Aylett Nurseries
Aylett Nurseries
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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4.5
149 reviews
Excellent
96
Very good
33
Average
11
Poor
6
Terrible
3
johnboyPeterborough
Peterborough755 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We travel from Peterborough to Southsea four or five times a year and we always stop at Aylett's Garden Centre Cafe, for coffee, on both our outward and return journeys.
This means that on our outward journey we have to double back on ourselves and this increases our trip by another four miles. It is worth it however as the coffee is always very good
On our return journey today we stopped for lunch and had and their excellent home made soup which comes with croutons and delicious bread
Although usually busy we always find that the service is very good as is the quality of the food and drinks
This means that on our outward journey we have to double back on ourselves and this increases our trip by another four miles. It is worth it however as the coffee is always very good
On our return journey today we stopped for lunch and had and their excellent home made soup which comes with croutons and delicious bread
Although usually busy we always find that the service is very good as is the quality of the food and drinks
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BubblyJubbly
Cuffley, UK109 contributions
Apr 2023
We came here primarily to visit the cafe as I'd read on the internet that there would be gluten free cake - which can be surprisingly difficult to find in cafes. I wasn't disappointed and I had a nice slice of gluten free carrot cake which was lovely and moist. I had tea with oat milk to go with it. My husband was very happy with his choice too. The service was good too and the ladies loos were presentable and not unpleasant. We'd definitely return, perhaps for lunch, when I expect it could be very busy.
After visiting the cafe, we wondered around the plants and gift shop. I didn't have time to see the house plant section, but it looked quite large. The outdoor plants looked to be very good quality, if not the cheapest. They had a good selection of greeting cards and there were plenty of parking spaces outside.
After visiting the cafe, we wondered around the plants and gift shop. I didn't have time to see the house plant section, but it looked quite large. The outdoor plants looked to be very good quality, if not the cheapest. They had a good selection of greeting cards and there were plenty of parking spaces outside.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheBigCheese
Croxley Green, UK737 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Really lovely day out in the sunshine. The plants are dearer here than other local nurseries, but the quality of plants is good and the variety is second to none.
The restaurant offers reasonably priced lunches, although the service was slow and my daughter didn’t get her drink as there were delays in the kitchen; they apologised and said they wouldn’t charge us for her milkshake as the wait had been so long, but having every other member having their drink and not offering her an alter or delaying the whole order so she wasn’t left out would have been better. This happened with the food too; three meals arrived and the last was late (sadly again my daughter).
Still, overall very positive and enjoyable.
The restaurant offers reasonably priced lunches, although the service was slow and my daughter didn’t get her drink as there were delays in the kitchen; they apologised and said they wouldn’t charge us for her milkshake as the wait had been so long, but having every other member having their drink and not offering her an alter or delaying the whole order so she wasn’t left out would have been better. This happened with the food too; three meals arrived and the last was late (sadly again my daughter).
Still, overall very positive and enjoyable.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigSav95
Norwich, UK28 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This was our “go-to” garden centre and restaurant when we lived locally. We moved away 3 years ago and happened to be passing as we travelled back from Dorset to Norfolk and decided to call in. The Car Park has changed for the better but I’m writing to report on the very disappointing restaurant; it has changed from counter service to waiter/waitress service and it’s dreadful…..we ordered two sandwiches (one in brown bread the other in white), two cappuccinos and a bowl of potato wedges to share. While waiting we observed a female customer calling over our server and asking for her milk. The server said “with your green tea?”. That lady said “I’ve ordered a cream tea, is that not what you’ve given me?”, and conceded to have the green tea without milk. Whilst this conversation took place, our sandwiches arrived within 30 seconds of ordering, suggesting they weren’t made fresh, and confirmed as I bit into my tuna and cucumber on brown bread with the bread being hard. No potato wedges. And no offer of any Mayo or salad cream for the accompanying salad (no condiments or sugar supplied on the bare tables). We waited for the server to return somewhere near our table to ask where our wedges were, but before he got to us a lady on a separate table who had been waiting a good five minutes before she had to ask for her ciabatta dish to be delivered, after her female friend had already received hers finally received hers after enquiring, only to not be supplied with cutlery, which she also then had to ask for when the server passed again. When he finally got to us, half our sandwiches had already been eaten. We requested our missing wedges. He went to the serving hatch where he also had to wait. Eventually we received our wedges. And guess what?…..they were cold! Won’t be going back. What a shame.
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheBigCheese
Croxley Green, UK737 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We stopped off for an afternoon at Ayletts. The dahlia display was incredible. Absolutely worth a visit in its own right.
The nursery was average. Great plants but hefty prices. I wanted a tiny heather for my hanging basket (£4.99)
Stopped in the cafe for tea and cake. After some confusion the order was placed. Drinks came 5-10 minutes later, but no cake. I had a good view of the serving area and cake was waiting on the hatch to be delivered but our server did not bring it. Our tea gradually got drunk but no cake was forthcoming. In the end we were out of tea and 45 minutes had passed. We decided to call it a day. The waitress said “you didn’t get your cake? Oh it’s here waiting to be delivered.” The paper ticket for the cake said 3.05pm. It was now 3.30pm - the cake had been sitting on the counter for 25 minutes with servers picking it up, reading the ticket and putting it back as it wasn’t one of their orders. The waitress said “don’t you want it then?” …. Err, no. It’s been under a lamp for 25 minutes and we have no drinks left, no…
We left and went to Burston Tyler and had cake there, served with tea, at the same time. Even better I got my heather (larger) for £3.50.
So disappointing. Ayletts, you need to up your game in the cafe to compliment the wonderful display you’ve put so much effort into.
The nursery was average. Great plants but hefty prices. I wanted a tiny heather for my hanging basket (£4.99)
Stopped in the cafe for tea and cake. After some confusion the order was placed. Drinks came 5-10 minutes later, but no cake. I had a good view of the serving area and cake was waiting on the hatch to be delivered but our server did not bring it. Our tea gradually got drunk but no cake was forthcoming. In the end we were out of tea and 45 minutes had passed. We decided to call it a day. The waitress said “you didn’t get your cake? Oh it’s here waiting to be delivered.” The paper ticket for the cake said 3.05pm. It was now 3.30pm - the cake had been sitting on the counter for 25 minutes with servers picking it up, reading the ticket and putting it back as it wasn’t one of their orders. The waitress said “don’t you want it then?” …. Err, no. It’s been under a lamp for 25 minutes and we have no drinks left, no…
We left and went to Burston Tyler and had cake there, served with tea, at the same time. Even better I got my heather (larger) for £3.50.
So disappointing. Ayletts, you need to up your game in the cafe to compliment the wonderful display you’ve put so much effort into.
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ladyofthelake54
London, UK34 contributions
Oct 2021
Oh dear! What have you done to your cafe? Before Covid you had a large cafe with a good range of food including a variety of cakes. It was self service with hot food being delivered to the table when ready. Everything was clean, simple and attractive.
Now, following the refurbishment the cafe is only about half its original size, many fewer tables and you have to wait to be seated.
The choice for cakes was very disappointing, my lemon drizzle cake was dry and very little drizzle, the coffee came with one measly sachet of sugar and taking the order took time while the waitress had to enter everything into a hand held device.
While there were more tables outside it was blowing a very strong wind today, hardly conducive to sitting outside.
Sorry Ayletts but your upgrade is very disappointing and while we will continue to use the nursery we won't be stopping for coffee anymore.
Now, following the refurbishment the cafe is only about half its original size, many fewer tables and you have to wait to be seated.
The choice for cakes was very disappointing, my lemon drizzle cake was dry and very little drizzle, the coffee came with one measly sachet of sugar and taking the order took time while the waitress had to enter everything into a hand held device.
While there were more tables outside it was blowing a very strong wind today, hardly conducive to sitting outside.
Sorry Ayletts but your upgrade is very disappointing and while we will continue to use the nursery we won't be stopping for coffee anymore.
Written 19 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are so sorry to hear this and would really like to discuss your visit with you so we can try and restore your faith in us. If you would be willing to discuss your visit, please e-mail me your telephone number to info@aylettnurseries.co.uk and I will contact you. Best regards, Liz Alexander, Seasons Café Manager, Aylett Nurseries Ltd.
Written 22 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carol S
Ferndown, UK51 contributions
Sept 2021
On 16/9/21 we visited the newly refurbished restaurant at Aylett Nurseries, St Albans. This is our usual stop off place on our journey further up north.
The new layout and furnishing are very nice indeed but it was obvious the place had lost the previous buzz.
However, the quality and quantity of the food leaves much to be desired.
We ordered the Charcuterie/cheese board sharing platter (£15) which was a huge disappointment. There were three portions of cheese which were reasonable in size. The 'meat' however, was an absolute disgrace. You had to look for the three
minuscule pieces of finely cut meat which were hidden under the sourdough. We were very disappointed with this and complained to the server. I did question whether the board we had received was for one person, but she explained it was for two. She took our complaint to the kitchen and we were provided with a much more normal/generous serving of the meat selection. We are sorry to have to comment on this but given that service, quality and quantity of meals there pre COVID were always good value for money - this was very poor indeed.
The new layout and furnishing are very nice indeed but it was obvious the place had lost the previous buzz.
However, the quality and quantity of the food leaves much to be desired.
We ordered the Charcuterie/cheese board sharing platter (£15) which was a huge disappointment. There were three portions of cheese which were reasonable in size. The 'meat' however, was an absolute disgrace. You had to look for the three
minuscule pieces of finely cut meat which were hidden under the sourdough. We were very disappointed with this and complained to the server. I did question whether the board we had received was for one person, but she explained it was for two. She took our complaint to the kitchen and we were provided with a much more normal/generous serving of the meat selection. We are sorry to have to comment on this but given that service, quality and quantity of meals there pre COVID were always good value for money - this was very poor indeed.
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and valued feedback Carol and apologies for the delay in responding to your review.
I can only apologise for your disappointing visit, we have addressed your concerns with the team. Your feedback will be used to help us improve going forward so thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. If you would like to send me your contact details to info@aylettnurseries.co.uk I can organise a refund of your bill or a voucher as a gesture of goodwill.
I hope to hear from you.
Kind regards, Georgina
Written 22 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joyce D
Watford, UK18 contributions
Aug 2021
Oh dear….. have visited here many a time and always used the restaurant for either lunch or just tea/coffee and cake. Today Sunday at 2.30, decided a nice trip out and enjoy the normal treat— but not a chance, the restaurant was maybe 2/3 full with many cleaned and empty tables, we stood there and waited to be seated as directed be the welcome board. After a few minutes and still no one coming to even acknowledge we were there, we decided to go and return after looking at plants. We returned about 10 mins later and was met by the same scenario I.e. nobody again. After standing there at least 4 to 5 minutes and still no acknowledgement from anyone we decided to give up and go to the next garden centre along the road. Coffee and cake there was served within minutes. Not sure we will be hurrying back there soon…such a shame!!!
Written 22 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review Joyce. We are so sorry to hear this and would really like to discuss your visit with you so we can try and restore your faith in us. If you would be willing to discuss your visit, please e-mail me your telephone number to info@aylettnurseries.co.uk and I will contact you. Best regards, Liz Alexander, Seasons Café Manager, Aylett Nurseries Ltd.
Written 24 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ron B
Edmonton, UK1 contribution
Jan 2023
We went for a visit to Aylett nursery. They have a really good all round stock of plants and equipment to buy. Then we went to the restaurant and found good selection of food especially gluten free food at reasonable prices and delicious as well. The staff in the restaurant were very helpful and pointed out all the gluten free items on the menu, father than me having to look on the app. I would recommend this nursery to everyone. Ron
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indeana
Harpenden, UK227 contributions
Dec 2021
Family visit to the cafe for lunch on a quiet weekday. It was 20 minutes before someone arrived at our table to take our order and we were told that this was because they had been on a rest break - very poor. No teacakes on menu - disappointing - they used to be good. The bacon roll was excellent. The scone was unpleasant and poor quality. We don't like the new sit and order at table layout and preferred to be able to see some of the items available on the old system. Disappointing. Future visits will be reduced.
The garden centre is excellent.
The garden centre is excellent.
Written 11 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glynward65
Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
do you have a reward cards scheme
Written 9 September 2018
Sorry I don’t know ,give them a ring they very friendly.
Regards Brian
Written 20 September 2018
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