Whitakers Garden Centre in Knowsley

Took two friends here today and will not be returning. Ordered and paid for ham&pickle sandwich and crab and prawn sandwich. No butter on either and the crab & prawn was little more than sandwich spread . No crab and no prawn . Both cost £6:95 each . What a total rip off , another case of charge as much as you can and give as little as possible !!!

First time visit to the garden centre since it moved to this site from its previous location. All the plants we looked at were reasonably priced in comparison to other local garden centres, which i guess is the main priority for most people. As it was just after 1pm we decided to have a bite to eat in the restaurant. We chose a sandwich each, unfortunately they had run out of the wholegrain bread so we opted for the white bread. When they were brought to our table they both looked like something you would have expected on British Rail 20 years ago. The bread looked and tasted like the cheapest bread you could buy and was tasteless. I will add the fillings in both sandwiches were ok, but the looked like they had been constructed by a blind one armed chef. The restaurant was packed and the food at the tables closest to us looked far better than our sandwiches. Maybe we were unlucky but surely it should not matter how busy a restaurant is the quality and presentation of food should be the same. The food was edible but the way the sandwiches were put together and presented on the plate left a lot to be desired, and it means we would not eat there again

Another great quality lunch followed by fab cake and coffee. Good range of choices and the cake range is the best I’ve seen.

First time visit and I'm telling you it won't be our last by far.We had two breakfasts each with Top Butchers sausages X2,fried egg,black pudding,X2 back bacon(no fat)1/2 grilled tomato,beans,black pudding,mushrooms,hash brown,toast and a pot of tea.£19.The best breakfast I've had out for a long time.10/10.Service Fantastic,as were the staff.Well done Whitaker's, you've got it right.

I took my great niece and nephew to see Father Christmas at Whitakers Garden centre. I looked at a few different Christmas events and everything seemed expensive. With the rise in the cost of living, I wanted something affordable. Whittakers was the best. It is £10 per child and they get a present from Santa No charge for adults. There is a grotto with moving animals to walk through first. This is lovely. We then knocked on the door. The most amazing Mrs Christmas greeted us and welcomed us in. The room where Santa is sat is beautiful. My little ones were not very chatty but Santa was fine with this. In their own time they moved closer and closer to him. They got a gift from Santa which they both played with all afternoon. I highly recommend this place. On the way out we looked around the garden centre and bought some Christmas lights. If you would like to visit Santa, then please go to Whitakers, you will not be disappointed.

Ordered flowers for my hanging baskets excellent service and delivery within a couple days the flowers are amazing all hanging baskets done will be ordering again

This poor rating is about a Whitakers cafe staff member which we visited today around 3pm on 21/09/20. Phil took our money and he was very good and pleasant. However the young girl on with him left a lot to be desired regarding customer service. When we sat down we saw her pointing over at us whilst talking to Phil and clearly laughing at us. When she came over to clear tables near us I tried to talk to her to see if we had misjudged her but she was offhand and rude. She may need to go on a customer service course or perhaps get another job! She let Whitakers down for sure.

me and my husband go there at least 3/4 times a week and enjoy meal staff are friendly and look after you

i came here with three friends for my Mums 102nd birthday in August, we had afternoon tea which was gorgeous, they had set out a table with flowers and a baloon, as many cups of coffee or tea that was required lovely sandwiches cakes and scones, they even gave us boxes to take home what we had not eaten, good value and very helpful staff I would definitely recommend

Popped in with my Grandson,he loved it ! Took him to the cafe for lunch which consisted of a tuna mayo sandwiches and a bowl of chips,followed by cream scones ! It was all lovely and the service was excellent !!! Lovely friendly staff too.

Wonderful place to visit plants fantastic everything you could wish for also cards and presents for every occasion some very unusual last but not least a visit to the cafe and well worth it staff very pleasant and go that extra mile to please will visit again very soon

Popped for breakfast after previous morning eating in hotel & being very disappointed. This was far better, good choice & price. All hot & well cooked. Nice little gift shop too.

Went with the BOSS she wanted plants for some hanging baskets. There was a good choice of plants and shrubs. Before we left we had a coffee each, very nice. Replete we headed home with our purchases.

Bad time of year for garden centres as a whole. There was nothing here to keep you, usual garden centre tat and the outside areas unloved and unkempt. Not going back!

Called for an early Lunch. But at 11.30am breakfast still being served. Lovely, hot ,well cooked breakfast with toast and drink included. Lunch menu has the usual choice and reasonably priced but a couple of nice specials on the board would have been worth trying. Will be back, definitely worth another visit.

Wow, what an amazing morning we had. I brought the children I teach here to see santa and was not disappointed. First of all, I must note that I teach children with complex needs, so lots of places are not accessible or appropriate for us to visit. However, I have never felt more welcome and provided for on a trip. For £5.50 per child, we were greeted at the door by an elf, who engaged with the children immediately and got them calling for Santa, who joined us before walking us to the grotto. It was a small grotto, but perfect for my kids. Santa's room was lovely and he took the time to engage with each of the 9 children. Then we got to have a go on an indoor inflatable, which the kids loved. Santa and his elf stayed with us the whole time, chatting to the kids. Then the children got to colour in whilst having juice and a biscuit. The staff ordered breakfast and it was delicious and reasonably priced. Then we spent some time looking at the animals. Santa held the hand of his biggest fan the entire time. When we left, Santa and the elf walked us to our mini bus and waved us off. I have to say, you made magical memories for our children. Santa was the real deal and very patient with the children. The elf was lovely and devoted all of his attention to our group, which isn't easy. The man who served us in the cafe was polite and funny. From the minute we walked in, to when we left, all members of staff we came across were absolutely lovely. Nothing was too much. It was a cheap morning in cost, but so much more in worth. Thank you so much. Already recommended to family and friends.

I hadn't been to Whittaker's for around 5 years as there are lots of better garden centres not far from here but was close and decided to pop in with a friend for a bite and see what Christmas things they had. Shouldn't have bothered. The cafe had hardly anything in it and what they did have wasn't good. Most of the staff were friendly but some not. They had some nice Christmas stuff in but either no prices on them or some were just too expensive. Won't be going back anytime soon

I visited Whitakers garden centre looking for a fish tank filter.. and some cold water fish.. although the garden centre itself is really nice and stocks various gardening items and plants I found the aquirium section A bit lacking in fish stock and information and in general products for sale.. it was dark and uninspiring.

Not visited for a long time and now even worse. Service slow food received quickly but can get much better food in pub chains cheaper. Chips not cooked and had an awful taste chicken over cooked and dry. Trays dirty underneath will not be back

Ordered a cheese and onion sandwich, portion of chips and a baked potato which we had to wait 25 minutes for despite the restaurant being relatively empty. The chips and potato were fine but the sandwich was appalling. It lacked some basic parts that are a sandwich namely butter and contained a scraping of cheese and a minimal amount of onion. Although they did rectify the issue and we received an apology it was staggering anyone with catering experience let it leave the kitchen especially at £4.95.

I have never been here, I was told it was ok so checked their website for opening times and noticed they had a full English breakfast for £5 so my partner and I headed down.

We eat regularly at Whittakers on a Monday for over 60 you get 10% off. Enjoyed our lunch always hot. Friendly staff and very reasonably priced.

My wife and I regularly visit Whitakers to buy plants or garden ornaments (after all, that's what a g. centre's for!) Today,after we purchased our garden fox, for the first time, we had our dinner and coffee in the cafe there. Whitakers' staff are always knowledgable and helpful as were the staff in the cafe where we both enjoyed our meal and refreshment - many thanks. Always a good garden centre to visit, Whitakers is the place for all ages from young to mmm, older!!

Visit this place regularly either for shopping for garden stuff, gifts or a coffee in the restaurant. Good variety of Christmas decorations available and lights I bought not too pricey and quality good. Staff always pleasant and helpful.

I am fortunate to live close by this gem. There is good access for disabled visitors and staff cannot be more friendly or helpful. Not only are there a selection of choice plants, some of which are unusual or new on the market, but there is also a very good restaurant/coffee shop which is reasonably priced . A gift shop selling trinkets, birthday cards and an assortment of souvenirs is situated at the front of the establishment whilst to the rear are song birds, rabbits etc to keep the children happy. Parking is plentiful and there are even a couple of wheelchairs provided for the use of customers. It is convenient for the A58, Prescot Town centre and the M57. As well as " soft landscaping " there are also staff on hand to give advice on " hard landscaping " including flagging, fencing and even artificial grass! Well worth a visit.

Been going for breakfast for quite a while every Saturday stopped going when they introduced and awful buffet service,Very glad to say re-introduced the freshly cooked breakfast and we’re back really good breakfast friendly stall and pleasant surroundings.

Ordered a late lunch . Quick service food was pipping hot and well cooked. Good pot of tea. No complaints at all .

calle hear for plants and the smell of fresh cakes was too tempting not to try well worth the wait in the cue and staff a bit slow but they got to us in the end cake a littel on the dry side but cup of tea was nice and hot

Went to purchase are hanging baskets as always baskets were exceptional we then visited the restaurant food was good value aand excellent servive

The garden centre itself is lovely .plenty of choice and lovely Christmas displays.the cafe is very pricy and the service is very slow

Well laid out independent garden centre. Not the usual could be anywhere in the Country type. Plants and shrubs plus large DIY part. Animals section and cafe.

Took my mum here for coffee and cake on Saturday 20 August 2016. There were three other people seated and eating when we arrived so we had the pick of the seats. Placed our order, tea for my mum and coffee for me. The lad serving us said he would bring the drinks over. Took our cakes and went and sat down, looked as though the lad who served us was making a pot of tea and my coffee. Three more people came in and ordered drinks, all walked away with a pot of tea each! Went over to lad who asked me "are you ok?". I told him "no I'm not. I'm waiting for a pot of tea and a coffee". He told me he would make them now. I asked him why he had served three people before us, his explanation "because they only wanted tea". I'm flummoxed. We only wanted a pot of tea and a coffee. Lad then proceeded to change giant box of milk in fridge and still not serve us our drinks.

I have always gone here to buy plants and browse the lovely products on offer, however went recently with friends to catch up for coffee , found the coffee shop assistant not very helpful, we were chatting as friends do and assistant approached us to tell us they were closing , so we said fine but we still had coffee, it was after 4.30 so we didn't think it was a rush , however she approached again and told us we had to leave as they were putting all the chairs away , a bit. Surprised , as there were other people at the back of us a number of ladies sitting in the corner ,

My wife & I popped to the Whitakers Garden Centre cafe for a spot of lunch recently, but overall weren't all that impressed despite helpful & dynamic staff next door in the pet area.

Went today, neat and tidy, staff neither happy or sad but cafe was lovely the two girls were very nice. Food was ok bit dear but ok. Like the fact that they had glutton free cake. Garden furniture was pricey but suppose on par with big garden centres. Nice touch on the way out they offered to wrap some customers items in tissue paper.

This café is really pleasant. Reasonable prices and friendly service. Food well presented. Can be busy at times as popular with locals. There are adequate tables although some are low and not practical for eating.