Secret Garden Cafe at Harpins Garden Centre
Location - in the carpark of Co-op supermarket Barnsley Road, WF7 7NB
Opening times - 9:30am - 5:00pm
Points to note -
Accessible for mobility scooters
A variety of food available
Dog friendly
A local favourite Harpins at Ackworth Garden Centre is friendly and offers a variety of food options including full breakfast, toasties and two of my favourites pancakes and avocado on toast, separate of course. There is a children’s menu available too. To accompany there are a number of hot and cold drinks options, including a classic Yorkshire Tea.
Order and payment is required at the counter, however food is brought out to you once ready, drinks can be either collected by yourself, or if asked, they can be brought to you too, they are very accommodating.
The cafe is level access, through the main entrance or side gate of the garden centre, both with an automatic door, be aware of the slightly uneven floor due to flagstones in the outside section of the garden centre, but once inside the floor is stable. The tables are set out to enable access, but might be a squeeze to get to the back, there is a newly opened outdoor seating area, but we haven’t visited that just yet.
Being the princess she is, we put Betty on a chair, at the side of us, we often take her bed so she is ultra comfy. However, this does not stop the barking! The staff are very friendly and have been known to come over for a quick stroke, other patrons to the cafe too have had a ‘chat’ with Betty, and we have seen dogs in there numerous times.
As mentioned I often order the avocado on toast (with lovely feta cheese) or pancakes with bacon and maple syrup; both I can vouch for. And both have been so tasty, and I would highly recommend. I would then either get a latte or cup of Yorkshire Tea, in the winter they also do seasonal options. Admittedly I don’t buy food for Betty; I’m always cautious of any sausage having onions, although I guess could offer her some bacon, but I take her a chew instead, which she sits ignoring until I’ve eaten - and given her nothing - before suddenly becoming interested in. They also do some delightful cakes, a wide variety including fruit scones and carrot cake; I’ve tried a few and would recommend, these can either be eaten in, or as takeaway.
I can not vouch for the toilet, however this doesn’t appear accessible and requires a code to access. It is located outside and didn’t seem so appealing, this is the only thing that really lets this venue down. But don’t be deterred by that, if you’re in the area do give it a visit.
Dogs are also allowed to walk around the garden centre itself, both inside and outside, they have lots of lovely seeds, flowers, plants and trees, along with some more home and craft items such as cushions, cards, jams and teddies.
I would highly recommend if you want somewhere to go with your dog, we love it.
Tip - get a table at the front as it’s a little easier to fit the scooter.
