The Garden Restaurant — Restaurant in South Derbyshire

Visited on a Sunday morning (arrived at 10.30ish) at the start of October, whilst they were hosting a craft fair. Lots of staff out helping to arrange and sort parking, so very straightforward to get parked up even though they were already quite busy. Took a wander around the craft fair - lots of good quality stalls. Had a quick look around the Christmas decorations section, which always seems well organised (by colour/theme) and not too cramped or crowded. Then we headed to the garden restaurant for a cuppa and something sweet to eat. Lots to choose from, and the portion sizes on the sweet things was very generous (the fruit scones are enormous!) We ordered our cakes (caramel shortcake and a peanut butter stack - both of which were delicious) and then joined the queue for the drinks. There was a separate queue for anyone ordering hot breakfast food (which smelled amazing). The drink queue took a while to get through, simply because there were lots of customers. We ordered a tea and a large filter coffee, and they were served in takeaway cups (a policy to maintain efficiency when they have a craft fair on, as stated on a sign at the tills) We chose to sit outside as the weather was pleasantly warm - plenty of tables to choose from (lots of seating indoors too, but as they were busy it was quieter to sit outside) The outdoor seating area has been well-thought out, with a "home garden" feel to it - a lawn area and properly planted borders. There was a choice of tables and chairs, or very sturdy picnic benches to sit at. Looking forward to visiting again - we plan on trying the cooked...

Really like it here. Been a lot of times now. Nice range of vegan options. Would recommend the vegan coronation chickpea jacket potato. Vegan flapjack available. Vegan oat milk is available with tea. Staff knowledgeable about whether food is ok for vegans. Extremely clean, very hygienic. Beautiful homemade food. Seating is very comfortable, plenty of it, not too close together, special area for dogs inside, outside seating available. Nice touch - noticed this summer that they had a sand playpit for kids in seating area. Ample parking. We did have an issue with food not coming out one of the times but when we spoke to staff about this they quickly resolved issue, food provided, money returned from bill and even 2 tokens for a free cup of tea. I was really impressed by this, you can't be 100% all the time but it's how you deal with issues when they do happen. Will continue to...

Dear Amanda,

I would like to start by saying a very big thank you for all your support in finding food for me to eat at Swarkestone Nursery.

I will very honest and tell you that there are not many people like yourself or centers, shops,  cafés who have gone or go out of there way to help me or someone like me with eating difficulties.

You were so good and kind and helpful today and I do appreciate everything you do.

I now look forward to coming in to eat at anytime of the day and will not be worried about what I'm going or want to eat . That's thanks to you so thank you again .

Hope the pen is working well for you and you get plenty of life out of it .

Would it be possible if you could tell me when you will be there / or not there over the next couple of weeks please.

Thanks again Amanda

Kind...