Dobbies Shopping Guide: An Informed Visitor's Perspective

Why You Should Visit

• Extensive Selection: You'll find a vast array of garden essentials, including plants, pots, and summerhouses, alongside a diverse range of non-garden items. The location offers everything from patio furniture and dog accessories to toys, books, candles, doormats, bird boxes, and wellies. You'll likely find what you need for your garden and home.
• Quality Plants: Shoppers can expect a good selection of flowers and plants, with everything seemingly well-maintained.
• Appreciable Afternoon Tea Experience: You'll find the afternoon tea impressive, with a great selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and hot nibbles. The afternoon tea is considered good value, with luxury teas for £11 and standard teas for £8.50.
• Good Deals and Free Drinks: You'll enjoy good deals and free drinks in the cafe with a Dobbies loyalty card.
• Delicious Scones: You can try delicious scones. The fruit scones are crunchy and delicious. The cheese scones are divine.
• Helpful Staff: You'll find helpful staff who are available if you need consultation, especially as many products are not priced. You might encounter friendly and professional staff like Sandra at the till area.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: You'll find dogs are welcome at this location.
• Ample Parking: You'll find ample parking available.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Inconsistent Cafe Experience: Be aware that the cafe experience can be variable. While some find the food nice, others report poor quality. Food can range from "amazing" afternoon tea to "horrendous" meals. Some meals have been described as disgusting, such as egg, chips, and ham.
• Price Concerns: Shoppers can expect pricey items, with some items being overpriced compared to stores like B&M or B&Q.
• Cafe Service Issues: Be aware of potential service issues, particularly during busy periods. You may encounter long queues at the drinks counter and lack of available tables. Some customers reported a staff member being abrupt. The current system may need improvement.
• Quality and Cleanliness Concerns: You might be disappointed with the cleanliness of the plates and cups, which were described as gritty and filthy. There could be a lack of attention to detail, such as gritty plates or using paper cups when there are dirty cups.
• Food Quality Variations: Be aware that food quality may fluctuate. Some visitors found meals overcooked, cold, and lacking in key ingredients, such as the absence of cucumber in a sandwich. Some sandwiches were made with dry and hard bread.
• Inconsistent Serving Conditions: The cafe may be disorganized with tables left uncleared, leading to a less-than-ideal dining experience. You might find it difficult to get served and find a clean table.
• Unsatisfactory Meals: You might receive below par food. Be aware that the chips could be hard and cold. Expect your food to include a rotten leaf in the salad.
• Poor Value for Money: Be aware that the meals can be overpriced, particularly for the portion size and quality received. Expect meals to be lukewarm.