First look: Dobbies Garden Centre in Tewkesbury

The largest Dobbies Garden Centre in the south west officially opened its doors on Thursday 3 November 2022 — and SoGlos got a first look inside the new Tewkesbury store before swathes of eager shoppers arrived.

Spanning a whopping 70,000 square feet, the new flagship store is located just off junction 9 of the M5, adjacent to the forthcoming Cotswold Designer Outlet, which is expected to open in 2024.

The store was officially opened by Dobbies' ambassador and broadcaster, Jo Whiley, who was joined by gardening presenter and fellow ambassador, Daisy Payne; chief executive of Dobbies, Graeme Jenkins; and store manager, Sam Field; as well as dignitaries from Tewkesbury.

Decked out with festive glitz, glamour and enough decorations to kit out Santa's grotto, the store is all ready for Christmas shoppers.

Keen gardeners and wannabe plant parents can browse Dobbies' full range of outdoor plants and gardening products.

There's a whole jungle of houseplants to discover, too — from air-purifying potted plants to monster-sized monsteras and terrarium jars.

Shoppers can find interior décor staples, with everything from plump scatter cushions to luxurious candles to spruce up the home.

While little visitors' eyes are sure to light up when they see the toy section!

A real destination store, there's also a 10,000 square foot restaurant, serving everything from breakfast rolls and smashed avocado on toast, to fluffy jacket potatoes and handmade toasties — as well as sweet treats and afternoon tea.

The crème de la crème is the food hall, stocked with enough Waitrose produce for visitors to do their weekly food shop, along with a busy Walter Smith deli and butchers, which prepares and makes all of its produce in store. 

Hungry browsers won't be able to resist picking up one of its scotch eggs or Indian-inspired samosas for a snack, or choosing something for dinner from its range of fresh meat and traditional pies.

Dobbies Tewkesbury's opening marks the first phase of a major development for Tewkesbury, brought together by Cheltenham-based real estate developer, Robert Hitchins — which not only includes the eagerly-awaited Cotswold Designer Outlet, but the construction of over 1,000 new homes, too. 

It's also created new employment opportunities in the area, with store manager, Sam Field, revealing: 'We've recruited over 100 new team members for the store here in Tewkesbury, 85 per cent of which are from Tewkesbury town or the local surrounding villages.'

Dobbies Tewkesbury is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.