THERE is a reason us Brits love a good old fashioned trip to the garden centre and there's a lot more to it than just the plants.

A charming and homely affair, regardless of your age or background, the simple garden centre cafe is a safe haven of tea, cake and jacket potatoes.

Often taken for granted, garden centre cafes play host to some of our most cherished moments with loved ones and deserve to be celebrated.

We've rounded up some of the best garden centre cafes that are most definitely worth a visit in and around Colchester.

Poplar Nurseries, Marks Tey

Poplar Nurseries is one of the first garden centres that springs to mind when thinking of a place to go and grab a bite to eat after looking around the impressive plants.

One reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “My wife and I both had the fish and chips. The portions were huge… They were absolutely delicious and the tartare sauce my wife raved over.

“It was made even more enjoyable with the BOGOF offer. Well done all the team at the restaurant.”

Perrywood, Tiptree

Gazette:

Perrywood certainly has a café to match the impressively high standards of its renowned garden centre.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of products from a delicious slice of cake to tasty paninis or jacket potatoes.

One satisfied customer said they would give it a six star review if they could, adding: “We had a marvellous brunch, we had the quiches. We have never had such amazing food, best we have ever had.

“Service was fast, friendly and professional. Glad I dont work there, I would be huge!”

Fillpots, Boxted

Gazette:

This garden centre in Boxted boasts a large indoor seating area and gorgeous garden to relax in, where you can enjoy the company of your friends and family.

Serving a tasty breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with gluten free and vegetarian options, there is something for everyone.

One reviewer on Google said “lovely spacious cafe. Good place for coffee cake and a chat."

Another added: “Good café, nice coffee, helpful staff."

Parker’s Garden Company, Frinton

Parker’s has been family run since 1946, offering more than 70 years of the finest plants and garden centre goods.

However it has built up a reputation for its food too, which can even be ordered to takeaway.

One Google reviewer said: “Food was superb, great service, good choice and well cooked."

Another added they would "Recommend the Thai cod and prawn fish cakes"

Stanway Garden Centre, Stanway

Originally a rose nursery growing an impressive 300,000 roses each year, Stanway Garden Centre has been selling plants since 1975 Today it boasts a café which serves a hearty breakfast, snacks, main meals and sweet treats.

One reviewer was particularly impressed with the cakes, writing: “The café is decent, with lots of choice, especially the cakes."

A second said: “Love this place... Café is amazing too".

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