EMAIL: info@beckworthemporium.com

Beckworth Emporium is three miles west of Wellingborough, just two miles off the A43. We have included them in our reviews of Northamptonshire garden centres because they do indeed have a garden nursery department. However, in reality, this is more of a food destination site than a nursery. We suspect the plants side of the business is a small part of the overall turnover compared to the restaurant, food hall and the ice skating businesses.

As far as the plants are concerned, many of the plant, bedding plants and hanging baskets in particular, are grown on site. This is not really a destination for the average gardener looking for a broad range of plants, shrubs and the like, they tend to stock plants which will appeal to the passing visitor at a particular time of year. The prices are on the high side as well so we can't recommend this to the average gardener. On the other hand, if you are visiting the site for the restaurant or food hall then by all means wander around the nursery, just bear in mind that you will be paying above the odds for almost any plant you buy.

The food hall is most definitely out of the ordinary if only because of its large size. The meat and cheeses are supplied by Hambleton Farms and the pies are cooked in-store. Traditional farming methods are used to raise the animals in the meats and most originates from nearby Rutland. The displays are tempting and the staff know their business if you need assistance. Prices are very high, even considering the methods used.

Our approach to wandering around a Food Hall like this is to marvel at the produce available and the way it's presented but limit ourselves to buying maybe a pie. The same produce can be found at your local butchers / deli at much lower prices.

THE

RESTAURANT AT BECKWORTH EMPORIUM
The restaurant is definitely of the specialist type. When you visit you are buying an experience rather than outright value. They have three separate areas, an indoor restaurant, a glasshouse and finally an open air, on the lawn, eating area.

The quality of the food is high but the prices are even higher. But you are paying not only for the food but also for the setting and the occasion. For an idea of prices sandwiches and baked potatoes are around the £7 mark, quiches £8. Higher than your average garden centre but possibly appropriate given the quality and surroundings. Afternoon tea for two costs £23.

The restaurant opens Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 6.00pm and 9.00am to 5pm on Sundays.

A four star food hygiene rating was awarded to the Beckworth Emporium in June 2012 by Wellingborough Borough Council. Click here for the full article