Dobbies Garden Centres - Derby Avis 506

I have had a membership at Dobbies in Derby for 2 years now, but the place is just going down the pan, the drinks and birthday treats are brilliant can't fault and the discounts available with the membership but the play area has been out of action for months now due to the ceiling having
leaks all over
The play area really needs a update it was always busy any more than 6 in their it's over crowded, and charging 1.50 its very tired please update the play area and get the roof fixed I can see customers diminishing rapidly, I can see it closing down I
now go to planters garden king and various others garden centers that cater for children to, e.g bigger updated soft areas, animals, sandpits, bouncy castles play areas, ice skating rink at xmas they all offer a better service than Dobbies.

Relaxed and social environment with good shopping environment without pressure!

The restaurant had no heating, only 2 staff serving drinks etc. which lead to a lengthy queue, the restaurant is always short staffed when we visit..
The staff serving were friendly and helpful and worked hard to keep the queue moving.

Very sad! I’ve been going to this garden centre for years! Many, many years. It’s been slowly going down hill. The prior owners Wyvale seem to care a little more and were better organised. However Since Dobbies have taken over it’s rapidly gone down hill. The wait for food has always been a problem as it was a popular venue. However since it’s been Dobbies there are less staff. The restaurant is in major need of help and a renovation. The seats are dirty, the roof! Well least said! Leaks badly. The children’s soft play area has been shut for many months as the roofs totally gone. Many times when you go in if it’s raining areas are blocked off with tape due to the leaks. The last week and a half the heatings been broken and you will need to sit with your winter warmers on. Don’t take your hat and scarfs off! The walls are grubby too with pealing paper or dirty mould. The pot washer does not seem to work as I’ve had dirty cutlery a number of times. Each week we say we’re not going back but we do as the staff are lovely.
As for the actual garden centre it’s empty! The last three weeks there’s been more empty shelves than full ones. This must be having an impact on there revenue!

My advice as a business owner myself. Stop buying more locations and invest on what you have. You need to maintain your buildings. This one needs a major investment before you loose all your customers. Yesterday when I was in a lady in the cloths area told me it’s the last time she’s coming in. She had seen us in the restaurant. She said her food was very cold. Her eggs at the end were that cold she left them. I also left most of my breakfast as it was too cold.

My last words. I feel very sorry for the staff, they work in unacceptable conditions. They must get grief every day. They deserve better!
To the owners you should be ashamed, you need to look at the building and the conditions. Your staff need a pay rise for putting up with the daily grief I’ve seen many times. Yesterday was my last visit it’s now not pleasurable. Stop sitting in your offices and actually go and see your building. Ask yourself would you like to work there or be a customer there. Shameful!

Visited the restaurant which has considerably improved albeit a bit of a wait for food to arrive,there seems more staff now and a more consistent menu choice,it is now quite pricey and efforts must be made to ensure food quality is high and consistent and a full menu is maintained

If you do not have time for your 2 free monthly beverages you can have cold drinks and take them away 🙂

Found what we wanted checkout staff were friendly.

Apart from the two charming, courteous and helpful two male staff members in the restaurant - and the polite and helpful cleaner - our experience today at Findern (Derby) was not something I would wish to repeat. In fact, I definitely will not be renewing my membership card. As a disabled scooter user it can be frustrating to get around any garden centre or shop which is why we went early today. On attempting to pay for our shopping, we waited for a member of staff to assist, but in the end I had to draw their attention. The 'manager' sent over a member of staff - Rachel - who, when I queried and mentioned how frustrating it was to even get to the till, pointed out that I was in a garden centre!! This rather surly, sarcastic attitude did upset me, and when I accused her of being rude, she in turn accused me of being 'aggressive'. (My husband was a witness to her unpleasant behaviour.) Rather than become upset, I asked for the manager. He assured me that he would 'sort it out'. Findern used to be such a lovely garden centre - the staff were kind and polite. Unfortunately today has soured my previous experiences. Apart from the restaurant staff, what has happened to customer service?

Plants and shrubs reasonable prices. Everything set out easy to access, staff helpful. Very good restaurant

The staff. They are always hard working and friendly.

I used my birthday treat voucher and the coffee and cakes were delicious. My friend was equally impressed with her soya latte. The member of staff taking orders and payment was very pleasant and, given the length of the queue, very organised. Perhaps an extra barista would help at busy times.
I couldn't find what I wanted at plant-wise but when I asked at the till, the cashier found someone who could help and I left with two very good half price cyclamen as well.

Great garden centre staff working hard need more staff on drinks side cleaning tables

Really enjoyed using the cafe, food as always lovely and staff helpful and friendly

Unfortunately no sandwiches, toasties or jacket potatoes available after 15:00 as kitchen closed. Website and menus indicate these are available after 15:00 as it only main meals not available.

I went to Dobbies today at Findern Derby. There was only toilet paper in 2 of the 3 toilets and the bowls of the toilets were brown and left a lot to be desired.

Good selection of plants though ‘Christmas’ seems to have come far too early!!!

Visited cafeteria. Maybe 2 people could be serving - to take orders,2 to make coffee. It was afternoon but service was slow.

Incredible/ Helpful staff!
Love the free coffee and we have a lovely cake with it too!