Meadow Croft Garden Centre's new restaurant - taste test

Even on a balmy day in October, the atmospheric German market, with its hoards of twinkling lights and cabinets filled up with beautiful festive goodies, it could melt even the frostiest humbug’s heart.

My eyes were on stalks looking at the baubles alone, especially when I remembered my own pitiful collection of mismatched ones waiting to be unpacked for another Christmas.

Bauble selection - stunning array on display at the centre (Image: Newsquest staff)

If you love everything about Christmas, you owe it to yourself to experience the German market there.

There is a bratwurst hut to get you in the mood for colder weather where they serve a selection of German sausages and waffles as well as beers, hot chocolates, hot spiced apple drink and more.

Festive market - so many decorations and gifts on display (Image: Newsquest staff)

Entering the main centre there is yet more Christmas decorations from fairy lights to giant lollipops and cushions.

There’s a display for Halloween and the usual gardening section, but it’s clear where the focus lies for this festive loving team.

Meadow Croft Garden Centre is owned by W.D. Smith and Son who have been growing plants for gardeners for nearly ninety years.

Taste test

The team officially opened the new Meadowcroft Kitchen in September which specialises in tasty home cooked fare such as fish and chip, a variety of sandwiches and brunch dishes.

The restaurant is spacious with hanging plants that adorn the ceiling and the furniture is stylish and comfortable.

Stylish - inside Meadow Croft Kitchen (Image: Newsquest staff)

It’s busy on a mid-week morning visit, filled with preschoolers and parents and people having a catch up over breakfast.

The breakfast menu is appealing with dishes such as eggs Benedict, pancakes with maple syrup and bacon, raspberries, blueberries and whipped vanilla cream, pastry selections and full English breakfast with meat or vegetarian, plus much more.

Stacked - a tasty breakfast dish (Image: Newsquest staff)

I ordered a vegetarian sourdough stack, and it arrived with a thick sourdough base, spread of smashed avocado, nicely charred halloumi, two crispy wedges of hash brown and a fried egg, sunny side up.

It sat in a dollop of tangy sweet chilli sauce which permeated through each mouthful of the crunchy, salty, savoury deliciousness.

I wouldn’t have thought to make it myself, but it made for a very substantial and tasty breakfast.

After breakfast it was time to head back through the German market to see if I could resist buying some of those pretty Christmas tree baubles.