Okells Garden Centre Cafe in Cheshire West and Chester

This was our third visit to Okells, and again, we were not disappointed. Even though it was quite busy, we found a table pretty quickly and then placed our order. The coffees came quite quickly, but the food order was a tad slow. However, the staff were busy rushing around and about, so I suppose that's just the way it goes sometimes. When the food arrived, we weren't disappointed, and we enjoyed 2 decent portions of quiche with salad and coleslaw. Only one small niggle..... the coleslaw was a bit salty for our taste. And if we have to be really picky, we would preferred our coffees after our meals. Maybe I should have told the staff of our preference?? Nevertheless, we enjoyed our meals and we'll be back again in a few months. Oh, and one more thing to mention....... most of the staff were very friendly, and helped us when we had questions to ask.

Really nice place to eat with friends or family it’s busy yet fast service the tables are clean, it’s nice and big. I would definitely recommend.

Nice atmosphere with good food and service . Lose a star for the awful coffee which I take black but on the last 2 occasions has been 'muddy'.

Lovely restaurant, helpful staff, good quality food. The garden centre is very high quality and dog friendly

It is a nice little garden centre to go and have some food at and a nice shop too just a few steps away🙂

Visited 3 times in the last 3 months on our way to Anglesey. We have a dog so sit outside. Staff yesterday when there were the friendliest. I had the best panini had for ages. Husband enjoyed bacon & sausage sandwich plus his favourite scone. Raspberry lemon cake is lovely too. The interior of the restaurant is very comfortable and immaculate toilets. Look forward to visit on our way home next week x

Really lovely garden centre and cafe but the cafe service is painfully slow. We had to wait 20 minutes for two drinks and a slice of cake! We saw one customer approach staff to ask if they had forgotten their order! It wasn’t that busy there either.

Google searched for a good place for brunch (midweek) and this was an option, I had been recommended before and was not disappointed. Very busy but food came out super quick along with drinks. Staff were lovely and atmosphere was lively. Would recommend the eggs Benedict and the soup and sandwich looked delicious!

Comfortable and spacious coffee shop, with great coffee and cakes, and really helpful friendly staff.

Perhaps better known as an excellent garden centre, Okells Coffee Shop is most reliable place for a light lunch. I plumped for the special Korean Gochunjang BBQ pulled pork served with pickled red cabbage in a duo of bao sbuns with salad and delicious chips. My wife’s bacon, spring onion and cheddar quiche was a genuine deep fill portion with a salad and dressing. As expected the coffee was tip top and all were served with a smile!

They have a few vegan options, pretty good, I chose the vegan Grazing Board, which was very nice indeed. Quite efficient, nice surroundings. What made this only a four star review is the policy of not being able to order extra drinks from waiting staff at the tables, so you have to go to the till and join the queue all over again - so you don't do it! This is standard practice everywhere else I have been. If the staff don't have enough time, they need to emply more staff! This cost them orders - real cash! - and means I will be reluctant to go there again. Flat access from the garden centre, good disabled toilet.

We had forgotten it was half-term and that it would be busy. We were told it would be a 20 minute wait for a table. We decided that we would try elsewhere and as we were leaving and in the car park the wonderful Jane ( who had run after us ) caught up with us to say that a table for three had become vacant. She continued to check that we were ok throughout our lunch. Okells is always a go to place for us but this was exceptional customer service. Thank you Jane.

Wanted to visit their cafe for something to eat with our pet dog, but an arrow reading dogs welcome led us to a outside makeshift tent. Considering it was only just above freezing and no heating, left very disappointing. The cafe is large enough to section part off for dog owners. Obviously don't need our business. Might be back in the summer months.

We love this place and visit at least once a week. The ambience is super and the staff are like old friends. They are an absolute delight! They all work hard, are polite, welcoming and helpful. I understand it is difficult to please everyone but sad to learn that the dog allocated area has now no longer open to those of us with our dogs and we are left outside again albeit under a make do (heated) gazebo. The last two occasions we did find a table in the dog area most of the space was taken up with those NOT having dogs and in the non-dog area there were tables and spaces. NOT FAIR. I do realise that not everyone likes to see a dog - even well-behaved ones but if we dog owners put up with noisy children, crying babies and people talking at the top of their voices - put up with us.! Okells should realise that many of their loyal customers have dogs and exiling us to a cold, unwelcoming 'tent' in winter is not conducive to good customer service. Some people sit there for hours with one drink and a cake - yackety yacking! Most dog owners like ourselves order quite a bit - is that fair? On another note some days the quality of food for the price is outrageous. Today a portion of chips was half full and the sandwich hardly worth £3 let alone £7. Would have complained but too preoccupied with the unfairness of being pushed outside and the hard-working staff don't deserve complaints - owners and managers - please sort this out. You will lose loyal customers. Most people like ourselves love to see the staff- they are always welcoming and friendly and so loyal to both their customers and employer -Okells now show some loyalty back to dog owning visitors we spend enough!

We have been coming here for coffee and lunch or breakfast for many years. The standard has always been good and it has a nice cosy, relaxing atmosphere. Recently it seems there has been a struggle to co ordinate food and drinks coming out together, in that food is arriving well before drinks which is unusual. Apart from this we feel this is still one of the nicest cafes around.

Well what a shock, thought we would go for a run in the car to one of our favourite plant garden centres the plants are the best you can get anywhere. it was close to lunchtime so called at the coffee shop as we have...

Before entering the coffee shop I asked if they were dog friendly, I was told the middle area . So we entered and looked for a table , they were extremely busy , I was carry my dog as he’s only a puppy , there...

We visited the cafe yesterday. It was extremely busy but the service was fantastic. All of the staff worked tirelessly and nothing was too much trouble. They were all brilliant and the food was lovely. Will definitely visit again!

My Mum and I meet here every now and then. It's £6.50 for a cucumber sandwich! It's not a fancy sandwich, just a standard sandwich on sliced bread. I expect more for £6.50 :(

Visited today and by far the best looking garden centre we have visited. Stylish, lavish, easy to get around, great staff, they certainly know how to set out displays. As we were looking for particular items we found all we needed and more. Fab range...

During lockdown Okells was a God send, to meet up outside with friends. I have been a few times since then, and the last time I went I thought the food wasn’t as good, but I gave it another try today. I was disappointed, I...

£12.50 for fish finger sandwich sounds ok until you see that there ate2 small pieces of fish finger .very disappointing

Everything they do - garden centre, restaurant, gift shop, parking is top notch. It’s a long journey from home in Anglesey but whenever we do a trip that remotely includes Okells we do and the treat makes the day!

Great day out. Lovely garden centre, shop selling ‘different’ goods and good food in the restaurant.

This is my favourite Garden Centre. Great plants, lovely, different, interesting things in the shop and an outstanding cafe. I have some intolerances - am gluten free and plant based and can still get a delicious lunch here. It’s all clearly marked and I have...

After a poor experience in Tarporley for coffee we stopped here for lunch, it was only a light bite and possibly a little pricy but I have paid a lot more for much worse, the garden centre and gifts on the other hand were really...

This is without doubt one of the best garden centre coffee shops anywhere. Clean, spacious and pleasant surroundings with excellent coffee and snacks etc. Staff are very welcoming too.

After being virtually 'locked up' for the past 2 years, with health problems & Covid, we're now starting to venture out again.....carefully! I stumbled across Okells Garden Centre purely by accident, whilst browsing places to visit around north Cheshire. On arrival, the car park was...

My second visit here and it certainly did not disappoint! Just as good as my first visit. Able to sit outside in the warm weather and there was a lovely atmosphere. Coffee was great again and they had a really nice beetroot and goats cheese...

Okells is a nice garden centre to visit but the cafe in particular is very, very overpriced! The food is certainly not worth what they are charging. A baked potato with cheese and beans was £9….an extra £2.50 was added just to have beans with...

Only given 4 stars as they forgot a meal but charged us full price? Rectified quickly, but it held things up. Food good, service needs slight improvement but it was busy

I absolutely love this garden centre, especially the cafe. The cakes are always delicious and i would strongly recommend the salted caramel brownie- its a taste of pure heavan. There are lots of gluten free and vegan options available aswell! The interior decor is gorgeous...

As frequent visitors to Okells, this is a disapointment. Okells is a half way point for a fair number of friend who meet here as a midway point between those in the Chester area and those in Tarporley/Nantwich. Today it's a haven for me while...

Okells say they are dog friendly, but do not allow dogs into the cafe. I feel that they are missing an opportunity here. In winter it is too cold to be outside and Ginger & Pickles, Tarporley Garden Centre, Cafe Nero, Dysart Arms, Morris Dancer...

Lovely cakes, I had tea and the ladies had coffee, good value and sat in a covered area outside, nice extra was a Robin chirping away to us and he deserved a few crumbs

Visited a few weeks ago to meet a friend for a morning catch up. Great café with a wide range of delicious cakes and food. Lovely coffee. And friendly staff. Beautiful setting and couldn't help myself - picked up a few bits for the garden...

Fantastic little cafe, but the coffees are tiny (the size of coffees has progressively gotten smaller over the years) the lattes are served in espresso size cups! That's just greedy of them, trying to make maximum profit! Seems a bit inhospitable. Cannot fault the quality...

Always a pleasure visiting here. Staff are all lovely (especially the older chap - sorry don’t know his name), the food is fresh and delicious and there are varied seating areas indoors and outdoors to choose from. It is a little on the pricey side...

Just love this place, the garden centre always looks fantastic, with so much choice. The staff in the garden centre are so helpful. The coffee shop is wonderful, amazing coffee, fabulous cakes and lovely food. It is so safe and clean. All the waitresses and...

I went to the Garden Centre to buy Bedding Plants and decided to have Coffee and Cake in the Cafe. We sat outside and enjoyed our scones and coffee. There was a big choice of cakes and we actually bought more cakes to take home!

One of my favourite cafes. Staff are really friendly and the food is second to none, absolutely delicious, Service and safety procedures during Covid has been exceptional, particularly Mike who is always ready with a warm welcome. Highly recommend Okells

Had a delicious lunch with friends yesterday. I have a broken ankle & Mike was so considerate in finding a suitable table for me & our 3 guests. We all had something different & it was all delicious & really good quality produce. Definitely visit...

Sunday morning favourite. Good choice of food, staff are always friendly, nice indoor and outdoor seating areas. *****

We had a delicious lunch and a very good cup of coffee. The service was exceptional and the staff were attentive and polite. The tables were clean and the food arrived after a very short wait. I would recommend to anyone wanting a pleasant meal...

Sorry to have to write this, we live locally and have supported Okells for years, I would have mentioned this on exiting the cafe but by then a young man was greeting and seating customers, I would rather have spoken to someone senior and dudnt...

Oh how lovely it was to be back inside the coffee shop today. It has been lovely to be able to get out of the house and sit outside for a coffee and cake, even on the cold days but it was so much nicer...

Visited coffee shop this morning to be warmly greeted by Mike, who found us a table close by. We spent more than40 minutes at the table and must compliment Mike on how he dealt with all the incoming customers. His service and demeanour with everyone...

Called for a quick take away coffee and hot chocolate today, I was really shocked at the prices £3 for a very small average coffee, and £3.75 for a “luxury hot chocolate” but again in the smallest paper cup you can buy - there didn’t...

So sad to read the awful comments about not being able to sit on benches in garden centre for coffee and cake. We have visited everyday since they reopened as it is the only way to get out and see a few of the staff...

Would give zero stars if I could. We are regular customers at Okells and today we have had a very disappointing experience at the café. We purchased teas and cakes from the shop which are to be consumed outside which has been our experience on...

Just to say a very big THANKYOU for all your hard work. The last 9 months have .been hard for everyone but you have all done so much to keep us safe and we appreciate it so much. We would have felt so isolated without...

I meet up with friends because we are half way, however I would prefer to find another venue. The menu has a good choice and sitting outside is pleasant, watch out for bird droppings on the chairs and tables. Inside I find very noisy when...

Called in for some cake and a cuppa. We ordered a cheese and ham toastie, tea, coffee and a piece of cake. Staff were nice and friendly and the food delicious. Tables well spaced for social distancing. Will definitely visit again

Just had brunch in the garden centre cafe then had a lovely cup of coffee in the new Greenhouse coffee bar. The garden centre as usual always an amazing welcome and service, food delicious. Staff fantastic. Then the Greenhouse coffee bar to try out their...

I called into okells for lunch and was at first impressed with the Covid 19 set up , I ordered a coronation sandwich with chips as this is my usual choice. When it arrived however it looked like a sandwich which had been kept in...

It was so lovely to come back after lock down and what a welcome we received from everyone. It was like coming home. We had been shielded and rather worried about coming back but spoke to Mike who reassured us and explained in detail how...

We are regular customers at Okells Cafe. Our visit today, a Tuesday, was somewhat of a disappointment. We experienced the usual Covid distancing rules and regulations without any fuss. We ordered our food at the counter without drama. It was only when I returned the...

We met some old friends here for breakfast. The cleanliness, the service, the food and the social distancing provision was excellent. We will return.

Visited as a family for lunch. Efficient and safe arrival, Covid secure with separate entry and exit points, staff wearing visors/masks. We have a recently diagnosed coeliac and anxious of eating out but this catered really well. GF toasties, sandwiches, salads available. Opted for a...

awful food sandwich stale, no condiments given, nearly £4 for a small glass of frozen chips. all disappointing, took our elderly mother who has dementia. overpriced and lacked quality in our food. plants also overpriced. 1st and last visit.

Visito el café O'kells porque es encantador y tiene una buena elección. Sin embargo, no puedo decir mucho sobre el lado de las plantas, las plantas están en macetas sin descripción o sin precio. Al preguntar por los arbustos, nadie parece saber nada sobre ellos, y preguntar si una planta es anual o perenne de nuevo nadie lo sabe. . . . . . . . Me temo que un café agradable pero un centro de jardinería inútil.

Met up with an old work colleague for breakfast at Okells. Served by a delightful lady with a lovely sense of humour and ordered two sausage and bacon batch with two pots of tea. Quickly served with really tasty food, cracking sausages.Well worth the drive, will visit again with my wife.

As we went in there were lots of people queuing to give their food orders and we thought oh no. No need to have been concerned. We were immediately told where there was a table. Decided what to eat joined the que which reduced quickly. Each member of staff has a role to play and they do it very efficiently. We had our food in a very short time and it was delicious. Can’t recommend it enough.

We pass Okells every time we drive to Chester however today we decided to stop in for a look. After a look around the great plants etc we decided to have lunch in the cafe and we are glad we did. The cafe was busy but it was easy to find a table especially after we were warmly greeted by a friendly staff member. Her smile made us feel very welcome. The menu provided a grwat choice and it was easy to order - plenty of instructions around the room. The drinks and food arrived very quickly and was piping hot. All the food we had was tasty and enough for us. If I had to be really picky the coffee wasn't the best Ive had but everything else made up for it. We will be going back :)

A fantastic breakfast, the food is wonderful and all the staff are really friendly. The fresh homemade bread makes a real difference

We were passing Okells as we have done on many occasions and decided to call in. We went to the restaurant where we were amazed at the quality of the food. The service was great and everyone we encountered were happy and pleased to serve us.A great experience and will definitely call here again!!

Extremely good customer service and a very tempting menu. I think that food quality’s good, too.It’s a bit like the Tardis - no matter how busy they are, there’s always a table available within minutes.I use Okells as a stop on my journeys to & from North Wales and it’s now a happy part of the journey.

Absolutely love Okells! Always visit here to meet up with friends for a stop in the café and a mooch around the garden centre and gift shop. Have bought lots for the house from the gift shop - slightly pricey but you get what you pay for and everything they have is so stunning. Café service is always good and range of options is just right. Will be visiting again soon.

OKells nunca deja de crear un ambiente cálido y acogedor. Personal eficiente y amable y comida deliciosa: siempre lo hacen bien. Gracias por mi deliciosa pita tibia con pollo marinado, ensalada de repollo casera y chips descarados. Volveré pronto. Gracias Annabel por tomarte el tiempo para chatear.

Very good choice of food clean and friendly staff the meal was priced well but the shop was quite expensive

This is one of the loveliest cafes in the area. Staff very efficient and friendly. Food and drinks lovely. Can’t really say anymore!!

We do like this place. Went for breakfast this time and had a well filled ciabatta roll. Slight issue with overcooked sausage but this was very quickly remedied without any fuss. Service is good and friendly, there is a family atmosphere to the place. Highly recommend.

We dropped in for coffee and a bacon bun in passing. Sadly the coffee wasn't at all nice and the bun was dry and inedible, to the extent that we actually abandoned both. This is virtually unheard-of. Mrs Mikopath is very fond of her coffee and will travel a long way for a good one. But this wasn't it.

Have visited many times and always find this cafe a relaxing place however busy it is, and to be honest it is usually pretty busy!! The surrounding are very tasteful. The staff are friendly and efficient, the food is excellent and freshly prepared and the cakes are yummy! The fact that this place is often very busy shows how popular it is with both locals and those who come from slightly further afield. Highly recommended!!

Went to Chester this weekend and found this little diamond, excellent breakfast, very friendly staff and a great well priced selection of Christmas decorations and presents. Will definitely revisit when next in the area!

Este es un café fantástico. Asientos y decoración rústicos: es como sentarse en la cocina campestre de alguien. La comida también es fantástica. Gran variedad de comida casera con interesantes combinaciones de sabores. Además de que tienen un café de gran sabor y una variedad de pasteles caseros y pasteles para morirse. El costo también es razonable dada la calidad del producto. Iría todos los días si pudiera

Habíamos dejado de venir aquí para comer, ya que los precios eran demasiado altos, pero visitamos nuevamente recientemente y me sorprendió gratamente: el menú ha sido actualizado y los precios son un poco más razonables. No es barato pero no es tan delicioso como antes. El aguacate y el huevo con pan tostado era genial, al igual que los panqueques. El cafe es bueno. Definitivamente volveremos!

The most wonderful staff in every department. Helpful, kind and professional. Lots of good advice in the garden centre and fabulous plants. Most of our small but well stocked garden plants come from here. Richard,Gill, Gilly and Amanda are all amazing, sorry folks don’t know your names but you are all great. In the coffee shop the food and drink is wonderful but on top of that you are all so very kind and cheerful even when it is at it’s busiest. Annabelle,Gill,Cassia,Middy, Mike,Amanda, Hattie, Emily and Finn are the names we know well but there are so many more who are all great at their job and just so lovely.Thankyou all.

Apart from being a brilliant centre for plants the cafe is excellent they cater for gluten free but not boring stuff really tasty meals and snacks even cakes!! Coffee can be extra hot and can can be served in tall glass instead of mug

Popped in for Friday lunch with a friend at midday and it was packed. Recommend getting there early to guarantee a table. Had a yummy mushrooms on toast and a peppermint tea. Didn’t have dessert but that cakes looked great. Nice bright cafe area. Suitable for all.

Lovely atmosphere and great place to meet for lunch. Home made cakes and wide selection of food. Friendly staff and great service

First visit to this garden centre and the plants were of very good quality. Fresh , vibrant and healthy arranged a very inviting way. Fair priced and lots to choice from. 4 out of 5.

First time visit to this special special place

We often have lunch there try the scones best ever even better with cream the garden centre is also great

We often use this garden centre and always stop for a coffee, we tell all our friends and have purchased gift vouchers for the odd present to encourage friends to go. We will , of course go back but if it had been our first visit we would have been put off by one rude waitress in the cafe, I don' need to name her , she knows who she is and knows we were upset.

Wonderful garden center and gift shop with very helpful staff indeed. The food is fresh and atmosphere in the cafe is lovely, especially on a sunny day where you can sit on one of the many tables outside. Will be back!

Most of the food here is overpriced by just over 3 x what it should be (I am comparing it to M&S; cafe). For a tea-cup (literally) full of mediocre soup and a stale sandwich, you will pay £7.95. Yes, you read that correctly £7.95 (not £2.95). For a small cup full of chips, you will pay £4! Again, that's £4 (not 75p) for a small handful of chips. As for the rest of the menu (cakes, tea, soft-drinks), expect to pay just under 3 x what they should cost.

Used several times as a coffee stop whilst travelling to and from North Wales. Very nice,clean civilised venue, quality products and good selection. Staff helpful and friendly,only negative s perhaps it's a little pricey for a cafe. A good stop and will continue to use for convenience and reliable standard. Well worth a visit.

Entré en este encantador café para el almuerzo de hoy. Estaba muy ocupado y como había una cola bastante larga en el mostrador, pensé que esto significaría que habría que esperar por la comida. . . este no era el caso. La comida llegó muy rápido y fue absolutamente deliciosa. El personal era muy amable. Volveré y la próxima vez me aseguraré de dejar espacio para las deliciosas tartas.

No comenzó muy bien, con el muchacho que trajo mi pastel de pescado sin mencionar que el plato estaba extremadamente caliente, lo que provocó quemaduras en los dedos. El pastel claramente se había calentado en el horno durante demasiado tiempo, lo que resultó en pescado y salsa secos (y los langostinos anunciados también parecían haberse vaporizado). La proporción tamaño / precio de la porción también me dejó con esa sensación de dedos quemados. En general, no fue una buena experiencia, aunque la ensalada de pollo que también pedimos estaba bien. Parece que se necesita cierta consistencia y atención al detalle.

Excellent cafe/ restaurant within a very upmarket garden centre , menu a cut above what you would expect to find in a green centre with very pleasant surroundings, good alternative if you are for something to eat

I have visited this restaurant many times now and have never had a bad meal. It is difficult to pick out any one particular item as all the food is good. The specials are also excellent.

a good menu with something for everyone, the restaurant was well presented and the food was delicious. the staff where helpful and knowledgeable overall a great lunch experience.

Really great place to pop in and have a wonderful coffee and a snack. The team lead by Anabell, are Gill,Cassia, Nichole, Amanda, Emily ,Middy, Mike,Finn and El and everyone who I have not mentioned you are all amazing . You work so hard,always have a smile and make us feel so welcome no matter how busy you are. Thankyou.

Stopped for an impromptu lunch on a sunny afternoon which meant that the cafe was very busy. Managed to find a table and ordered at the counter. Service was efficient and friendly and the food was yummy. Worth a mention for really lovely lady in the gift shop who was so friendly and helpful to an elderly lady struggling in the heat. You can tell it’s a family business as they really care about their customers.

This is a well organised and popular cafe with a wide ranging menu. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. The whokemeal tea cakes are a favourite but it’s difficult to overlook the homemade cakes. A lovely friendly atmosphere here which is very typically ‘Cheshire’.

Now its getting a bit warmer we visited Okells centre we had lunch and a good cuppa tea

Given that we should be taking care of the environment and of saving water there has been a dripping tap in the ladies toilets for nearing a year! Gallons and gallons of water will have been wasted. This is appalling! Very little vegan food or gluten and wheat free food. Staff are excellent. Very friendly, helpful and hard working. A very nice environment and food is lovely be it very expensive.

I was charged an extra 30p for soya rather than cows milk. I was having tea so this was a very small amount! I note there is no extra charge for sugar or a discount if you take it black! Okells need to move with the times and until they do we won’t be back.

The only reason that this cafe gets a 4 is because there’s a long queue to get to the till - not easily remedied I admit, as the food is excellent and the daily specials always different and exciting which is one of the reasons that people make the trip. Once you place your order, the food arrives at your table quickly and is well presented. The staff are all lively, very friendly and helpful and very hardworking. Seats both inside and outside if the weather is good and definitely something on the menu to suit all tastes . Will definitely return despite the long queue