A Shopper's Guide to this Garden Centre

Why You Should Visit

• A Tranquil Escape: You'll find yourself transported from the hustle and bustle of London. It's a hidden gem in Maida Vale, offering a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
• Stunning Setting: The venue is absolutely beautiful, with an inviting ambiance. The plants are the stars, and the glasshouse is exceptional. You’ll find a wonderland of plants, garden ornaments, and planters.
• Diverse Plant Selection: The location offers a vast array of plants, including a wide variety of indoor and outdoor options. You'll discover exotics, tropicals, succulents, cacti, terrariums, and orchids. Many plants are rarely seen elsewhere.
• Charming Cafe: The cafe provides a delightful experience, nestled amidst the greenery. It's a place to sit and enjoy coffee, breakfast, or lunch. Carfaves of water are available at tables. You can enjoy it, as it's clean and tidy, with plenty of seating and varying views.
• Convenient Amenities: Shoppers can expect a cafe with a selection of food and drinks. There's also a small gift shop.
• Accessibility: It's easily accessible via public transport. You can take the bus (e.g., 205 from St Pancras) and walk a short distance along a pretty canal.
• Inspirational Atmosphere: It's a fantastic place to gather ideas for your own garden. The setting inspires creativity and provides a peaceful retreat.
• Friendly Staff: Most of the staff are friendly and helpful, offering a good customer experience.
• Great Coffee: The flat white coffee is consistently good.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Cafe Quality Concerns: The cafe’s execution can be disappointing. The iced coffee might be prepared poorly, resulting in a diluted, lukewarm drink. Be aware that some meals may be underwhelming, and the cafe may use supermarket-quality pre-packaged items.
• Pricey: Prices for plants and the cafe items can be higher than a typical garden center. The location's setting may contribute to this.
• Food Price Concerns: Some menu items may be overpriced. Shoppers should be aware of the cost of cafe food.
• Pest Infestation: Be aware that some plants may have pest infestations, and the business may not address this proactively.
• Slow Service: The service in the cafe can sometimes be slow. It may take a while to find staff for assistance.
• Poor Item Condition: The business may sell damaged items like rusted decorations or mouldy terracotta pots.
• Inconsistent Staff: The level of staff politeness can vary, leading to potentially negative interactions.
• Limited Lunch Options: Lunch items might not be available during specific times, such as the late breakfast hours.
• Potential for Overcrowding: You might need to book a table in the cafe or be prepared for a wait, depending on the time of day.