Regardless of whether or not you’ve got a garden, a trip to a garden centre is a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
It’s not just potting soils and spades on offer either, with many centres also housing fantastic eateries.
South Essex is fortunately home to countless garden centre cafes and restaurants - to make your life easier, we’ve listed five of the area’s best:
Scott's Kitchen (Scott's of Southend)
From buns and cakes to burgers and chips, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Scott's Kitchen.
The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and hearty roast dinners as well as its famous handmade afternoon teas.
Scott's Kitchen is rated four stars on Tripadvisor and 4.4-out-of-5 on Google.
Tripadvisor user Claire says: "Have been coming here since it first opened. A lovely treasure in Southend. Food is always top quality and served beautifully. There are so many choices of sitting areas in or out. In the pods or under a parasol.
"Dogs are welcome and well catered for outside. Really great atmosphere for a casual catch up with friends and family over a great meal or snack. Highly recommend you book a table to avoid disappointment."
Meadow Croft Kitchen (Meadow Croft Garden Centre)
The recently opened Meadow Croft Kitchen takes inspiration from the gardens and utilises a range of earthy, natural materials. Much of the restaurant’s furniture has been hand crafted in the UK.
The venue is fully licensed and is much-loved for its selection of freshly prepared, home cooked meals.
Meadow Croft Kitchen is rated 4.5 on Tripadvisor.
User Paul Devenish is a fan of the “fresh to order” food.
He reviews: “I came here on the recommendation of my mum, who absolutely loves it here. So, I decided to treat her to lunch, and it was absolutely amazing!”
L’Oliveta Restaurant (Summerhill Garden Centre)
Family run and known for its freshly cooked, seasonal food, this restaurant should be your go to for high-quality Italian cuisine.
If you’re craving a lighter lunch, consider one of L’Oliveta’s fantastic afternoon teas. The classic British treat is made up of delightfully indulgent ingredients.
L’Oliveta Restaurant is rated 4.1-out-of-5 stars on Google.
User Daren said: "Brilliant restaurant. We dine here regularly. The staff and owners are lovely and produce really excellent food at a reasonable price.
"I would definitely recommend L'Oliveta as a wonderful place to eat especially if you love Italian food."
The Lillies Café (Alpha Garden Centre)
Self-branded as an “English takeaway”, this café is a one-stop shop for traditional meals and drinks.
Outdoor seating at Lillies is also available, allowing you to slow down and enjoy some of the café’s top rated dishes.
The Lillies Café is rated 4.5 on Tripadvisor.
User Tottenhamk describes the café as “fantastic”.
They add: “I come pretty much every week with my mum for breakfast and we love it. The service is second to none and this is mainly why we come”.
Potash Tea Rooms (Potash Garden Centre)
Surrounded by lush flower beds and winding pathways, the Potash Tea Rooms are a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.
The tea rooms serve a staggering range of loose-leaf tea pots that is perfect for sharing or having all to yourself! In terms of food, Potash Tea Rooms are a great place to tuck into classic lunch choices – think paninis, jacket potatoes and quiche.
Potash Tea Rooms is rated 4 stars on Tripadvisor.
User Bradley S said: “Wonderful staff, great coffee and breakfast sandwiches.”
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