MAGAZINE
Summer is finally here and the preceding period has certainly been a time of growth for the garden centre catering sector – you just have to look at our news section (page 6) for proof. While The Horticultural Trades Association’s latest figures show that overall sales were down by 3%, the silver lining was that café and restaurant sales were up by 6%. Squire’s Garden Centres, meanwhile, reported even better growth, of 9% overall.
Another outlet experiencing an increase in activity is the truly stunning Waterperry Gardens in the Cotswolds, which I visited recently to discuss their win in our Afternoon Tea of the Year category in 2025. They were proudly displaying the trophy by the tills and it was extremely gratifying when teashop manager Nicky Wortley told me: “Business has increased since we won the award.”
It also transpired that, despite an incredibly inspiring history that goes back to 1932, this was the first time Waterperry Gardens had ever entered an awards. So, if you would like to emulate their enviable achievement, you can get more information at gardencentrecateringawards.co.uk or by turning to page 42. It is completely free of charge to enter and the deadline is 25th September. Good luck – we would love to give your business a similar boost!
