Spring Menu Delights at Surrey Garden Centre Café Just 45 Minutes from London
As another weekend arrives with spring in the air, garden centres become particularly appealing destinations. This week, I treated myself to the new spring menu at a charming café located within Squire's Garden Centre in the picturesque village of Badshot Lea, Surrey, approximately a 45-minute drive from South West London.
A Bustling Destination for All
Squire's Garden Centre café has established itself as a favorite spot not only for gardening enthusiasts but also for families and couples seeking a pleasant dining experience. The venue consistently buzzes with activity, catering to diverse visitors with its welcoming atmosphere.
The most convenient route involves taking the A3 beyond Guildford, then continuing on the A31 toward Farnham. The garden centre offers ample free parking, excellent accessibility for prams and wheelchairs, and a spacious dining area accommodating walk-in customers without reservations.
Exploring the New Spring Menu
Launched at the end of March, the café's new menu features an appealing variety of options. I sampled several dishes, including two of the most popular selections that have already gained traction among patrons.
The café has introduced a range of flatbreads and bagels, perfect for lunchtime dining. I opted for the crowd-pleasing smoked salmon bagel, priced at £9.99 and accompanied by a small dressed salad. The wholemeal seeded bread contained generous portions of silky salmon strips and soft scrambled egg, expertly seasoned with dill, lemon, and black pepper.
The dish proved wholesome, delicious, and satisfying. My only minor complaint was that the bagel wasn't toasted, as I personally prefer that preparation. Nevertheless, the quality and flavor made it excellent value at under ten pounds.
Artisan Flatbreads and Brunch Options
The new artisan flatbreads sounded equally tempting and nutritious. Starting from £12.99, these warm flatbreads come topped with creamy houmous and a vibrant super-grain salad featuring buckwheat, broccoli rice, broad beans, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, micro herbs, and sweet mustard dressing. Customers can choose between halloumi, plant-based kofta kebabs, or chicken as protein additions.
My husband selected the new all-day brunch option, which offers a smaller alternative to the café's signature full English breakfast (available until 11:30 AM). This satisfying meal includes two rashers of smoked bacon, a free-range fried egg, beans, chunky chips, and a Pork Whites sausage.
Commitment to Local Sourcing
The café demonstrates a strong commitment to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Woking's Porky Whites sausages have proven particularly popular since their introduction to the menu.
Paul Larson, head of restaurant and retail food at Squire's Garden Centre, emphasized their dedication to local produce. "We are big on using local produce. As well as Porky Whites sausages, our wines are local from vineyards in Hampshire and Kent," he explained.
Larson added, "We are well aware that garden centres are becoming a destination place for dining as customers can stay as long as they like and we have free parking. The feedback on our new menu has been excellent. We are trying to make it a really nice experience for people."
Sweet Finale and Practical Information
We concluded our visit by sharing a delightful raspberry and coconut sponge cake, priced at just under £5. This thick, delicious wedge of cake provided the perfect sweet ending to our meal as we observed the bustling café's lively atmosphere.
Sweet treats and drinks are served throughout the day in both the main café and the adjoining coffee shop, which offers quick bites and takeaway options. Food service operates Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with breakfast available until 11:30 AM and lunch beginning at noon.
The garden centre welcomes dogs in outdoor areas, though they are not permitted inside the café. Families will appreciate the child-friendly facilities, including high chairs and baby changing stations.
Address: Badshot Lea Road, Farnham, GU9 9JX
Parking: Free on-site car park
Food Serving Times: Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM-3:30 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM (breakfast until 11:30 AM, lunch from noon)
Dogs: Allowed in garden centre only
Children: Child-friendly with high chairs and baby changing facilities available
