Dobbies Garden Centres - Lisburn Avis 296

We got what we went for and more

I visited the restaurant at 11.30 this morning and would say that your customer service needs attention. Firstly I waited at the food counter for around 5 mins whilst 2 members of staff conversed and ignored me waiting to place an order. Eventually, an order was placed and the staff member did nothing but complain to another member of staff about how she did not feel well and was not going to walk back and forward fixing orders as her leg was sore and she was just going to go home. All this was loud enough for me to hear and I did not feel like a part of the transaction at all... some staff customer training definitely required!!!!

Big, bright airy store with a wide range of goods. First impressions somewhat spoiled. As I stood in the indoor porch area waiting for friends to arrive, I looked at the trolleys with baby seats provided for young families. Sadly these were really dirty looking! Ok, one had soil/compost in the seat - a customer may have used that trolley to transport a plant, simple explanation. However, the two behind it looked really grubby and were covered in actual spider webs! Are these baby seats never checked and cleaned? I certainly would not have put a baby anywhere near them! On to the restaurant area for coffee and snacks. Lack of available trays, slow service on drinks, only one dirty soup spoon in cutlery section (though assistant did bring more when asked). Many empty tables still covered in dirty dishes, only one staff member appeared to be clearing up. To be fair, the female assistant on the till was friendly, bright and cheerful, 5 stars to her for her excellent customer service! Could be much better customer experience with better management of the little things!

Breakfast Menu is expensive enough for what you get. I appreciate costs have increased for businesses. However Dobbies is a lovely place to visit and there's choice for everyone.

I went to Dobbies specifically to buy houseplants. There was a reasonable selection but no information on the plants about care and location most suitable for each type ie cool room, bright room etc as is the case in other retailers.
When I commented on this at the till I was told (in an abrupt manner) I could have consulted a member of the team. This may be the case but there was no one about and there were queues at the tills.
I would rather make my own informed decision however the information was not readily available. Being deaf, I prefer to read information rather that try to follow spoken information.

Staff are 5 star but the food is dreadful.

No queue at the cash desk this time, although I did have difficulty finding the specific items I was looking for.

Very disappointed that yet again there were no cream scones available despite a large advert promoting them! This is the second time we have gone to Dobbies and there has been no cream scones. I emailed about this before but sadly things have not improved.

This was my first visit to Dobbies, Lisburn and thanks to Stephen I will return. Stephen was knowledgeable, helpful and patient. When I explained what type of coverage I needed Stephen knew exactly which plant would be best. He advised how many and positioned them on the ground so that I could envisage how they would look in my garden. He fitted the plants and pots in my car ensuring that the seat and boot were protected. Nothing was too much trouble. He is an asset to the company. Thank you Stephen.

Delicious coffee and cake and lots of interesting things to look at

Stephen in the outdoor garden section of the Lisburn store helped me out twice now. He is so knowledgeable and helpful. He really went the extra mile in his service. I recommend anyone who needs advice or help to go to find him!

Had lunch in Dobbies cafeteria today, the food was absolutely awful, I had the red pepper quiche which was dry and tasteless my wife had a sweet chlli chicken panini, all the filling fell out when she picked it up, for the price we paid for lunch it was definitely second rate food plus £5 for 2 cans of coke is a rip off.

Stephen, head of gardening Dept, is a knowledgeable horticulturalists, he's
Professional, helpful,and educational, giving good guidance and advice on all aspects of plant selection and purchase
Thank you Stephen
James

Love visiting Dobbies as we can bring our dog in also.. that is a massive bonus!! Just love walking round the whole store, inside & out. There is so much to see. I have to stop myself in the garden part as I would buy everything!! I now get Dobbie gift cards for birthday & Christmas so I can spend spend spend. Brilliant store, everything for everyone.. oh and seating in coffee shop for dogs!!

Staff were helpful as always. Good range of products available and the food filled a gap for us (it was my birthday treat from Dobbies - much appreciated).

It’s all about the craic and banter, if there’s no craic there’s no banter and I thoroughly enjoyed the craic with Stephen! Very very helpful man. Thanks
The plumber 👍

Lisburn store: Queue for the restaurant was very long and staff were rude. I took my son to soft play and was disgusted at how dirty the place was. All of the free tables had dirty dishes on them, the floor was covered in dirt it looked like it hadn't been washed in days and there was lots of rubbish like empty packs and wipes dropped on it.

Helpful staff despite being busy in main shop
Restaurant needs some work however staff not trained in customer service