New Major Revamp at Dobbies Garden Centre in Brighton

If you’ve not popped into Dobbies Garden Centre in Brighton lately, you’re in for a proper treat! Dobbies in Brighton has recently had a major refurbishment, and I was invited along for the grand launch.

Dobbies itself is a brand that is well-known and loved by gardeners and has been trading for over 160 years.

The refurbishment includes a new store layout, a new coffee shop with an outdoor seating area taking in beautiful views over Brighton, new outdoor furniture, clothing and toy ranges.

General manager Jason Cowell has worked at the store for 17 years. He said, “We’re really proud of the refurbished store. There are lots of great new facilities, and we’ve had really positive feedback so far.”

Dobbies Garden Centre

Driving up to Dobbies, you’ll notice the difference before you even step foot inside. The entrance has been completely redesigned with stunning seasonal planting displays that change throughout the year. Right now, it’s a glorious riot of late spring colors that practically beckons you in from the car park.

The entire space has been reconfigured with a logical flow that guides you through different gardening zones, from indoor plants to outdoor living. Cleverly positioned “pocket gardens” throughout the centre provide inspiration for how your purchases might look in your own space, a godsend for gardening newbies who might not be able to visualize the end result.

At Dobbies in Brighton, you will find a trusted team of experts, with several colleagues who have been with the store for more than 10 years, and together have served a total of 105 years’ service! It’s obviously a wonderful place to work :)

Plant Selection That’ll Make Your Garden the Envy of Sussex

The heart of any garden centre is, of course, its plants – and Dobbies has seriously upped its game. The outdoor plant area has been expanded, with a new focus on locally-grown varieties that thrive in Brighton’s unique coastal conditions.

This local focus includes native wildflowers and pollinator-friendly plants, tapping into the growing awareness of gardening for wildlife. Each plant comes with helpful tags explaining which bees, butterflies, and birds it might attract, a thoughtful touch that goes beyond the usual basic care instructions.

For those of us with limited outdoor space (hello, fellow Brighton balcony gardeners!), the container gardening section is a revelation. It includes ready-made combinations for different aspects and conditions.

I spotted some gorgeous, ready-planted hanging baskets specifically designed for exposed coastal balconies that would have saved me years of trial and error! And don’t worry, if you don’t know where to start when it comes to gardening, the Knowledgeable Green Team is on hand for any gardening queries, advice, and
tips.

Outdoor Furniture Section

Dobbies now has an even bigger garden furniture collection, including dining sets, bistro sets, BBQs, pizza ovens and fire pits. There are plenty of displays showcasing how to create a little garden corner of your own, with rugs, cushions and plants.

Home and Garden Decor

I love a bit of gardening, but as you all know, it’s home decor that gets me excited! I thoroughly enjoyed wandering through aisles of cushions, lighting, and indoor plant pots. Dobbies’ has launched a brand-new heritage range to celebrate 160 years. The limited edition range includes a cushion, throw, plant pot, mug, and more.

Next to this is a wide range of outdoor toys for kids, perfect for family garden fun, which has doubled in size. This proved quite popular with a few kids who were visiting with their parents, one mother had to literally entice her 2-year-old away with the promise of an ice cream!

The popular Regatta section at Dobbies has been joined by Klass Clothing and Weird Fish, creating an even bigger fashion offering, and not just for gardening!

Restaurant and Cafe

There is a new 56-seater coffee shop that has been created for customers looking for light refreshments, alongside the existing, popular 100-seater restaurant. I visited with my husband who couldn’t resist their Traditional Breakfast, whilst I opted for Eggs Benedict, which I highly recommend.

Food Hall

Another favourite of ours was the food hall, which includes over 2000 Waitrose products. We are big fans of Clarkson’s Farm, so we loved the Diddly Squat section, and may have purchased a few bottles of lager and a packet of crisps!

Workshops and Community Spaces That Bring Gardeners Together

The revamp isn’t just about shopping, it’s about creating a community hub for Brighton’s growing army of gardening enthusiasts. There are free sessions, teaching you how to grow your own in your garden, or experiences which include lunch, or afternoon tea.

Dobbies national charity partner is Alzheimer’s Research UK. The garden centre aims to highlight the benefits of garden living for brain health, and through colleague and customer activity raise vital funds to support research to help find a cure for dementia. A very worthy cause.

Check here for up to date information on events at Dobbies in Brighton.

A Garden Centre for the Future

The revamped Dobbies feels like it’s been designed by people who genuinely understand Brighton’s unique gardening community, from seaside flat-dwellers nurturing a collection of houseplants to lucky South Downs residents with sprawling cottage gardens.

It’s managed to evolve with the times without losing the helpful, down-to-earth approach that has made it a favorite with local gardeners for years. The staff remain as knowledgeable and approachable as ever, but now they have a space that matches their expertise.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a plant-curious beginner, the new-look Dobbies deserves a visit. Just one word of warning, you might go in for a bag of compost and come out with a car full of plants and a head full of inspiration. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

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