Blackbrooks Garden Centre in East Sussex scooped the catering prize in The Greatest Awards organised by GTN with four other regional awards also being presented to centres which had excelled with their food and drinks offerings this year.

The awards were the result of customers voting for their favourite garden centre restaurant or coffee shop so it was the public vote that counted.

But along with the votes came some fantastic comments on why a garden centre was worthy of such a prestigious prize. Here are just a few of the comments we received:

Overall Winner and Regional Winner for The South:  Blackbrooks Garden Centre at Seddlescombe in East Sussex.

Consistent theme of votes – friendly, smiles and food to die for!

“Their salads are delisiomissimo.”  Diana Harffey of St Leonards on Sea

“The ethos is great, food exciting and nothing too much trouble.”  Diana Fowler St Leonards on Sea

“The service is second to none & their produce is always excellent.  Their Latte and cream cakes are the best!” Mrs Park, Bexhill on Sea

“They are polite, happy and always very helpful.  The Food is always first class.”  Mrs Cooke, Hastings

“Fresh baps and cakes to die for.” Jean Caroll Bexhill on Sea

“They make you feel welcome and wanted.” Christine Bancroft, Hastings

“Consistent high quality food that is always fresh.  Fast friendly service.  The Goats Cheese and Pepper Paninin – Yum! And the best chips in East Sussex!” The Norcott family from Hastings.

Perhaps the last comment should be this one from Hazell Fellows from Roberstbridge  “They smile, even with a very long queue.”  Now that is a truly great quality for a busy garden centre catering team!

Our Regional Winner from the North, Eastfield Garden Centre was praised for their excellent & personal customer service:

“The food and service is second to none.” Mr & Mrs Day , Bridlington

“Nothing is too much trouble, they open fresh cakes if there’s nothing on display I fancy.” Alison Johnson, Bridlington

“In just a few visits your preferences are known.” Barry Blair, Bridlington

In Scotland, Loch Lomond garden centres customers said:

“They treat you as a friend and never waver from this.” Harry Holloway, Alexandria

“It has become my place of choice for afternoon tea.” Margaret McKinney, Drymen

“You are part of a family.” Mr A Bradley

In the East, Regional Gold went to The Garden Café, Craft Nurseries where amazing cakes were consistently cited as the reason they should be The Greatest:

“Cakes and desserts are out of this world.” David Sexton, Essex

“Make you feel special.” Sue Johnson, Colchester

“A home from home place.” G.Rumble, Essex

“Great service 7 days a week, all year round.” R. Rumble, Essex

“The service is second to none.” Emma Gray, Colchester

“I have never come away hungry.” Mrs P.R.Lemon, Colchester

“We now have to book a table in advance.” Mrs V Scriven, Colchester

And in Wales and The West, The Old Railway Line received the most customer votes including these comments with a consistent theme of friendly, smiley staff:

“They are the best at everything!” Ben Clinton, Powys

“The service and cheerfulness of staff is second to none.” Jean Attwood, Glasbury

“Always a friendly welcome.” J Mipsud, Powys