EMAIL: oakingtongardencentre@hotmail.co.uk

Oakington Garden Centre, previously a plants nursery, has been run by the current owners (see above) from 2007. They no longer grow plants on the premises having converted to a more conventional garden centre. In 2008 they began expansion including provision for the current coffee shop.

The focus at the Oakington Garden Centre is clearly on the gardener's needs rather than general shoppers. The outside area is well paved with mainly wide paths although they would benefit from a bit more design thought to provide more interest.

Plant signs are clear enough to enable shoppers to get round the area quickly. The quality of the plants is very good and the choice is considerable for a garden centre of this size. A hardy plant guarantee, offered by many garden centres nowadays, would go some way to backing up the visible plant quality.

The Olive Tree Cafe is named after the old olive tree in the attractive outdoor seating area. The interior is modern with lots of wood and glass. The menu has breakfast items for the morning and light lunches of salads, panninis, jacket potatoes and sandwiches for later in the day. they serve attractive looking cakes, a variety of coffees and teas.