BARNETT HILL GARDEN CENTRE

OUR OPINION OF BARNETT HILL GARDEN  CENTRE

THE PLANTS DISPLAY AREA
 

The plants area is rather plainly laid out in comparison to other garden centres in the G+L group. The wooden plant bays are small which avoids the monotony of long straight rows of plants.

The paths are wide and principally laid out in concrete although some of the minor paths have a gravel base. Getting round is easy and there is very little clutter to get in the way.

The signs were extremely clear allowing individual plant groups to be very easily found. There is a small covered area as you exit the main building but the majority of the plants area is open to the elements.

The plants looked to be in excellent condition and hardy plants come with a five year guarantee. The choice of plants is good but there are no specialist areas to make it stand out.

Prices are on the high side with roses starting at £8.99, clematis from £10.99, 1 litre Tomorite £4.99 and 60 litres of Westland multi purpose at £6.99 or two for £12.

INSIDE BARNETT HILL GARDEN CENTRE

This is definitely a large interior sales area for a garden centre although the decor is not particularly appealing in comparison to similar garden centres. The ceiling has lots of exposed metal beams which are not attractive. The flooring is a mix of non-matching surfaces and at the time of our visit it definitely needed a good brush up and clean. The paths are wide though and access around the interior sales area is easy.

This large garden centre stocks everything for the gardener from tools to seeds and all the gardening accessories. They also stock a wide range of gifts, garden furniture, barbecues, cards, books, clothes and lots more.

Barnett Hill has a very extensive and attractively presented display of houseplants. There is a separate display area for cacti and bonsai trees. The tree should really have been displayed in a cooler area to keep them at their maximum health.

The Food Hall has an impressive choice of deli items, meats and cheeses all at higher then expected prices..

Barnett Hill have their own club card scheme (the Garden and Leisure Group scheme) with various benefits for their members. Details of the club and a comparison with the clubs of other garden centres can be found by clicking here. If you are thinking of visiting this garden centre to make a purchase it may well be worth taking a look at their discounts and rewards.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Very good in all areas both inside and outside.
 

THE TERRACE CAFE AT BARNETT HILL GARDEN CENTRE

The decor of the cafe is a mix of cheap looking plastic tables chairs but with the other decor being reasonably pleasant. A large set of windows at one end of the cafe lets in plenty of light. The furniture has been arranged with very little thought at making the most of the area.

The menu is extensive with main meals in the range of £7 to £9, paninis and baguettes at £6 and omelettes from £6 to £7. Also on offer are kids meals, snack meals, cakes, coffees and teas. Main meals are on display at serving counter with just a few meals being served to your table.

We weren't impressed with the quality of the food we tasted. We tried out a beef in red wine and although the meat was OK the vegetables were almost inedible. We had our meal at two o'clock and the vegetables tasted as if the had been stored on the hot plate for two hours or more. The Brussels sprouts looked and tasted especially grim, the peas were shrivelled and the carrots had given up any attempt at staying fresh long ago. In comparison to other similar garden centres this meal was definitely well below standard.

The cafe was awarded the top rating of five stars for food hygiene in August 2013 by Wyre Forest District Council.

STAR RATINGS BARNETT HILL

We rate different aspects of each garden centre and then give an overall rating. We adjust the ratings for garden centre size and purpose. So for example a small nursery which is average compared to other small nurseries will be awarded two and half stars. A large garden centre which is average compared to other large garden centres will also be awarded two and a half stars.

Note that the price ratings below is based on a limited range of sample prices.

FACILITY BEING RATED	RATING
Plant quality
Outside area layout
Interior sales
Cafe food quality
Cafe decor and atmosphere
Prices
Overall rating

OTHER STUFF
Car park - More than large enough, on solid and level ground.

Pet Centre - A good pet store selling small live pets, reptiles and all the accessories you could ever want.

Aquatics - A large sized store stocking everything for the aquatics expert including a reasonable range of live fish.

Water Features - Yes, around the store

Sheds and Greenhouses - We saw none.

House Plants - A very good range and well displayed.

Toilets - Clean modern and functional

CHRISTMAS AT BARNETT HILL GARDEN CENTRE

The Christmas displays at Barnett Hill are about average for a large garden centre. Somehow they just lack that "wow" factor.

Having said that though you will find everything for your Christmas celebrations from gifts, toys, cards, decorations, synthetic and real Christmas trees and lots more.

For the children, Santa Claus will make his first appearance in mid-November 2014. Up to 16th December Santa will be in his grotto every Saturday and Sunday between 11 and 4. From 17th December to 24th December ha can be visited every day between 11 and 4.15. Cost is £6.00 and includes a gift - up to two accompanying adults go for free.

Santa breakfasts and afternoon teas are available from 15th December and 17th December at a a cost of £6.99. You will need to contact the restaurant to book a place.

Adults get a festive menu from early November to 30th December at a cost of £12.99 for two courses and £14.99 for three course with coffee included. Again, you will need to contact the cafe to book a place.

CONTACT DETAILS AND DIRECTIONS

Barnett Hill Garden Centre
Worcester Road,
Clent,
Stourbridge,
West Midlands DY9 0EE

Telephone
01562 700308

Website
Their website can be found here.

Email Address
Info@barnetthill.g-l.co.uk

OPENING HOURS: BARNETT HILL GARDEN CENTRE

	OPEN	CLOSE
Mon	9.00	6.00
Tue	9.00	6.00
Wed	9.00	6.00
Thu	9.00	6.00
Fri	9.00	6.00
Sat	9.00	6.00
Sun	10.30	4.30
EASTER OPENING TIMES Good Friday 9.00 to 6.00   Easter Saturday 9.00 to 6.00   Easter Sunday CLOSED   Easter Monday 9.00 to 6.00 CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Christmas Eve 9.00 to 4.00   Christmas Day CLOSED   Boxing Day 9.00 to 6.00   New Year's Eve 9.00 to 4.00   New Year's Day 9.00 to 6.00 BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY OPENING TIMES May and August Bank Holidays: 9.00 to 6.00