Dobbies Garden Centres - Atherstone Reviews 573

Went to Dobbies garden centre today 15/09/25,
The service from staff terrible…. We went into the cafe ordered 2 toasties with a side of chips, we were given panini’s and this was literally thrown as us, the panini’s left the plates the chips were also strewn all over the table and the woman serving this just turned and walked away no apologies etc, we wandered about met some lovely customers on the way. When we got to the checkout the lady serving had no manners or customer service at ALL she scanned items slamming them about and left half of the items where we had put them so we were not to sure if she had accounted for these items, we asked and she just stared at us, so we put them into our trolly, she announced how much we owed, snatched the cash and slung the change on the counter…… really disgusted with attitude of staff so rude…. Will not be returning to Dobbies after today’s experience

Bowl of chips…. The bowls were originally normal sized, even though they were far from filled, especially by the woman with loads of eye make up on.take note!….NOW they have REDUCED THE DISH SIZE TO THAT OF A LATTE CUP WITHOUT THE HANDLE ON TO MAKE IT LOOK AS IF YOU ARE GETTING MORE CHIPS…. THEY ARE CERTAINLY REALLY TAKING THE **** no more chips for ME at £3.25…. Much better value for money at Gates garden centre at STAPLETON

Had a Dobbies card for many years, however around this time last year, I let it expire and never renewed due to thr attitude I received from staff in the restraunt.

Fast forward to yesterday, me and my wife found ourselves kid free, and in the area and decided to give it one last try.

The tanned middle aged member of staff in the restaurant was there again, nothing had changed, same "CBA" / we are inconveniencing her attitude.

I ordered a large breakfast, but due to a strict carnivore diet, couldn't have the carbs. She explained in a really abrupt tone that I wouldn't be able to swap veg items for meat due to policy (which i am more then used to, and okay with) however her tone and attitude, not just this interaction, but also the interaction last year isn't okay, and I imagine other customers will feel the same way but won't say anything.
Yesterday, during the interaction I very almost told her to stick the breastfast and left, but I stuck it out for my wife's benefit.

The previous year, we wasn't changing food items, ordered a simple sausage batch, and her attitude whilst interacting with us was really abrupt, offensive, like we as customers were wasting her time clearly frustrated by our presence.

Given the negative experience on both occasions, not only will I not be renewing my dobbies card, me and my family won't be visiting here again.
Planters is just down the road, and will receive my custom from now on.

I must reiterate here, it is only the one female member of staff in the restaurant with the attitude issue. The rest of the other staff are lovely, welcoming, inviting and actually seem to care. Rather then a 1*, due to these other amazing staff, I have given two stars.

Interaction occurred sometime between 9:00 -9:30.

Such a lovely place to walk around, there are so many different choices for all the garden needs, there are staff were very friendly and helpful

Been coming to the restaurant for many years, followed by a wander round the plants & other sections. The state of the restaurant cleanliness has deteriorated significantly. Many of the “soft” chairs in the main area are stained & tables are sticky. It felt unhygienic and did not give confidence in the standards of health & safety I’d expect in a restaurant. Disappointing, as the food and hot drinks aren’t bad (if somewhat overpriced).
My wife & I will be finding somewhere else to go as this is unacceptable.

I used to love going to Dobbies but lately the plants have really seemed to have been neglected. Many looked virtually dead through lack of watering, and there were many that had been blown over and just left. Any plants that I have purchased there have been bone dry and needed a good soak when I got them home.
I can’t fault the seniors meal deal which is excellent value and the staff are always polite and friendly, in spite of the pressure they are under, which I presume is because they always seem to be short staffed.
I have a Dobbies club card, which is good value as you do get two free coffees a month and 10% of plants: just a shame that the plant care is sadly lacking.

I placed an online order for turf and a large bag of stone to be delivered. At no point in the checkout process was I given any sort of delivery date options which I thought was odd. It gave me a timeline of up to 7 days which would have been a bit late but I could have moved some things around to make it work. On payment confirmation I was then told delivery would be in two weeks which is far too late for when I need it. Within 4 minutes of placing the order confirmation I called customer service to cancel the order at which point I was told they can’t do that and would need to raise it with the delivery team. They then told me it’ll take 5 days for the delivery team to respond and at that point I may not get a refund anyway. When requesting to speak to management I was also told they can’t do this and would take 3 working days for a manager to get in touch.
I’ve contacted my bank for advise regarding cancelling the payment, the bank have said that Dobbies refund process doesn’t sound like an entirely legal practice, especially as I had requested a refund in under 10 minutes of placing an order.
Don’t know whether to laugh or cry, I certainly won’t ever entertain giving this company a penny of mine in the future.
Hoping I get my £300+ back but at this point I won’t be surprised if I’m told to sod off.
Extremely unhappy customer. Be warned folks, if you ever need a refund you’ll have a battle on your hands.

Very stained upholstered seating in the restaurant.
Bodily fluids ? Or spilt drinks
Finally walked out in disgust despite trying to find a table with clean seating.

Whent Dobbies restaurant today just thought I would give a few prices.bag of crisps £1.50 small pot of jam 75p tin of coke £2.25 small bottle of water £1.50 staff working really hard because they are short of labour,I would guess that they are on minimum wage.

Visited today to have a look around and have our free drinks with the Dobbies card. When we arrived there were long queues at the restaurant so decided to look around the garden centre first. The queues were even longer after browsing so didn’t wait. Lost our free drinks for 2 months now as there is always a long wait in the restaurant. This has been the same for years, no improvement and miserable staff.

This Garden centre is an excellent place for buying your garden requirements. However the restuarant is very poor on a regular basis. On our most resent visit we were surprised to see a sign warning of delays in service even though it was fairly quiet. We had a cheese scone and a portion of cheesy chips. After queuing for 2 hot drinks and queuing to pay my chips were cold.There were 2 drink stations in operation ( there is normally only 1) but only 1 till in use causing a queue of unhappy customers. During this time we spoke to 3 members of staff all of which were unsmiling and disinterested. Customer service has disappeared from this branch of Dobbies.

Atherstone Garden centre- Usually a great Garden centre to attend. However there was things I noticed including dirty dog drinking bowls, empty dog drinking bowls.

In the main cafe the cutlery was dirty including teaspoons and forks.

Apart from these factors, this garden is a great size with lots to offer. There is a good range of items from clothing to toys and of course plants.

Just love dobbies and they are very helpful

Disappointed to discover my points weren't added to my temporary club card. However after contacting Dobbies, they quickly responded to my issue. Happy to say they solved my problem

I visited Atherstone with my daughter & grandson. We had a lovely coffee while he played in the soft play area. The staff were very friendly & engaging. Then we fed the ducks & walked around the “wild area” which was beautiful. Dragonflies, butterflies, goslings, baby birds & of course the ducks.
Then it was time for us to visit the Garden centre which was well stocked & looking beautiful.
To our surprise there was a Craft Fair which was an added bonus.
We bought some plants , lawn seed & items from the butcher.
We had a wonderful time - thank you Dobbies

Great plants and products at reasonable prices

Experience was not "Great".

Love dobbies have everything we. Need and my great granddaughter love's the fishes and the soft play best of both worlds

The help I needed was provided as Always,...The young Lady on the Till was bright and cheerful ..and was also amazingly helpful,....thank you All,..?

I love Dobbies it simply has so much under one roof, i can shop from plants to food to gifts and cards , I can take a break and visit the restaurant stop off fir a meal or snack or just coffee and cake , then continue shopping , it’s a great day out . The staff I have always found friendly and helpful .