Every Christmas, we enjoy visiting our local Wyevale garden centre. We are just a few miles away from Bridgemere, and when we were invited to enjoy Tea with Father Christmas, we were really excited about spending a festive afternoon there.
Garden Centres always go all out at Christmas with their decorations, displays and events. The entrance to Bridgemere housed an amazing nativity scene complete with lifesize, animatronic animals. We enjoyed looking at all the lovely displays as we made our way to the restaurant for our 4pm booking to enjoy an afternoon tea and to see Santa.
An area of the restaurant was reserved for guests and we were greeted and shown to our table, which was beautifully laid out. We had already organised our food choices in advance. As vegetarians we opted for the Festive Hummus, Red Pepper and Cucumber sandwiches accompanied by coffee, a delicious scone with jam and clotted cream and a mince pie. I was very impressed that our vegan daughter was accommodated for, and they supplied her with crisps in place of the cake selection. The children had a choice of a hot meal, which for us veggies was a dish of oven baked macaroni cheese and a bowl of peas or baked beans, or a cold picnic tea consisting of a cheese sandwich, chocolate cornflake cake, a satsuma and crisps. Squash was available for the kids to drink.
There were colouring sheets, crayons and Christmas crackers on the table to keep the little ones entertained. The staff were very attentive, coming over to chat with the kids and making sure everything was participatioionOK with the food. Once tummies were filled, it was time for Santa. The children were invited to join in with a rendition of Jingle Bells, then they had to shout for Santa. Freddy loves all the audience participation stuff and joined in enthusiastically, shouting at the top of his voice!
The man himself, accompanied by Alice, the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, arrived. Santa took his seat in his lovely little grotto, surrounded by toys ready to be given to the children. Children were invited up a table at a time and each enjoyed a friendly chat with Santa. I was able to take photos of Santa with the children and it was very relaxed. Freddy and Kizzy then got to choose any gift from the tables of toys. Both chose a tube of multi-coloured rubber ducks! Other offerings included dolls, craft sets, toy cars and games. There was a good selection of nice quality gifts.
To finish the day, children were given a gingerbread tree, a tube of icing and a bowl of toppings (chocolate, raisins and marshmallows) so they could decorate their own biscuit. These were foil wrapped to be taken home.
It was a really lovely event and Freddy was absolutely thrilled by the experience. The older girls also enjoyed themselves with the good food and the festive spirit that prevailed!
Breakfast and Tea with Father Christmas is available until Christmas Eve at Wyevale Garden Centres (dates and times vary by location.) The all inclusive price includes a meal, a visit to Santa, a present and a Christmas tree biscuit to decorate for each child. Adults get to join in the fun with something to eat and a hot drink.
Breakfast with Father Christmas
For children
Pork sausage, hash brown, baked beans and toast soldiers.
or
Scrambled eggs, hash brown, baked beans and toast soldiers.
(v)
£9.99
For adults
Pork sausage, two rashers of bacon, black pudding, fried egg
served on fried bread, hash browns, roasted flat mushroom, grilled tomato and
baked beans. Served with a slice of toast and tea or filter coffee.
or
Fried egg on fried bread, hash browns, roasted flat
mushroom, grilled tomato and baked beans. Served with a slice of toast and tea
or filter coffee. (v)
£7.99
Adult mini ticket
A freshly baked breakfast pastry served with tea or filter
coffee.
£3.99
Tea with Father Christmas
For children
A hot meal with chicken goujons/sausages and chips with beans or
peas.
or
Macaroni cheese and peas. (v)
or
'My Picnic' meal which includes a delicious sandwich, snack, dessert, fresh fruit and a refreshing drink.
£9.99
For adults
A festive turkey sandwich, a mince pie and a sweet treat.
or
A festive cucumber and red pepper hummus sandwich, a mince
pie and a sweet treat. (v).
Your choice of tea or filter coffee included.
£7.99
Adult mini ticket
A slice of delicious cake served with tea or filter coffee.
£3.99
Gluten free options are available and my vegan daughter was accommodated on request.
To find out more, to check availability at your local garden centre and to book a Breakfast or Tea with Father Christmas, go to www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/breakfast-and-tea-with-father-christmas