I’m not sure if this is happening across the country but I have certainly seen a surge of lovely independent shops, cafes and restaurants in our local area. The suburbs of Liverpool are crammed full of such places. There is something very special about these ventures – they support other local businesses, use local suppliers and become part of the community in a way that most big chains could never manage. I love to visit somewhere and feel that I am supporting a business that someone has put their heart into – Aigburth Hall Nurseries is definitely one of those places.
During half term I was asked if we would like to visit the nurseries and cafe; it is tucked away on Aigburth Hall Avenue and from the front you would have no idea of the delights inside. When I was told about it I must admit that I had never heard of it; we regularly visit Otterspool Prom just a few minutes away and from now on we will always stop by Aigburth Hall Nurseries too. Since I’ve been a few people have told me they have often walked past it with no idea of what is actually inside. Hopefully after reading this you’ll pop in next time you’re passing.
The Daisy Place Tea Shop is attached to Aigburth Hall Nurseries and we enjoyed a lovely meal there with our three boys. They are really eager to promote themselves as being family friendly (and dog-friendly too). There was a lot to love about the cafe, the food was delicious, the colouring and crayons were given to us as soon as we sat down, it’s spotless in there and I loved the decor but the thing that really made it was the people. The ladies who worked there were genuinely friendly and helpful, so much so that you felt welcome as soon as you stepped foot through the door. I noticed that they greeted most of the customers by name, asking them how they were as well as knowing what they would usually order – it is obviously such a special place in the community. It’s something that you can’t find in every cafe you go to so it’s worth paying them a visit for that alone.
The menu is small but it has a great variety; all their hot meals, cakes and scones are provided by Gluten Free Baker in Southport, their tea is supplied by Adams and Russell in Birkenhead and the coffee is from Joe Black in Liverpool. A lot of their menu is gluten free and vegetarian and I noticed that they provide soya milk for your drinks too. Lucas, being the fussy member of our party, had jam and toast – this kept him happy. The twins had the children’s Pirate Snack Box, with a drink, cheese and crackers, raisins, fruit, yogurt and some pirate toys. The children’s menu is only small at the moment, they may add to it in the future and we did have a chat about some of the things my boys love to eat when we’re out. I went for the soup with a roll and my husband had chicken curry with naan, both we really enjoyed, it was lovely and warming, homely food.
Right out the back of the garden centre (it is much bigger than it looks from the outside) is a pirate ship play area that my boys would have played on all day. Their faces lit up when they saw it and we spent a long time watching them swashbuckling around. It will be perfect in the warmer months to sit out with a drink and a cake while the watching the children play. I couldn’t resist buying a few plants while we were in there, they all looked so colourful out the front. A yellow variety of climbing rose caught my eye, Lucas picked us out some primroses and we got a little pot of sweet peas for our friends.
I spoke with Jean who owns Aigburth Hall Nurseries and Jaqui, her right hand woman, before I left and it’s obvious how much they care about what they do. They try to think of everything, they have great baby changing facilities, highchairs, a bottle warmer and are hoping to soon have an area to park pushchairs. Everything is about the customers and they are keen to do even more to encourage families to visit. I would definitely say watch this space as they have lots of ideas to become even more involved in the community. You can go and give them a follow on Twitter and a like on Facebook if you’d like to keep up to date with their news. Even better you can pop in and see for yourself what a special little place this is – I didn’t get chance to try the cake so I’ll be back soon just for that!
Thank you Aigburth Hall Nurseries for inviting us for a complimentary meal – we are delighted to have found you. All words and opinions are always my own.
7 Comments
Hayley I love places like this, they are popping up around where I live too and usually have a lovely friendly atmosphere, a bit different to the big places. This is near my old school which sadly no longer exists : (
February 26, 2017 at 9:52 pmI am off to find them on twitter.
It’s so nice to see more places like this isn’t it? If you’re ever round that way again you should pop in 🙂
March 4, 2017 at 12:30 pmOh my goodness Hayley what a gorgeous little place. You’re right about the little cafes popping up and I always find they are run by the most loveliest of people. If only we lived closer – those lunch boxes and that play area looks fab, the food too of course. Thanks for joining in with #MyFamilyAdventures x
February 28, 2017 at 2:14 pmThey’re nice aren’t they, I think it’s because they really put their heart into what they’re doing and it shines through xx
March 4, 2017 at 12:31 pmWhat a lovely place to find. The food looks delicious and the play area amazing. #myfamilyadventures
March 1, 2017 at 6:45 amIt was so lovely, the play area was the best bit as far as they boys were concerned. They could have stayed on it all day xx
March 4, 2017 at 12:32 pmThis is right around the corner from where I used to work at IM Marsh Campus. I used to have a little walk here from time to time, just to get out of the office. They didn’t have the tearooms then, which look like a fabulous addition. This would be perfect for me and Siena to have a trip out especially with the play area.
Will definitely make a trip here, I feel the need to try the cake for you 🙂
March 5, 2017 at 9:04 am