May Spring Bank Holiday we visited the garden centre to purchase various items and hoped to have lunch in the restaurant. However due to staff shortages (again) there was no hot food other than a toasted sandwich. There were only three staff on duty and they were run off their feet as there were a lot of customers both inside and outside. Apparently there would normally be six staff. All three staff did their best under difficult conditions. They remained cheerful and helpful. After the Mother’s Day debacle we were extremely disappointed to experience yet another failure by Management to adequately staff the restaurant . Hilliers May achieve Gold regularly at Chelsea Flower Show but fail badly with their catering at Chichester. Please get a grip.

Waited in a queue ( one person) for at least ten mins, ordered two drinks and two toasted sandwiches ,was told we can't serve any more food as we're short staffed, absolutely gobsmacked, sat down in amongst the dirty tables with our drinks, obviously they had been serving food?, only three other people in there so not exactly rushed off their feet, how difficult is it to make two sandwiches, point being that while we were waiting tables were being laid for afternoon tea, took three staff to lay three tables, if they're not careful they might meet themselves coming backwards, would not bother again, my advice would be to employ staff that knew how to multi task , I speak from experience.

We decided to go out nice and early for an 8 o clock appointment in Chichester and pop back for a breakfast at Hilliers! Bad mistake. Ordered two cooked breakfasts at 9.12am three people in front of us so told a bit of a delay. 9.50 a.m after seeing six people served who came in behind us I asked where our food was. The women behind the till had screwed our ticket up and put it in the bin. I could still have been sitting there hours later. They are absolutely so badly organised it is a joke. I asked for my money back and will never go in there again. Oh and to cap it all we were told there were no mushrooms either! The Co-op is half a mile away who had plenty of mushrooms as we ended up popping in there and I made our what was then Brunch in ten minutes.

I have been reluctant to write a bad review but the day for us was completely spoilt so unfortunately I have decided to do so. Our table booked for three people at the restaurants specific requested time of 1145am on Mother’s Day was shocking. Apologies from staff didn’t make up for the delay. We were the first table to sit and the last do be served. We had a starter which was frankly mediocre and took an hour to get to us. Main course was served two hours late, we were just about to leave and we should have, as the meal was cold, a ridiculously large bowl of veg which again was stone cold. We told staff not to bother with desert as it would probably have been another hours wait. Walk ins on the day should not have happened as they clearly got priority over the pre booked tables. Goodness only knows how the ‘second sitting’ got on as there were still people from the first sitting waiting! Even though a number of people had walked out. I think the management should have a rethink as this is clearly not working.

Normally we are pleased with the service and standard of food. However our table booking for four at 1145am on Mother’s Day was a disaster. Despite the apologies from the serving staff the main course was served two hours late and desert an hour later. The roast beef was stringy and the gravy tasteless. Vegetables were numerous and well cooked. The cheesecake desert was on a base which was so hard it had to be eaten by hand as per a hard biscuit. The reason for the lengthy delay was due to two staff ringing in sick plus the staff didn’t realise that they also had to cater for “walk ins” by other customers. This reflected very badly on the Management who left the Restaurant staff with an impossible task. However those pre-booking should have been the priority. We weren’t so a special day ruined.

We had come to visit Fishbourne Palace and the Mosaics, but their cafe was closed for refurbishment, so we went searching and this Garden centre fitted the bill perfectly.

Smart move for garden centres to have a cafe, great for those of us who HATE gardening. Coffee pretty good, scone a bit on the dry side. Friendly staff, pleasant location. Hayling Seagoon

Called in for an early lunch with my wife. Very good menu at reasonable prices. Big breakfast consisting of nine items and unending drinks for £9.99. Special offer of two for £15.00. We chose this option and the meal was delicious. Friendly happy staff.

Nice garden centre with healthy plants and a shop that sells gifts,cut flowers,pot plants, pantry goods and books. Well worth a visit. Lovely cafe with snacks and meals. There is garden club you can join that you collect points on purchases and get emails about special club member offers. Pushchair friendly and good amount of free parking

Lovely meal, beautifully presented and well cooked. The staff very friendly and welcoming, it made our planned visit very memorable. We weren't rushed even though they were very busy.

I have a sneaking suspicion that more people go to the café here than buy from the plant centre, though I could be wrong. Indoor or outdoor seating, but clearing away tables was slow to the point of lethargic. The salad however was excellent, freshly made, with interesting ingredients.

Well, £4 for Americano & Lemon Meringue pie, £100 on shrubs!

We stopped in for morning coffee and toasted teacake. Queuing to be served took about 15 minutes with only three in front of us. Problem was that the lady behind the counter was taking the order, making the tea and coffee, toasting the teacakes and taking the money for each customer. She had to handled queries and sort out issues with payment. So 5 minutes per customer seemed about what to expect. Not her fault, she was working efficiently, but too much was being expected from her. She needed help. One coffee, one tea and two tea cakes cost over £9. Tea cake was just slightly coloured but not properly toasted.

Set inside the garden centre, is this smart, clean & tidy cafe.

We had aimed for an afternoon tea, within the café, but made the mistake of not reading the board correctly and we should have telephoned ahead. This was totally our mistake.

My wife and I stopped for lunch on our way to Portsmouth. Nice coffee shop with a good choice of food and drink. Also good to see free cold water available.

If only I could give zero! Absolutely disgusted, we were waiting in the queue to order drinks and some cake, which looked really tasty, only to be barged out of the way by her, obviously has an issue with people waiting to be served! No apology, just a look of disgust, if that's the way she looks at a paying customer you'll be lucky if you get any! Maybe that's why it was nearly empty, albeit for 3 customers! Used to really enjoy coming here, won't be bothering again!

I called in at Hiller's Garden Centre "Poplar Cafe" in the certainty that I could get a hot lunch on Sunday. It was only 1.15pm but were told that they had run out of the Sunday Roast !

Went to this garden centre because it was on the way to Chichester. Really glad I stopped off. The flowers and shrubs are a real joy to see, (and buy)

The food was okay, although the tomato and red pepper soup was dominated by the pepper. The prawn lemon mayonnaise sandwich was good. The gents toilet was however in a poor state of cleanliness.

Sitting here having a cup of tea, but surrounded by tables full of dirty crockery. Wasn't even offered a tray to carry my cup, teapot and milk jug. Obviously a cafe that is designed for people with three hands.

We visited as part of a walking group. The staff were friendly and accommodating as I was a little unsure of numbers when booking. The queue for ordering was a little slow but the food came out quickly when ordered. Everyone enjoyed what they had and thought it was good value for money. We will definitely return when walking nearby.

We first visited last Easter, had such an unfriendly welcome that we didn't go back - however, circumstances found us here again, hoping the downright unpleasant blonde harridan behind the counter had moved on - No Such Luck! Still there, still horrid.

As regular visitors to the garden centre, it was nothing unusual for us to pop in for a cuppa.

As regular visitors to the garden centre we decided to have lunch and chose the Harvest Festival Two-Course Lunch for Two at a total cost of £20.

Had the very best plum & apple crumble with custard (although there could have been more custard...). Lovely cafe, the staff are always cheerful and friendly and the food is very good.

Called for a late lunch but ended up choosing the Afternoon Tea option.

Lovely cream tea. Nice restaurant with plenty of seating inside and out, providing the weather is fair. May have lunch there another time, as the menu looks good, and others eating lunch appeared to enjoy their meals. Nice to be able to enjoy the garden centre plants and have tea or lunch without having to find somewhere else to eat.

I came here following a visit near to the garden centre. Tables were clean with a good choice of hot drinks and cakes. Prices are a bit high for the size of the cakes in my opinion. Coffee was nice.

Called in whilst wandering around the lovely plants on sale. Had a coffee and hot chocolate and the hot chocolate was very good. The food on offer looked very tempting and when we have more time will definitely come again to sample!

Decided to pop in for a bite to eat, been to the garden centre many times but never visited the restaurant and pleased we did, food was excellent, priced well and staff really friendly. We will visit again

Stopped here with cycle friends today. Good range/standard of food let down by poor customer service by the lady on the till. Throwing food down on the counter is never going to encourage a return visit

Lovely lady on the checkout, nicely set out with enough room to push your trolley around. Good deals and a few reduced plants at excellent prices. I wish I lived closer to visit more often.

I visited the centre with family and after doing some shopping they suggested staying for lunch. I was unsure about a cafe in a garden centre but am delighted to say I was proved very wrong. The food was excellent, freshly cooked and brought to our table by one of the chefs who was very customer focused.

A sunny day in Bosham and it was lunchtime. We stopped off at the garden centre which was fairly busy. The cafe was clean and the staff were friendly. We ordered sandwiches and coffee and sat outside. It took a while for our food to arrive but they were busy and it was freshly made. Worth a stop for a light meals. Oh! You can buy plants there as well.

Our second visit to the cafe within the Hilliers Garden Centre (the garden centre is excellent). Both times we have opted for the Great British breakfast which is really lovely, quality ingredients and well cooked. Their cake selection is also very good.

We stopped to have a quick cup of tea on our way home from Chichester. The cafe had plenty of tables available and whilst it was coming towards the end of the afternoon staff were pleasant and helpful. We asked for decaff tea and this was no problem. I chose a scone with butter and jam which the waitress asked if I'd like warmed - a nice touch. One of the butter sachets had already been pierced and when I asked for a fresh one the waitress readily brought me two more. My husband chose the Millionaire's shortbread which he thoroughly enjoyed. A very pleasant little stop with a friendly ambience.

Hilliers Garden Centre on the left as you leave Fishbourne heading west. As you would expect from such a famous name in horticulture, the plants on sale are top notch. Restaurant is also very good. Same old problem of queuing to get served - like many other establishments - is a pain at times. Collect you drinks and sit down with a number and wait to get you food. Normally this is quick and friendly. Simple meals but tasty. One major problem is that the food can be too hot, one example being the broccoli and cauliflower bake. May sound a bit petty but it ruins the meal for the customer who only finds out how hot the food is on the first mouthful. The kitchen staff do have the benefit of food thermometers and should only allow meals out that are at a safe temperature.

Staff very polite and went the extra mile to accommodate me 'gluten free'. Daily specials are varied they offered a vegetarian chick pea curry that was GF. Coffee is also very good

We arrived to a lovely welcome and stood for a few minutes looking at the daily special board. Unfortunately, it is placed across the room and customers were stood in front of it waiting to place their food order, which was a little inconvenient.

This cafe is in the Hillier garden centre in Bosham on the A259 towards Fishborne.

Second time I have visited, staff lovely but continue bad practice of bread board by salad and staff grabbing salad with their hands for a gluten free option that they have also grabbed after making a normal cheese toastie and with same gloves. Such a simple resolution is to use salad tongues but until then I will not eat here as been ill twice now!

Visited this , hitherto unknown, gem on a trip out to explore the area after a recent move.