The cafe interior was modern and divided into separate seating areas. The large wooden roof beams (click picture to enlarge it) gave the whole area a pleasant and airy look.

We visited around 10 in the morning and there were very few people in the cafe. But from the setup of the serving area it was clear that they are organised to avoid any lengthy queues.

As well as indoor seating there was also an uninspiring outdoor seating area (see picture left).

The food was the standard Dobbies fare. Main meal specials around �7, toasties, paninis, sandwiches and salads.

The picture (above right) is of their breakfast. Your choice of five portions at �4.95, not bad value for a cafe of this type.

The quality of the food is good and it is served by pleasant and efficient staff. Overall, this is reasonable cafe serving good food. Nothing out of the ordinary except the modernity of the surroundings.

There was a full range of house plants on offer in the indoor sales area. They were attractively displayed for a change, and the plants looked healthy and in good condition.

The prices were on the high side in comparison to other garden centres we have visited recently.

In common with most of the large Dobbies, the Southport branch has a huge indoor sales area filled with gifts, cards, books, clothing and lots of indoor and outdoor furniture.

It's all on one level and the paths are wide enough for wheelchair access to all areas.

There was a very large food hall with an excellent butchers (Broughs) and deli. Jams, bread, wines and lots more were available.

Outside there was an exhibition (see picture on right).

Surrounding the exhibition, and part of it, were some display gardens. Intended to inspire ideas in budding gardeners, it was a story of two halves. The vegetable plot (click right to enlarge) consisted almost exclusively of well-established weeds.

On the other hand most of the other displays were of reasonable quality. We particularly liked the living roof (click right hand picture to enlarge). We have seen these before but this example was particularly well maintained and very attractive.