The cafe at Longacres serves good food at low prices. They tend to concentrate on snack meals such as paninis, sandwiches etc rather than going for the more complicated main meal specials. Understand that and you will not be disappointed.

The interior is basic but clean. The best place to eat is the covered outdoor area which is more open and has a better atmosphere.

There were no queues at the time of our visit and the staff were efficient and pleasant. If you do order hot food, it is served to your table.

We had the regular breakfast which represented excellent value at �4.99. On top of the left hand meal we had two pieces of toast and a good-tasting large cup of coffee. We did notice the absence of prices / menu for many of the items.

There is a very large dedicated area for house plants which are a major feature of Longacres garden centre. The selection is far larger than at almost all other garden centres we have visited.

The massed display of colour has great impact and makes the area very attractive. The plants were all in excellent condition and the prices were on the low side. Great stuff!

Unique to Longacres Garden Centre, in our experience anyway, is the large area devoted to cut plants. Visit them for a bunch of fresh flowers and you will be staggered by the choice available. Far better than most florists. Prices represent excellent value.

But Longacres have taken this a step further. They advise and accept orders for more lavish flower displays such as major events and weddings.

The indoor sales area stocks a wide range of gifts, books, cards and similar items. All the garden accessories you may want are also stocked. In common with other sales areas of this garden centre, the prices are most competitive as our test shopping cart on the previous page indicates.

On site is a largish food hall which stocks a good range of meats, vegetables and other specialist foods.

No pets are sold but there is a comprehensive range of pet foods and accessories. There is a good range of water features.