Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Centre Destination in Northumberland
Established in 1983, our garden centres have grown from a modest nursery into a respected family-owned group serving communities across Northumberland, East Lothian, and Newcastle. Our founders, Chris Potter and Nick Crabbie, identified a gap in local horticultural retail provision and transformed a small greenhouse operation into three thriving multi-departmental centres. Each location combines specialist plant knowledge with diverse offerings including restaurants, pet supplies, and farm shops, ensuring year-round employment for approximately 170 staff.We maintain strong community ties through charity support and cultural events, while preserving our independence and commitment to quality. Under current Managing Director Fiona Crabbie Kherian, we continue developing our unique approach to garden retail, focusing on local produce and sustainable practices across our operations.
Services
Garden Centres
Restaurants
Plant Sales
Pet Supplies
Farm Shops
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in horticultural retail
- Proud members of the Garden Centre Association since 1983
- Offering year-round employment through diverse departmental offerings
- Community-focused with active local charity support and events
- Family-owned operation maintaining independent business principles
Associations and certifications
- Garden Centre Association
Services
Garden Centres
We operate three family-owned garden centres offering extensive plant selections alongside garden tools, outdoor furniture, and homeware. Each location provides expert horticultural advice and seasonal planting solutions. Our centres combine specialist knowledge with convenient retail experiences across Northumberland and beyond.
Restaurants
Each garden centre features onsite restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea using locally sourced ingredients. Menus include homemade dishes and speciality baked goods with seating options across 40-200 covers per location. Our dining facilities also host private events and community gatherings.
Pet Supplies
We provide comprehensive pet care products and aquatic supplies across our centres. Services include specialist fish tank equipment, small animal care products, and expert pet ownership advice. Our dedicated departments support both novice and experienced pet owners with quality branded products.
Farm Shops
Our onsite farm shops offer fresh local produce including meat from our Northumberland Family Butchers. We prioritise regional food suppliers to maintain low food mileage while supporting agricultural communities. Products range from daily essentials to speciality food items.
Community Events
We host regular community-focused events including children's activities, musical performances, and charity initiatives. Our venues provide spaces for local engagement while supporting regional cultural development through year-round programming.
People
Fiona Crabbie Kherian
Managing Director
Fiona returned to the UK after 13 years in Norway managing marine engineering projects. She now leads the family business with modern management expertise while maintaining traditional values established by her father Nick Crabbie.
Nick Crabbie
Chairman
Co-founder and chairman since 1983, Nick established the first garden centre with Chris Potter. His agricultural background and business acumen have guided the group's expansion into three successful locations while maintaining community focus.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
Our garden centres operate Monday-Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm and Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm. Restaurant hours vary slightly between locations.
Do you offer online shopping?
Yes, our online shop provides selected aggregates, compost, furniture, and gift cards with regular product additions across all categories.
Are there dining options available?
Each location features onsite restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea using locally sourced ingredients in comfortable surroundings.
Do you support local charities?
We actively support local communities through charity partnerships, children's events, and musical performances at all three garden centre locations.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards and contactless payments across all departments. Specific payment options may vary between retail and restaurant services.
Reviews (5)
David Cameron
Jan 03, 2022
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Nice garden centre with good selection of plants. Cafe is very reliable, with friendly service and good quality savoury food and cakes. Can be busy at times but the food is always worth the wait!
Symon Lockhart
Jan 02, 2022
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Stopped in for a walk around to get ideas for our house and garden. Good place to visit with plenty of parking and adjacent cafe.
Carol Butler
Dec 01, 2021
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Honestly a bit disappointed, came in today for my daughter's birthday lunch, was sat down and told it would be a 20 minute wait to order which was fine, we then proceeded to wait for 45 minutes while numerous tables around us (that had came in and been seated after us) had placed and received their orders, my daughter is very disappointed as she loves the cafe but now we have had to leave unfed as have birthday plans.
Roger Harris
Oct 24, 2021
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We have known Dunbar Garden Centre for 5 years now. During that time it has expanded and improved in every department. It now has a class-leading cafe, an extensive, undercover, plant and shrub sales area, an outdoor sales area for larger items like sheds and indoor departments for tools and other gardening necessities, clothes, food, household items and pets. Something for everyone then! The garden centre is also close to a large Asda store and petrol station. Unsurprisingly, we visit frequently.
Aneta Morrison
Oct 01, 2021
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I love the big selection of plants you can find here, for garden as well as houseplants. You can also find a wide selection of all the "stuff" you need for planting, feeding and maintaining your plants. Trip to the garden centre is always a treat.
