Shopping Guide: Riverside Garden Centre
Riverside Garden Centre: An Informed Shopper's Perspective
Why You Should Visit
- Plant Selection: You'll find an amazingly large and diverse collection of plants, catering to all gardening needs. From a huge variety for every gardener to aquatics and trees, the location offers a comprehensive selection.
- Plant Quality: Shoppers can expect great quality shrubs and plants. Last year's Tulips are looking gorgeous again, indicating a commitment to quality.
- Staff Expertise & Friendliness: The staff are knowledgeable and keen to offer advice. You can expect friendly staff members who are willing to engage in conversation. Special mentions are noted for Cath and Emily who were helpful.
- Cafe Experience: The cafe is a highlight. It offers excellent food and drink at reasonable prices, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The cafe serves great veggie food, tasty sweet treats, and healthy, yummy, and filling savoury options. Offers decaf options, and alternatives to milk like decaf lattes and flat whites.
- Cafe Ambiance: The cafe has a beautiful atmosphere. It's perfect for relaxing, whether you’re just browsing or need a break. The outdoor seating is particularly pleasant.
- Convenience & Accessibility: The garden centre is easily accessible, located near the city centre. There's ample parking, making your visit stress-free.
- Variety of Garden Essentials: Beyond plants, you'll find a great selection of gardening necessities. The location offers a wide variety of pots at different prices, sizes, and makes, a wide selection of seeds and bird feed, and accessories.
- Specific Plant Offerings: There's a very good selection of cacti and succulents, along with indoor and outdoor plants.
- Value for Money: The cafe is reasonably priced and has delicious food. It is great value for money. There are good offers, and pots were on sale in the past.
- Family-Friendly Environment: The cafe includes a small play park which is great for kids. The food offers a mix of homemade dishes and convenient options, making it ideal for parents with young children. The service is impeccable and friendly.
- Central Location & Views: The garden centre is in a central location with beautiful views out over the New Cut.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Cafe Menu Limitations: While the cafe is lovely, be aware that the food menu might be sparse.
- Sweetness of Drinks: The chai latte might be too sweet for some.
- Focus on Plants and Pots: The location is a traditional garden centre, with a focus mainly on plants and pots. It may not be as comprehensive if you're looking for a wider range of merchandise outside of plants.
