A POPULAR garden centre restaurant which opened its doors just last year has been ranked among the best in the world, according to TripAdvisor.

Meadow Croft Kitchen, based inside the Battlesbridge garden centre of the same name, was unveiled last autumn after "years of planning". 

After just more than a year of being open, the restaurant has been given the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2024,  which honours businesses consistently earning top reviews placing them in the top ten per cent of listings around the world.

Opening - when the restaurant was unveiled last yearOpening - when the restaurant was unveiled last year (Image: Meadow Croft Garden Centre)

A spokesman for the garden centre shared on social media: "Our restaurant has been busy over the last few weeks - they raised £246 for MacMillan Cancer Support and they've been ranked in the top 10 per cent of TripAdvisor restaurants worldwide.

"These achievements wouldn't be possible without the brilliant Meadow Croft Kitchen team and the support from you - our lovely customers."

The look takes inspiration from the main garden centreThe look takes inspiration from the main garden centre (Image: Meadow Croft Garden Centre)

The restaurant at Meadow Croft Garden Centre, in Woodham Road, opened its doors on September 4 last year after what director Lisa Smith said was "many years of planning".

Part of the restaurant has an undercover terrace where visitors can sit in the fresh air and enjoy their food surrounded by the wonderful scents from the main plant area.

Stylish - Meadow Croft Kitchen is a great brunch spotStylish - Meadow Croft Kitchen is a great brunch spot (Image: Meadow Croft Garden Centre) The restaurant’s look takes inspiration from the main garden centre with lots of light and greenery throughout. The furniture is also made in the UK from ethically sourced wood.

Explaining why it's so well-loved, one TripAdvisor reviewer who rated the restaurant five-stars said: "What a great Sunday lunch, best around for miles. Price, quality, service, top of our list for Sunday lunch. Will visit again soon."