Dobbies Garden Centres - Brighton Avis 262

Really poor facilities for disabled customers at the Brighton branch. Not enough disabled parking spaces. Steps up with no handrails, no wheelchair available when we went in, which meant a really long and arduous walk with two sticks, through the large shop and up to the restaurant, up a long, circuitous ramp. No automatic doors into the restaurant, only two narrow ones, which were hard to hold open while trying to get in. A wheelchair was available for later, but apparently there is only one in the whole place.

A long wait for our meals in the restaurant, and unclean glasses for drinks. Overpriced food, and not good quality. Very slow service. We won't be returning.

The assistant in the nursery was pleasant and helpful in looking for suitable plants.

Attended a Christmas evening event at Dobbies, and what a waste of time, as it was no different to popping in during opening hours to look around.

The event offered
Free arrival drink — NONE OFFERED
Delicious taster and fun demo stations - NONE
Exclusive discounts: enjoy special discounts and offers available only during the event - NONE
Money off voucher. - YES
Live entertainment: NONE
Visit our display of Christmas trees decorated & unveiled by local groups on the night - DIDN'T HAPPEN

Out of six things advertised only one was available, the vouchers…obviously Dobbies want you to spend. Nothing else was to be seen. I call that misleading advertising!

We pre booked the Christmas dinner for this evening and it was the worst experience of a Christmas dinner ever.

The veggie option, was unbelievably Quorn Sausages, which I’m shocked would be served with a Christmas dinner. On the pre booking form, allergies are asked to be listed, which one of us being vegetarian is allergic to an ingredient in the sausages, and another cannot eat gluten. On arrival to the restaurant, even though they knew our allergies, we were told there was no alternative for the veggie dinner, and so was given an extra potato. The turkey option was awful tasteless processed meat, and the vegetables were frozen varieties and a soggy mess. We were also told there was no Christmas pudding, and so could have the cheesecake option, which one of us disliked, and another couldn’t have due to gluten. We were offered a slice of gateau, which is not in my opinion a dessert. The whole meal was just a shocking meal experience.

The waitress however was polite, helpful, and tried her best to put things right, but her hands were tied, because it wasn’t her fault, as she couldn’t serve food they didn’t have. The fault lies with those who make the decisions at Dobbies headquarters's, as they clearly have no interest in food choices for those with allergies. What’s the point of asking them, if you fail to have other options available.

The garden centre was freezing cold, the staff were miserable, unhelpful and looked like they didn’t want to be there. There was nothing Christmassy about this event at all, other than the usual Christmas stuff for sale, which all are just over the top prices.

We were happy to pay the pound admission fee which was for Charity, but surely when you advertise things going on at an advent, the customers should expect to see them.

What a waste of time and effort attending on an extremely cold and windy evening, where I’d encouraged my 83 year old mum, who is wheelchair bound, to come enjoy this Christmas evening., but both of us were frozen, we wish we stayed at home.
Just so disappointing and wouldn’t attend one again

A group of three of us had a lovely festive afternoon tea today food was great staff were so kind and helpful thank you so much we really enjoyed it

Went to the coffee shop this morning greeted by very friendly lady who knew what I normally have before I even ask amazing customer experience

Went for lunch at Dobbies Cafe in Brighton. Once I got through the long queue to order, my cashier disappeared into the kitchen, I stood for 15 minutes before someone took my order. Staff are rushed off their feet and they clearly do not have enough staff ( I have been in on a few occasions and it’s always the same ) won’t be going there again . Staff are unapologetic and Dobbies clearly don't care about good customer service.

Good friendly staff

Very expensive garden centre, majority of products are 50-70% more expensive than elsewhere!, the offers are superficial and you can get all products much cheaper from elsewhere or included delivery. Restaurant understaffed, long queues, nobody cleans the tables after people have used them, food mediocre and lukewarm.

Pleasant to visit, staff friendly, restaurant included

Good customer service. Knowledgeable staff.

Great selection of plants and some interesting ones we did not have much knowledge of.
Reasonable choice of pots but more visible pricing needed.

Good selection and good deals. Lovely coffee too

Came for lunch. Half restaurant closed no explanation. All tables cluttered and dirty, had to clean own table. Decided not to eat due to extremely rude staff, one customer had to wait 24 mins for a sandwich and another returned a very black jkt potato to be told, that's how we cook them!
No sugar on table when asked at counter was told all tables have then. Eventually and begrudgingly a server literally slammed a bowl of sugars on our table with no apology, she then stormed off
Dobbies restaurant is rubbish and we will never return

Visited yesterday for coffee around 11am, long queue
and was surprised to find half restaurant closed ready for mothers day lunches. Ended up having to sit outside. Dissapointing

The Brighton Dobbies is in a lovely location and we like the restaurant.

I don't like your pricing structure of everything being priced at .99 eg £9.99 £6.99 its silly and means nothing
Please display at £10 or £7

We bought some gardening products and some food items too. Very good range of available products

Love this place!
Wonderful staff, so kind and helpful.