A visit to the Gordon Rigg Garden Centre in Walsden, Todmorden, offers a delightful culinary experience that captures the festive spirit. The café, located in a conservatory-style setting, is a popular spot for families and gardening enthusiasts. During a recent lunchtime visit in December 2025, the café buzzed with activity, showcasing its appeal as a community hub.
The Gordon Rigg Garden Centre, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary, boasts a sprawling location along Rochdale Road. This garden centre is not only a destination for plant lovers but also a place to enjoy a meal or coffee. On a typical weekday, the café fills with patrons, including families and senior citizens, all seeking a cozy retreat.
Service at the café is notably efficient. A large cappuccino, priced at £3.85, provided a comforting start to the meal. The menu features a range of sandwiches, including a chicken, cheese, and chorizo focaccia. This dish, priced at £12.50, is made with Kick-Ass cheese, a delicious cheddar sourced from near Preston, which melts to perfection. Accompanying the sandwich is a crunchy salad and coleslaw, adding freshness to the meal.
The atmosphere within the café is relaxed. Classic holiday tunes, including Bing Crosby’s rendition of “White Christmas,” fill the air, enhancing the festive ambiance. For those looking to indulge, a hot chocolate with Bailey’s is available for £4.99, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The total bill for the meal came to £16.35, which many would find reasonable for the quality and experience offered.
Reflecting on the growth of garden centres, a quick look into Hampson’s Plantworld reveals that this establishment, once a childhood destination in Huddersfield, continues to thrive. Now located at Denby Dale Road in Wakefield, Hampson’s also features a café and serves Charlotte’s “real Jersey” ice cream, illustrating the evolving nature of garden centres as places for dining and leisure.
The Gordon Rigg Garden Centre stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of these venues. With its diverse offerings and inviting atmosphere, it provides a perfect setting for those looking to celebrate the festive season while enjoying a meal surrounded by vibrant greenery. For those interested in local events and updates, signing up for the centre’s newsletter can provide timely information on what’s happening in the area.
