Shades of Green Coffee Shop in Northumberland

The cafe prices are ludicrous. £3.45 for a toasted tea cake with barely any fruit in it is ridiculous as is a fiver for two cups of tea and £9 for a cooked breakfast!! The staff are not the most pleasant either. Sadly the shop and garden centre prices are way off the scale too compared to most other garden centres. Definitely would not recommend or revisit.

Have been here a few times but the last twice we have found the staff very unwelcoming to the point that it feels like a hassle to serve you. We arrived today at 3pm (closes at 4pm) and we were met with 4 members of staff who looked fuming that we had arrived and wanted hot drinks. Not impressed.

Cafe full but everyone had their coats on. The cafe was very cold and uncomfortable. No heaters above switched on. Food was nothing special. £7.25 for a cheese toastie with a little salad. The bread was so thin and crispy and felt like it could be used as a spatula to apply plaster to a wall. Love the garden centre but won’t rush back for food.

Purchased two roast beef dinners to take away, really tasty meal, everything fresh and plenty of it, beef tender and tasty, cant fault it.

The cafe staff don't like customers. When they aren't sat around a table being loud and laughing like hyenas the service is resentful. All I can think of is they are family as it's not good for business at all Not going back there are other ones after all

Had a family re-union Sunday lunch and it was really good. I was rather dreading it having read the reviews and entering the centre through an industrial estate wasn't reassuring, however the Garden Centre is excellent, and the restaurant is really good. We all had the roast chicken dinner, I had the small portion which was perfect - the regular portions were very generous! The desserts were all lovely. the staff were all really lovely, very helpful. Service was good- don't know what the previous reviewers were upset about!!

I have always visited this garden with no complaints until today. I was looking at the name of one of the outdoor umbrellas which had no price shown, so I was busy typing the name of the manufacturer to get an idea of the cost on my mobile and see if it had lights included when a guy whom I’ve not seen before was like speedy gonzales and in my face asking did I need help, I ended up feeling so uneasy at the way he approached as I’m sure he had spotted me with my mobile phone and was more concerned about me using my mobile then actually helping me. I have visited this garden center when the owners have been present in the store and they come across lovely with their customers . So hopefully they do get to read some of the comments on here, then have a friendly word with their staff as I can agree that some staff don’t always come across friendly. if they don’t like working with customers face to face then maybes they are in the wrong job.

I visited with a friend! Not a good experience it was freezing cold! The heaters are over head but they clearly weren't on as there was no heat coming from them and they weren't red! Which would confirm they were on! As it was so cold the hot drinks went cold very quickly! The food was over priced and sub standard. I won't be back in a hurry!!

Called in to get a quote for turf and hedging. A nice chap obliged and quoted delivery rates and times. On A visit the following day to order said items, my husband was met by a woman who not only doubled the delivery price but was extremely rude. Having spent hundreds of pounds over last two years at Wansbeck GC, we will not be spending a penny more...which the woman in question said was fine with her!......a note to staff, please consider that people have hidden disabilities and issues and if you insist on not honouring quotes, then do so in a more professional manner not one that can leave people dealing with disabilities extremely upset.

I came to this place with a member of my family, with the aim of having something eat at this venue. After sitting down at table 16, our order was written onto the menu that was set at the table, I opting for the pork steak, potatoes and vegetables, while my companion requested steak pie and chips, along with two lattes for the both of us. This all came to just under £18. As per habit with Covid-19, baby wipes were used to wipe down the table surface, to ensure it was clean. As this was being done, it quickly became apparent how filthy the table was, as the wipes turned black with filth from the side of the table. The staff may disinfect the tables after they are used by customers, but they are certainly not cleaned thoroughly. The server, who acted as cook behind the counter, came and brought the tray, practically slamming it down onto the table before departing, doing all this without comment. Evidently customer service is not a high priority. The food that was served was edible, however, I would not consider it appetizing, especially not for the high price that was paid for this meager, particularly as I've been to similar independent food outlets that offered more for less, and with a friendly smile to go with it. Overall, but for the fact its located at a popular garden centre, this food outlet would not be up and running for long with its business model, of serving small portions of overpriced food, by disgruntled employees to customers sat disinfected, dirty tables. I would not recommend this outlet for its food.

We had morning coffee in this restaurant. After looking round the garden centre we went back to have some lunch as well. Excellent system in place to make it Covid safe. The staff wee all very helpful and friendly and there to make your stay enjoyable. We noticed some people who came out for the first time since lock down and looked happy to be there. Highly recommended.

My partner's parents visit this cafe every morning and this makes it easy for any of the family wishing to see them. Because of this, you could say we have been frequent visitors over the years! The food is of excellent quality and portion sizes are adequate, however, it isnt the cheapest cafe in the Ashington area. Despite this we will continue to visit for a decent breakfast.

Awful tea Awful coffee Awful toasties This place can't even do the basics , and its expensive. They should change the name to shades of Shiite !

I,ve been a regular here for a while now,and as well as an excellent range of plants etc,the restaurant serves tasty food,especially Sunday roasts,and is very reasonably priced.The staff are always pleasant and friendly,and the restaurant is large and comfortable.

Called in for a late lunch with a couple of friends. We all had mince and dumplings. When it arrived it was covered in a film of grease! Carrots were rock hard, peas were tasty, potatoes were ok. Disappointed to say the least!

Stopped off here for coffee and scones just before New Year – sadly we arrived too late for the lunch menu. The café was quite quiet but the coffee and scones were good – also appreciated the fact the butter for the scones was kept in a fridge meaning it hadn’t melted like that provided in a lot of other cafes .

I called into the cafe for the first time as I was browsing around.They have a good selection of food & drinks & not over priced.The staff were very helpful.Afterwards I had a look around at the cards, ornaments & a good a range of things.I had myself a nice little afternoon.

Decided to call in for lunch . I chose the chicken korma with a jacket potato. When it came it was also served with a small fresh salad . There was loads of chicken in the curry and a very large jacket potato.

My hubby and I visited this week and we opted for a fruit scone and latte. The lattes were tasty and hot but the SCONES wow just how we like them full of fruit, soft inside with a crunchy outer. The cheese scones looked pretty good too.An added plus the young girl who served us was really efficient with great interpersonal skills and made us feel welcome. So well done.

Had a coffee and cheese scone here when visiting shades of green garden centre. Very good scones indeed and friendly staff. Plenty of people having full meals as well. A nice little garden centre.

This is a reasonable place for a cuppa or meal if you fancy. The staff are obliging and there is a reasonable choice on the menu. Pricing is mid range so won’t bust the bank. Seating is comfortable and a pleasant environment.

You need to get there early to have a full choice of lunches but the food there is really nice home food cooked freshly. Cakes are lovely if you've got a sweet tooth....when it available I go for the Apple pie every time has a lovely tang to it . Garden centre is nice too ...not badly priced although it is fairly small. Staff are lovely both in the cafe and the centre.

First time in here but will be back. Lovely latte,piping hot,very creamy. Food looked lovely but didn’t have time to try any,will do on next visit.

Another Wednesday and somewhere different to go for coffee and hot chocolate. As it is not long for Christmas everything was festive, we bought two coffees and one hot chocolate. The food on the hot plates looked delicious. As did their cakes and scones, although at £2:15 per scone I think rather expensive, maybe they are extra delicious, who knows. Staff very friendly and the coffee shop lovely and clean. Please note that this place is no longer named Shades of Green but name is now the Wasnbeck Garden Centre.

I am pleased to say the staff have chef have not changed we had Sunday lunch and I had beef sandwich with cheese scone and cofffee I must say it’s one of the best Sunday dinners we have ever had the meat is from Roland the butchers in Amble highly recommend

My 9 year old daughter and I came after school and the place was dead as the lady was closing but she very kindly stayed open longer so we could have a delicious piece of cake.

My son and I went here for lunch after a walk on a cold wet day. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, going out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. All the food looked good; my son had pasta bolognese, while I had quiche with salad. All very good, and a glass of water each without even asking. Lovely.

Called in here with family for a coffee, the staff are good as is the menu and the prices are reasonable. The only downside is that I noticed what looked like bird excrement on the back of two seats.

I went with colleagues for a lovely lunch here, quick service and loads to choose from...cheap too! Very surprised and most definitely going back.

Llamado con un amigo para almorzar. Yo elegí el pollo Korma de pollo sabroso, pero no mucho, pero un montón de cebollas para mí.

Hemos tenido el almuerzo aquí un par de veces y he quedado encantado con el servicio y la comida que es bien presentado, fresco y sabroso. Teníamos paninis con ensalada de col y compartido, porción de patatas fritas. El café también era adorable. Personal amable.

Es un infierno de verde' ahora se llama 'Wansbeck. El té de la tarde de 2 a 5 de lunes a sábado es fabulosa y una excelente relación calidad-precio en 15 libras para dos personas! Tienes que reservar con 24 horas de antelación pero no...

Personal encantador comida muy buena pero a mi marido tenía la sopa grande que hubiera alimentado a personas de muy buena calidad

Called into the shop to buy some bits and bobs. Popped into coffee shop for tea and cake. The Nutella cup cakes were delicious. The coffee shop is very clean and the staff were friendly

This a small independent garden centre, now with new owners who have totally changed everything. NO dogs running around, great selection of plants, nice choice of homewares, gifts, cards, books etc. The Cafe/Resteraunt is second to none with a lovely selection of cakes and home cooked meals such as quiche, salads, jacket potatoes, steak pie, all served with chips or veg and potatoes. Generous portions and good prices. Friendly, accommodating staff.

Been using shades of green for about 15 years or more and never had a problem with plants or anything else ive bought there, and, eventhough it has changed slightly over the years I would still rate it as one of the best I still use.Good café and reasonably pricedIve also bought several items of garden furniture and they've lasted well theyre very sturdy. Unfortunately though the garden furniture sets have crept up quite a bit in price in the last few years which is a shame as I think they'll eventually outprice themselves - too much competition out there to hike up your prices too muchOverall good experience and worth a visit

I think the headline on this page is very unfair. I have no vested interest in the organisation but when the majority of reviewers have given good comments, I think to headline it this way is unwarranted. First time, I've felt the need to comment this way. It is what it is, a garden centre with a cafe, with home made food at reasonable prices which are good value. I often pop in for a bit of me time and find the atmosphere relaxing.

Small independent garden centre on the edge of Ashington. Great cafe, good choice of plants when in season, and all the other goodies you now get in garden centres; smelling, furniture, etc. Worth a visit for something different to the big chains.

Worth a visit. The cheese scones are "to die for" .excellent selection of lunch times meals, good value for money. Nice surroundings and staff are pleasant.

Stopped off for some plants and found this hidden gem neva been before surprized to find lovely place witn a very good menu and good choice of food at cheap prices

We had a family dinner here on Sunday 6th December it was that busy we had to wait a while for a table. The dinner was lovely and the Yorkshire puddings were huge and the staff were lovely as well. We had a look around the garden centre while waiting for a table

We went in to buy some garden ornaments, which were a great price. We popped in cafe for a quick coffee and Its not a bad little cafe. Staff friendly, prices not too bad. Would ho back

Visit here at least a few times a year and it never seems to get any better. Staff always quite rude and never remember the full order despite having it wrote down... Still haven't managed to make a proper panini/toastie cheese is never melted just thrown in small chunks. Dogs allowed to wonder in and around the cafe being a dog lover it doesn't bother me but it's not very hygienic..

When it comes to cafes in a building yard it's up there with one of the best of them it's good value for money and the food is canny good.

I had a great coffee and scone today with my elderly friend. The staff were so friendly but the scones were a sight to behold. Light as a feather but the size of a child head. Fantastic value and had to take half home for my husband.... very rare I can tell you

Always a lovely selection of hot home cooked food from full English breakfasts to curries lasagne stews etc.There is also a very good sandwich menu and a large selection of cakes.Food can be eaten in or taken away.You can buy a Sunday lunch for £4-99 to takeaway and even take your own plate from home with you.The staff are always friendly and helpful.As for the owners dogs running all over I must say this is most certainly not the case,yes they have dogs but they mainly sit at the entrance of the store and in all the times we've been going they have never been in the eating area.Recommended.

My husband and I drop in for a coffee but usually too late for fresh food, good value for money. Very good place to meet up with friends

I've been here a couple of times now, the staff in the whole garden centre always seem so friendly. The meal I had the first time I came was amazing!! Really nice home made stuff! I only had a drink this time, but I will eat here again!!

went in for a bite to eat on my 5oth birthday lunch after shopping i ordered my meal came out quick as normal then after meal and coffee the two servers came out with a small cheesecake with 5 candles on n started to sing happy birthday so nice thank you one and all x

Went this morning had been there previosly.The staff like there dogs running around unchecked WHY?Shopping area is unkempt and dirty. didnt fancy the the cafe.XMAS products not of the standard of previous yearsseem better tat on a market stall.

Been several times to meet up with friends. . Staff friendly and coffee is great.. ive never had a main meal just snacks which have always been great. Will keep returning

went to the garden center so after we had done our shopping we were surprised to find a cafe so we went for a bite to eat staff are friendly food tasted excellent well worth a visit will go again

£15 for two Sunday lunches and a bottle of pop is getting on a bit in my eyes for a cafe really. My lamb was so fatty I had a small mountain of fat left after I took the edible meat off. O/h's beef was nice, the new potatoes tasted homegrown and we enjoyed the Yorkshire pud, there wasn't quite enough gravy on either of our dinners and we were both disappointed by the veg, garden peas which I don't like and carrot and turnip which my o/h doesn't like, I would have also liked some cabbage at least. The roast potatoes were cold and greasy so they got left on my plate with the fat and the peas. What I did eat was just enough to fill me up and I was very surprised my partner didn't suggest going to the burger van on the way home. I'll probably try it again but either just a panini or a beef sandwich or something like that. Staff were miserable too.