EMAIL: Polhill Garden Centre Sevenoaks.
Entrance to Polhill Garden Centre
There are two Polhill Garden Centres, the one we review in this article and another called Polhill Coton Orchard in Cambridge. This branch reviewed here at Sevenoaks in Kent was the original one and is definitely the largest of the two.
It began life in the 1960s as a nursery selling mainly cut flowers for sale at Covent Garden in London. They expanded into growing and selling vegetable plants over the next few years and gradually evolved into a large garden centre.
Polhill Garden Centre was damaged very badly in the hurricane of 1987 and put the business under very severe pressure. Over a couple of years the damaged parts of the garden centre were rebuilt.
Not much thought has been expended on the design of the plants area. The plant bays are reasonably attractive, made from wood, but the rows are regimented and rather boring.
As befits such a large plants area the range of plants is extensive. Whilst they can't claim any particular specialist areas, the choice of evergreens, roses, clematis, fruit an ornamental trees and a few other plant groups was large. The plants were in good condition and hardy plants come with a two year guarantee. The guarantee only covers container grown plants however which is strange, it would not cover a bare-rooted fruit tree.
Prices were slightly lower than those of similar garden centres in the area. Some of the prices included clematis from £7.99, roses also starting at £7.99. There was almost a complete lack of large signs to plant groupings in the outside area which made finding specific plants very difficult. Not important to many but very irritating for a few customers.
On entering the garden centre you cannot fail to miss the huge Food Hall area. This is definitely the largest we have seen in a garden centre and food-wise it is on a par with a small to medium supermarket. It would be quite possible to do your weekly food shop at Polhill Garden Centre in Sevenoaks.
Another area which Polhill specialise in is bird food and accessories. A massive choice and our bird food expert reports that the prices are extremely competitive. This is especially so if you are buying larger packets of bird food.
This is a large garden centre interior and you will not be disappointed if you are looking for gardening accessories, houseplants, barbecues, clothes and all those items which are stocked at large garden centres. The is a very large choice of garden furniture both high end and budget choices.
UPDATE MAY 2022: We constantly review the food hygiene ratings in our articles and noted that in May 2022 Polhill Farm Shop at the garden centre had a new rating of four stars. This is hugely improved over past years and congratulations to them for this top class rating.
The cafe / restaurant is very large and has a modern look and feel to it. The menu is extensive and they serve breakfasts, main meals, salads, pizzas, snacks, coffee, tea and cakes. The prices are rather up market with main meals around the £9.00 price, roasts at £9.50. Children are well catered for with their own menu.
The Food Standards Agency awarded this restaurant a four star rating for food hygiene in 2022.
Other garden centres nearby in the Kent area include Ruxley Manor in Sidcup, Coolings Gardener's Garden Centre in Knockholt and Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Sidcup..
Open | Close | |
Monday | 9.00am | 5.30pm |
Tuesday | 9.00am | 5.30pm |
Wednesday | 9.00am | 5.30pm |
Thursday | 9.00am | 5.30pm |
Friday | 9.00am | 5.30pm |
Saturday | 9.00am | 5.30pm |
Sunday | 10.30am | 4.30pm |
EASTER OPENING TIMESGood Friday - 9.00am to 5.30pmEaster Saturday - 9.00am to 5.30pm Easter Sunday - CLOSED Easter Monday - 9.00am to 5.30pm CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMESChristmas Eve - 9.00am to 4.00Christmas Day - CLOSED Boxing Day - CLOSED New Year's Eve - 9.00am to 4.00 New Year's Day - 9.00am to 5.30 BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY OPENING TIMESIncludes May and August Bank Holiday:Open 9.00am, closes 5.30pm |
8 May 2014
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Sales down by
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