Dobbies Garden Centres - Shrewsbury Avis 241

Ordered a traditional breakfast at Shrewsbury branch , "just to let you know we don't have any beans, tomatoes or mushrooms" lol We have 3 big supermarkets within yards, wouldn't it be a great idea for the manager to send a member of staff for emergency supplies , I mean no wonder you are closing stores like no tomorrow

What a fabulous Santa experience! Appreciated we had to wait past our appointment, but when you get in you realise why. The elves are so lovely, they ensured my grandson had a nice time, showing him the animals. We had a nice game of fishing and feeding the penguin, and then played ice hockey and basket snowball. We went into another space where we found a life size reindeer. We did some colouring in to make bespoke wrapping paper. And then we went into see Santa. Such a kind gentleman. Had so much time for the children, which is possibly what causes the initial delay. I have to say throughout we were not rushed, had the place to ourselves and were shown kindness by all the elves. Well worth the money and we will definitely be back next year. Bonus Santa spoke Welsh!!

The WORST Santa's Grotto experience ever!

My wife and I took our daughter to the Santa experience here and had a terrible experience. We arrived on time and had to wait 30 minutes to be allowed into the grotto. An elf would sometimes appear and explain they were having problems but then disappear (we later saw that she was disappearing to have coffee with her friends). Eventually we were allowed into the "groto". We have done many of these experiences before at different garden centres and normally they are off a high standard. The "grotto" we were greeted with in Shrewsbury however was tired and cheap. The fake animals were worn and old, clearly with very little care taken. The games, signs and photo opportunities were all worn and cheap, most being card pintouts. The first photo op was supposed to be a santas sleigh but it was a garden bench with a single blanket chucked over it and some cardboard cut outs placed around it. In comparison at grottoes we have previously visited they have real wooden sleighs to sit on and take photos with (may I point out for the same price). Next we were taken to a barn scene with a tired looking fake reindeer and an elf making reindeer food. Whilst making the reindeer food plastic glitter was poured into it, I understand this is nitpicking, but who is going to spread that in the garden or the house? There was another worn out and poorly thrown together photo op in the barn scene. I will however give the 2nd and 3rd elf we saw at the photo ops their credit, they were trying to make the best of a bad situation, especially given the 1st elf kept wandering off. We were then taken through to Santa. We weren't met with a jolly man with a big white beard as you'd expect and as advertised, but instead by a rather unhappy looking Santa with a 3 day stubble. Again to give him some credit he did try to engage my daughter in conversation but it was to do with swimming, not Christmas? an unusual choice.

We then thought we would try and salvage the day by going to the restaurant, on entry none of the tables available had been cleared. This should have been a red flag and we should have turned around. But we didn't. We proceeded to order a jacket potato with salad that was prepared in front of us and we were asked what we wanted with them, although our requests were ignored and the salad we specifically asked not to have was put on the plate. My daughter ordered a pasta dish that we were told would be delivered to the table, but never arrived. My wife then went back up to ask where it was and was told by the same lady she forgot to put it through and that if we wanted the £1 kids offer we would have to buy another meal.

Overall a terrible experience and I would encourage people to find a better grotto at a different site! It is rare I would take the time and effort to complain about something but the experience was so poor it felt necessary!

Went there with my two grand children and my elderly mother. Three fish and chips and a panini the fish was all batter chips totally over cooked. Disgraceful for the price. Will not go back there ever or recommend

Located on a regular travel route for us we call in most months on the way home. The plant selection is always good with healthy plants and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
The only negative thing is that it can be difficult to exit the area by car at busy times due to traffic volume.

We always enjoy our visit to dobbies with the friendly staff and lovely plants.

We had lunch in the restaurant, Service was good, food was served quite quickly, staff friendly.
We then looked at the pants which we will purchase in a couple of weeks, once we have prepared tubs boarders and baskets.

overpriced plants in poor condition, and we walked out of the cafe as cakes looked stale yet again

Dobbies are a premier garden centre and visitor destination. The range and quality belies the fact that their prices are equal to the shoddiest garden centre.

Restaurant was a great experience. Value for money and a well used facility.

Dobbies rewards loyal customers. Quality of products is reassured. Competitively priced items - particularly in the restaurant. Cleanliness, tasty foods, welcoming staff and efficient service are regular features of its restaurant (which always has a relatively quiet and pleasant ambiance, with plenty of spare table capacity).

Very good plant section with knowledgeable and helpful staff. Also good range of garden furniture and associated goods.

Staff friendly and helpful food lovely very promt service only niggle is at busy times sometimes not enough staff but the ones who are there do there best

I called in Dobbiesto see what was on offer post Christmas

Coffee and scone. Staff friendly but there was no butter available for the scone, only spread. Hence 4 stars not 5.

large areas to move about and friendly staff.
Dog friendly and in the restaurant.

We visited the restaurant for a drink. The restaurant and seating area was very clean and nice comfy seating

We went to the restaurant. Had to keep our coats and scarves on. It was freezing.
We then waited 10 minute in a queue to purchase a pot and two cards. Angela the cashier was so slow it’s as if it was her first day. She is always very slow. She had to scan everything all over again for some reason. Very frustrating. She didn’t call for any help so there was a long queue.