Stewarts Garden Centre in Christchurch

As a garden centre, it’s your typical affair. A selection of household plants indoors, garden equipment and generic household items. When we asked about the dog policy, “if I wanted a dog, I’d buy one, they’re not welcome anywhere in the store.” was the response from front desk. Strange how they profit from selling pet items, including a dogs welcome sign, but have a real attitude towards dogs.

I went with my daughter she got tea and a chocolate yule log slice. Nowhere did it say fresh cream. Fortunately i only ate one mouthful and i managed to get to toilet before throwing up. I reported this to customer services, they didnt seem bothered. Just said oh sorry about that and carried on with what they were doing, didnt care that i was feeling unwell. NEVER GOING THERE AGAIN

Grandchildren visited after seeing advert for Halloween- they were very disappointed as little was going on. The staff were disinterested and the prize for the quiz was a very small biscuit which they had to repeatedly ask for this

I called in to Stewart's yesterday, haven't been for ages but knew the Christmas section would probably be open. After a look around went into the Cafe area. They were just clearing the breakfast away, had a look round and there were some hot Pasties that looked quite nice, after waiting for a few minutes and no one serving, I took a plate and some tongues and put one into my plate, they weren't behind the counter just on a hot plate. Quite accessible. To be honest this has made me smile thinking about it, but as I was about to get the Cheese and Onion Pasty of course a lady appeared. Bit of a Basil Fawlty moment, she crossly said it wasn't self service, took the tongues off me said they were the wrong ones, and promptly told me off. So I walked away duly told off. Had a look round but wondered back to the Pasties by this time she was standing guard. Again a Basil Fawlty moment, asking if I required one. I said I would have the Cheese and Onion one, patiently waiting as she plated it up. Sat down in the seating area, guess what it was a meat one after all that palaver. Normally I've found everyone quite courteous, and know she could have been harassed and rushing, she caught me in a good moment. Another day may have been different. Stewart's, I've been many many times to your Centre. I will continue to do so, I took this incident with a smile. But just to say, maybe you should keep someone in the food section all the time, I waited a few minutes and noone came. I wasn't in a hurry, but a little courtesy would have been nice by your waiting staff. I admit I was a bit naughty putting a Pastie onto my plate, but shouldn't have been scolded like a naughty child. Anyway, I'm smiling recalling this, so have looked at the funny side

I used to love visiting Stewart’s Garden Centre Cafe with my family. We would go at least once every two weeks, enjoying the atmosphere and the food. However, our recent visit left us feeling frustrated and disappointed. The chaos at the cafe is overwhelming. The queues were long and disorganised, creating a stressful environment. Although the staff were polite, it was clear they were under a lot of pressure, which added to the overall chaos. Now, let’s talk about the food. We decided to try the carvery, which cost an eye-watering £18 per person. What a letdown! The dried-up chicken breast was hardly appetising, and the roast potatoes were just as dry. The side dishes of watered-down cabbage, marrow fat peas, and red cabbage (which was only half decent) were simply uninspiring. To top it off, the gravy was watery and oily, making the whole meal feel more like slop than a proper roast. For the prices they charge, I expected much better. It’s truly disheartening to see how far this place has fallen. We left feeling gutted after spending a significant amount on a meal that didn’t meet even the most basic expectations. It’s a shame, as we used to enjoy a lovely potter around the garden centre followed by a nice meal. Now, we’re more inclined to visit places like Everton, Otters, or even Haskins instead. I really wish we hadn’t given it another chance. Stewart’s Garden Centre Cafe has lost its charm, and unless significant changes are made, I doubt we’ll be returning anytime soon.

Very expensive. £4.25 for a cup of hot chocolate that wasn't all that great and no larger than normal!! I will not be going there again.

This is a well stocked garden centre with outlet shops and welcoming courtyard with a pond BUT … as visitors to the area on a hot day their new anti-dog policy meant I ran inside to look for the item we wanted while my husband waited in the hot car park with our dogs. Ironically inside they are selling signs that’s say “Dogs welcome”. There is a board saying that following customer feed back they have decided to ban dogs but presumably the board is required to explain to the many unhappy dog owning customers why they have changed their policy. I totally understand that they were fed up with irresponsible dog owners but every other garden centre I’ve been to seems to be able to manage. Sadly, I’d have lived a proper look around, perhaps a meal in the cafe, and some garden retail therapy but the anti dog policy means we won’t be back. I gave three stars for the quality of what I saw as I dashed around but it’s certainly not somewhere to visit if you have a dog or dogs (not even well behaved ones).

End of the day - not the best time to arrive. Still served by pleasant people who made us feel wlecome. Lots of choice, menu had plenty of offerings to suit all ages/cost.

This is the BEST garden centre I have ever been too. The staff were amazing, everyone was so helpful especially the cafe staff. The breakfast was to die for!!! Just delicious. The choice of products to buy was out of this world. I cannot recommend this place enough!!!

We visited Stewart’s garden centre again today and I must say that it was as good as ever! First we sought advice about buying a replacement cover for our wall-mounted parasol. The lady on the customer service desk was very helpful. She consulted her computer and found our original purchase in 2019 on our Stewart’s loyalty card account. Luca from the garden furniture department then arrived and looked up the item we needed. Sadly we learnt that they were no longer available. Oh well, things don’t last for ever! The point is though that the lady actually took the time and effort to try and help us. Luca advised us that there was a chance of finding one Online, or alternatively how to repair the old one. We were very impressed with this service, you don’t often find it these days. So thank you to the lady at customer services (sorry we did not get her name) and to Luca. We treated ourselves to lunch in the cafe next. It was excellent. My wife had the, dare I say, legendary Stewarts steak pie, with potatoes, vegetables and gravy, I had the frittata, salad and chips. My wife would love to be able to take the pie home! Any thoughts of selling your wonderful food for takeaway? She says it’s the best steak pie available to buy and I agree! The serving staff were helpful and cheerful, so well done to them. However for those who have eaten here over the years, it is noticeable that the restaurant prices have risen quite significantly. Then again, what hasn’t become more expensive? Prices may have risen but quality and quantity have been maintained. The range of dishes has also been reduced i.e no salad bar. But things move on and times change. Overall I would say that the whole Stewart’s experience was as good as ever, so thank you.

Brilliant Garden Centre...with a great selection of plants, garden furniture and BBQs - just popped in to look- see, and thanks to the excellent and informative advice ( thank you Luca) ...ended up buying a Broil King! Sadly didn't allow time to enjoy the super 'cafè' food and fabulous looking cakes! The Koi Carp pond is amazing.

Came here last Thursday late afternoon with my Father. Beautiful outdoor area with a lovely selection of plants and palm trees to look at. A good variety of Rhododendrons on display to purchase as well, since they flower in May. Very enjoyable to wander around, with a large area full of garden statues and other flowers and displays in this areas as well. The indoor shop also has plenty to look at and lovely displays. Outdoor seating area has lovely views of the plants. During this visit had coffee and cake in the cafe. Wonderful selection of cakes that are excellent quality, so reasonably priced and good portion size. There was an absolutely lovely lady who was working on the cake counter that afternoon. She was incredibly friendly, welcoming and really went out of her way to be so helpful in any way she could. Truly outstanding customer service from this team member and made our visit an absolute pleasure.

The garden centre is ok - but we had a truly awful meal in the chaotic cafe. Our food was so bad - we ate a small amount of our lunch before leaving the rest, having paid over £20 for the privilege of two pretty poor meals. The customer service wasn’t great either. The cafe comprises of separate food stations and as I queued, a woman collecting her food from the next food station pushed in front of me to collect and , as she did, the two people queuing behind me then shouted a food order to her and she ordered 2 meals from the station directly in front of me. When I later mentioned this to the staff member serving the food , she grumpily stated that they were ‘together’. Not sure how - when there were clearly separate queues for each food station and they were in different queues - but the staff member serving my meal didn’t seem to care. I should have left then - because the food (once I was served) was awful. I had ordered a steak pie with vegetables and the person with me ordered a ‘pulled ham’ sandwich. My vegetables were overcooked, and the meal was so salty, I left most of it. The pulled ham in the sandwich looked like it had come from a tin and most of the sandwich was also left. Some of the other staff in the restaurant were pleasant, but the whole experience was disappointing. We will not eat there again.

Plenty of parking off the main road from Bournemouth to the New Forest. Ideal stopover for a decent meal and to visit a few shops . A good selection of food is on offer with plenty of seating

This place really should be on your radar for lunch the steak and ale pie and the haddock and leek pie was very very good . Staff friendly and helpful. Brilliant food. Will definitely come again.

Ordered 2 Earl Grey tea with extra hot water fine . Got a table and sat down poured the tea half way and filled with hot water took a sip . Disgusting. Could not drink it at all

Cannot speak too highly of the welcoming and friendly staff in the cafe We purchased a breakfast on a trip from Devon and they offered to keep it warm whilst we queued for coffee service We declined and went to sit down but were met by Doug He opened a till so we could pay and at the same time took for our drinks. We sat down and started our lovely breakfast Doug came over with another staff member and arranged for our coffee to be made and brought back over then checked again that we had our drinks Service above and beyond

I asked for a single espresso and was told I could only have a double one. I said that would be too much and I was told: I can give you a single espresso but you would have to pay for a double. What kind of customer service is this? Not a place I could recommend anymore.

Certain members of staff appeared unable to cope with a couple of very minor hiccups in the restaurant this afternoon, resulting in them being offhand/rude to queuing customers (I’m not referring to the staff who took over the middle tills or those on the cake counter). Spoilt our visit and resulted in us deciding to go elsewhere for our purchases.

I took my mum for lunch today, food was fabulous and the service was excellent particularly from a lovely lad called Doug who was lovely with my mum.

I had the temerity to take an empty cardboard box from the box section next to the exit (after responsibly recycling other items) and got SHOUTED at by this rude, middle-aged member of staff. Won't be going in there again. Avoid Stewarts Christchurch unless you like being told off for no good reason.

I am a regular visitor to this garden centre, and recently, I have been so impressed with the outstanding customer service from many of the coffee shop staff. They always go out of their way to be so friendly and welcoming. Amazing selection of lovely cakes, with a varied price range, so something for everyone to choose from. Very enjoyable to walk around the outdoor plant area, with the new addition of some lovely palm trees and lots of interesting garden statues to look at.

Stopped for lunch and the food really was very good. We had one of their homemade quiches with salad and it was very filling. Gorgeous cake display although we didn’t try this time as we were too full

This is a lovely garden centre near me, the weather may be terrible but the food is far from it, best chicken and bacon sandwich I've ever had. Excellent customer service and friendly staff, will definitely be back :)

I recently bought a large bonsai tree from Stewart’s. I asked a lady who works in the plants section today how often it should be watered as I had read conflicting information regarding this. The lady interrupted me as I was explaining why I was asking and with an air of weariness said ‘You just use, well, your intelligence really, to judge when it needs watering’. Sorry but this was extremely rude and condescending. I walked away in amazement that someone who works in a garden centre feels this kind of attitude and comment is acceptable. May I suggest some HR training for this rude person.

Great breakfast in the early morning, staff were really friendly. Looking forward to going back again with the business I am with and visiting with family when down this neck of the woods. Great selection of cakes too. Wow the chef's are very talented as well as everyone behind the scenes. Great choice of coffee too. Visited their Broomhill centre last Monday. Christchurch visited about a week ago. Great no dogs are allowed too. I'm a fan, as in a restaurant if a dog is allowed in, could get shut down as not hygienic.

Went for dinner, had not been for a while. Everything had changed. Even the Thursday night offer of meal and pudding for set price. Plus there was music entertainment. All the staff are leaving. Something must be wrong, some had been there for years. Such a shame that it has gone down hill, so quickly. We didnot stop, because there are so many places to choose from, to eat.

This is no longer the welcoming, good value for money cafe/restaurant that it used to be. Very overpriced and this is reflected in the decrease in number of customers. Used to be a favourite but won't be back.

Echoing the comments of Cathakat in the reviews here. Some of the staff are super friendly and helpful (especially Luca).... but unfortunately Stewart's is sorely lacking elsewhere. There was a problem with a plant we bought. Nobody's fault, just one of things. My wife returned it (next day) to the "customer service" desk who seemed to take it as some kind of personal insult. They then called their resident expert who, despite my wife doing the best to diffuse the both of them, continued on the same passive-aggressive angle. Now while we are never going to win the Chelsea Garden Show, the 'expert' was clearly lacking in knowledge too. They didn't really have a leg to stand on though (as we were right) - and to top it all, the now very offended and disgruntled customer service person threw the returns receipt on the desk in front of my wife. I really hope Stewart's management read this and do something about it. We have frequented this place over the years and spent a tidy sum. If they're that miserable in their role, they should find something else to do.

Ordered luxury hot chocolate priced at around £4.40. Served in very small mug, and looked nothing like the photo of the drink that was on display. Very overpriced for this particular drink. Coffee more reasonably priced.

Fabulous cafe, all food made on premises. Pies packed full of lean meat, best I have eaten. Home made cakes and fabulous roast on Sundays. My favourite place for lunch.

I often travel between New Milton and Bournemouth, a trip that I look forward to because I pass Stewarts on the way. I usually pop in to sample the amazing range of cakes that they have and I am never disappointed. My favourite is the...

Travelled 25 miles to get to Stewarts to look at and purchase an Arbour, sadly didn't even get pass the entrance as DOGS not allowed. Nothing on website just a sign at the door. First time I've been turned away from a garden centre because...

The restaurant appears to be suffering from rising cost in food on offer causing a perceived reduction in customers numbers and smaller less expensive items being purchased. They try hard to maintain high standards so please support them through these difficult times by continuing to...

Always worth a good wander round and a cup of tea and cake at Stewarts. Staff were friendly, efficient and helpful too. Special mention to Tyler in the cafe who was quick, friendly and helpful. We took one star off as neither of us liked...

Went to our local Stewarts to get some new plants. In the plant section we met Lucca who was an absolute star! He was very knowledgeable and extremely service minded. We left his section with a couple of plants and a great smile on our...

Truly awful Earl Grey. Cakes used to be very good and they did a lovely vanilla slice. Cakes now look like very sweet, over-processed, cash & carry rubbish. Go elsewhere is my advice.

We occasionally look after a dog. Now barred from taking the dog into the garden centre. That's their right, as its ours to go somewhere else, which we now do and with much better cafeteria service at a cheaper cost.

We had a wonderfully cooked lamb shank with all the trimmings at Stewart’s yesterday. It really was perfection at £15.75 per person. We are fortunate to be able to eat out a lot. In fact today, I had a roast chicken pub lunch at 4...

Me and my family came into the coffee shop yesterday for a drink and a cake. A couple of us had chocolate cake. I was horrified when it went through the till at £4.25 a slice. Nearly £10 on two slices of cake. Please put...

Quick stopover this morning for a brunch, this lovely garden centre was let down this morning by the Cafe. I ordered a breakfast and latte, unfortunately the eggs were not ready to go with the rest of the breakfast and by time I received the...

We go here a lot and have never encountered any problems with the staff as people here mention. Between 09.00 to 10.00 you get 2 for 1 price coffees- very good value. The staff are always engaging and easy to talk to- cheese scones are...

I wasn’t going to write this but I had such a nice experience at another local garden centre today and it got me thinking how bad Stewarts was. As another reviewer has said: counter service slow but they are making coffee to order so that’s...

Agree with another reviewer about the Till situation. Our coffees were cold by the time we sat down. I cannot blame all the staff as some of the young ones were tearing around doing their bit. By contrast, the tall lady with a chin length...

Layout rather confusing, service at counters rather slow and the seating areas a bit claustrophobic with low ceilings.

My wife and I always liked to go to Stewart’s for a coffee and also like to have one of their scones just with butter however they have now decided to only sell a scone with butter and jam and have increased the price to...

Asked a person with name badge Sain to help carry our tray as both disabled and got served with a death stare. Then saw a member of staff calling her to help on busy til while she gossiped in the corner with another lady, looked...

i visited the coffee shop on friday where i was greeted by a young lady called chloe on the hot food counter she was very helpful and patient towards me . she helped me decide what to eat , which was very good . the...

We were very disappointed on our last visit that you no longer allow dogs this is obvisoly a corporate decision now you are no longer a family business. Fine that's your choice. Its also our choice never to speed another penny on any Stewarts garden...

As a local resident to Stewarts and a regular visitor I made a trip today to get some Christmas items. I arrived with my 14 week old puppy who I carried in a puppy sling - he weighs 1.5 kg and is so tiny. I...

Treated Absolutely appalling staff were rude Manager doesn’t care they are honestly happy to take your money but won’t be held accountable when complaints are made ! I phoned to speak to someone was cut off twice Honestly your better off going elsewhere with your...

Very disappointing visit as we came here for what are normally lovely cooked breakfasts. Having checked opening times online for the restaurant which were 10:30am - 4:30pm, we arrived at 11:00am to order breakfast for 3 only to be told that it had finished and...

The cheese scones are excellent and the coffee is always very good. All the food is freshly prepared and the staff excellent-,full covid adherence and very clean 5 star hygiene.

As a family we’ve been coming here for years with our children and dogs and have always enjoyed our visits. Now they don’t accept dogs which is ridiculous. Whilst on holiday in the area what are you meant to do with your dogs on a...

A family run business going back generations and I have visited many times. On the most recent visit I stopped off with my wife and grand children for coffee and cake. There is a fairly limited choice of cake at the moment as the restaurant/cafe...

Used the restaurant for breakfast most mornings whilst in the area. Greeted at door with full COVID instruction. A great choice of cakes and breakfasts at very reasonable prices

have visited and enjoyed over 35 years, enjoying all aspects of the store and spending a lot. Brought family/friends and visitors and recommended it to many. No longer the case. While fully accepting all the Covid restrictions and limitations, our last visit we were astounded...

Firstly I am not one to complain but I’m afraid on this instance I am forced to, as this is not the first time I have had poor quality food in this business. Myself , my husband and our daughter came over for a quick...

Had phoned in prior to check and made arrangement on the phone . Yet, when I arrived the staff were very rude and totally denied any conversation taking place. I showed them the entry on my phone but she was unhelpful and rude. I specifically...

Excellent staff, polite and knowledgeable on their different departments. Dogs are no longer allowed but isn't an issue as they aren't allowed in Sainsbury's as example, common sense to us. We visit a lot from Sandbanks, thank you to everyone. From front of house to...

We never got to the checkout !! Before lockdown my partner and I used Stewart’s eatery in Christchurch regularly. A few days ago we ventured in there again. We used to like their egg Mayo baguettes with garnish. Now it has been transmogrified to a...

The food was as usual nice a solid just above average. I’ll say though post lockdown easing, the menu for children has gotten much worse, in terms of value. No longer the bumper pack of goodies, it’s more expensive for the meal and only the...

Very quiet. Tables well spaced. Good friendly efficient service. I was slightly concerned as i had read some poor reviews in the past, but i need not have worried.

We were very disappointed with our vist on Saturday afternoon, we have been coming here for years, came last year everything was in place for covid but now it has gone back to "normal " selfsevice. The prices have gone up everywhere is doing that,...

Pre-covid, is was OK here .... got busy at times, but there was generally a good choice available, etc. Made the mistake of visiting this weekend, and although hot food was allegedly being served from 11:30, there was nothing I could see available (OK, there...

Garden centres have had a bad time through the pandemic. However, now restrictions are loosening, most seem to have returned to near-normal (and we go to quite a few!). On our first visit to Stewart's cafe for inside dining, the food choice was very poor...

When I come to Bournemouth on holiday, as always take a trip to Stewarts, as they always have nice plants and lovely gifts. But the other day I went with my dog, to have a look round, But got rudely got told No dogs allowed....

I saw the afternoon tea takeaway advertised and ordered 3, me, mum and our bubble neighbour. The staff were so cheerful and friendly on collection, a trio of boxes wrapped beautifully in patterned cellophane and a card too. The contents far exceeded my expectations, a...

I remember when I used to go to Stewart’s and enjoy my time shopping . The staff were always happy and helpful but now they all look sad , there’s no interaction between customer and staff ( understand because of COVID can’t stand talking for...

It's a shame that a few rude staff have ruined our shopping experience. I'm sure this doesn't reflect on all the staff, but some of you need education in talking to customers. We won't be back.

We were here yesterday & bought lots bits pieces, went to the tills told to go to a till, then told by somebody else, no stay there when we went to the till my husband picked up some bits to help & was told very...

Called in here to have a coffee. Had a good look round beautiful Christmas decorations and lovely plants but in my opinion very overpriced. Went to the coffee shop thought it was table service like all the other cafes we had been too but no...

Popped in on recent visit to area. Understand restrictions and limited menu - so it should be good as food fairly basic. Absolutely avoid mozzarella , tomato and pesto salad - leaves were literally drowning in dressing - I like pesto but it was awful...

We’ve been regular visitors for years and have always been impressed with this superb garden centre. Their plants are high quality and very reasonably priced, with an incredible variety to choose from. We have always found the staff very friendly, polite and helpful. Their Covid...

The above was the customer service I received today. Needless to say, my four legged friend and I marched out as ordered. We received the message loud and clear, as did everyone else in the garden centre. Well done Stewart’s, great customer service at its...

We stopped off at the nurseries on route for a coffee and toilet stop and were impressed by the extensive covid precautions taken and didn’t mind at all the delays this incurred. The Coffee Shop was quite busy showing how popular the place was. We...

The Covid arrangements here are second to none and arranged with military precision. An ideal spot for a coffee and a snack in between shopping for plants.

I went there in July 2019 and really liked it. The cafe was really well organised, the food was nice and the nursery in itself had a lot of choice. I had a lovely experience there.

Thank you to all Staf at Stewarts, despite the restrictions the Garen Centre is excellently run by Martin Stewart and his Great Team.We visited the Coffee Shop and was very impressed by the attention to detail on how to order and tables where to seat that had been sanitized for your safety, shame some clients can't read instructions or even learn manners when been given advice. The food and Coffee were as good as our last visit before the lockdown, please pass on our thanks and gratitude to ALL concerned, we did thank the Lovely Catering Manageress upon our departure.

Went for lunch today and they were extremely organised in all areas of the garden centre. The restaurant was excellent. Felt very safe with all the procedures in place . Well done Stewart’s!

Pet shop doesn't permit "browsing" & we were told "Can't you read" by a rude, arrogant and inept male staff member who then cloded the doors on us. Garden Centre currently doesn't permit dogs "at this time" (wording on their website). Staff said it was because dogs "pee & poo"Well haven't they always performed this natural bodily function or have they suddenly started it since COVID without us dog owners noticing? VERY unhelpful & VERY rude staff. Those invloved should be given jobs that don't involve meet and greet!

Visited the newly set up Farmers Market during this CV situation. All the staff their were very helpful and nothing was an issue for them. So grateful for this farmers market being available during these difficult times.

Such a great place to go for all your gardening needs. Plants, flowers, shrubs ,vegetables are all of the highest quality. An excellent cafe serving lovely food. The shop has a wonderful range of goods.

The restaurant was very busy and as a consequence was very noisy and claustrophobic, the food was okay with a fairly wide choice. Free chilled water available and reasonably wheelchair friendly.

Very nice centre but very hard to find staff for help year on year less staffing on shop floor never see a manager

I have visited garden centres at Beaulieu, Lymington, Longham etc, and none of them come close to the standard I have enjoyed at Stewart's Christchurch. I have visiting for many years, with family and friends, and I have never been disappointed. The garden centre is wonderful, and always an inspirational place for a gardener. Perhaps because they are horticulturalists, the plants I buy from Stewart's seem to do better than the ones I buy from other centres. The coffee shop and restaurant are lovely, with different themed areas and outdoor seating. The food is very good and, in my experience, the staff are excellent. I also love the selection of gifts and treats here. Stewart's is always a pleasure to visit for me.

Now that Christmas is behind us they are getting fully stocked with new plants which are always of high quality. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and Edwards Café is a great place to get a coffee or a more substantial meal, most of which is home cooked.

This huge garden centre has a huge range of items, not just for the garden but for the house as well. There is a large pleasant restaurant serving a variety of good quality food of all kinds. Great for a visit on a rainy day in winter!

The Stewart’s business dates from 1742 and still remains in the family.We visited The Stewart’s Harden Centre in Christchurch, Dorset in January. There is The Edinburgh Woollen Mill in the same location plus another 2 shops. All are wheelchair friendly.We found many displays indoor and outdoors with a good selection of plants. It is an excellent garden centre.The cafe has a good menu and a pleasant staff.Across from Stewart’s is a Sainsbury’s

Brought the 11m old for her first Santa meeting. The wonderland was lovely, lots of detail gone into it. Santa himself was a nice chap & had a joke with my husband & I. Daughter was given a present which having opened on Xmas day, is actually a really nice toy. The reindeer looked well looked after & content. Bit odd though that we visited near to Christmas but the staff were already clearing the Christmas section. Would possibly come again next year.

Took our 3 year old grandson to see Father Christmas, what a nice man he was with a good sense of humour. He put our grandson at ease when he was a bit apprehensive. Santa’s little helpers were great too. Good display with the live reindeer for the kids to see was an added bonus.

We went to visit Father Christmas today. It was excellent for the whole family. The Grotto was beautiful, snow was brilliant and the lights were bright and pretty. My little girl loved it. Well worth a visit.

Just been to Otters Christmas display which is different every year, brilliant. Stewart’s need to up their game next year. They used to be the place to go at Christmas, not any more.

We often go here to enjoy coffee and cake time or for lunch. The cakes are especially good and the lunches also.

Really busy to enjoy the meal. Had a small plate which was more than adequate. Not only cheap compare to other carvery's in the area. Some table very close together.

Called into this lovely garden centre as we were diverted onto the A35 (which we normally avoid when on holiday in the New Forest). What a lovely surprise it was - a fantastic range of garden and gift ware, with an excellent selection of Christmas goodies for sale. We bought lots of bits and bobs, finding them very different from those available in garden centres where we live in Warwickshire. Till staff were excellent - friendly and efficient.

The café at Stewarts is probably one of the largest in the area. It needs to be, as it's so popular with locals and gets very busy at lunchtime.

A visit here is almost a day out in itself! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and the Garden Centre stocks a wide range of healthy plants for both indoors and out and a wide variety of garden ornaments. they also have seasonal themes and events going on most of the year. To take the weight off your feet Edward's Café is a very pleasant place to while away some time with a tea of coffee and something to eat.

We go to Stewart’s regularly to eat and their food is always fabulous ! Staff always great and helpful - my only negative is that I wish they had more seats in the restaurant as it gets a little busy . Love it though

Having a mooch around on a wet Sunday and decided to have an unplanned lunch here. My wife chose the roast turkey dinner which she mostly enjoyed. Lovely meat and stuffing, but the potatoes were nothing to write home about. I chose a steak & kidney pie and it seems I made the better choice. Lovely meat and pastry, flavoursome and well cooked. Being picky a little more kidney would be nice, but at least it was big real chucks of it. Lovely chips and the veg were also great. Thoroughly enjoyed it and at an ok price.