Welcome to November in our wonderful restaurant here at Hilltop Garden Centre! This month, David, our talented French head chef, has created a seasonal menu full of hearty, comforting dishes that are perfect for warming up on a chilly day. David is passionate about using fresh, high-quality ingredients that are either locally grown or support local businesses here in Essex. So whether you’re joining us for a leisurely lunch, a quick bite, or something sweet, there’s something for everyone this month.
Slow-Braised Mint and Redcurrant Lamb Shanks
For November's main course special, David has created a truly heartwarming dish: Slow-Braised Mint and Redcurrant Lamb Shanks, served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted winter vegetables. This melt-in-the-mouth lamb is gently braised with fresh mint and redcurrant, giving it a beautifully rich flavour that is sure to warm you upon a chilly day. The mashed potatoes are light and fluffy, while the roasted root veggies add an earthy, slightly sweet element to the meal. At £15.99, it’s a wonderfully warming dish that’s well worth the indulgence! If you’re looking to catch up with friends or family over a satisfying lunch, David's lamb shanks hit the spot every time.
Bread Pudding with Custard
Our dessert special this month is a nostalgic treat that will warm you from the inside out: Bread Pudding with Custard. Chef David has given this classic British dessert his own special touch. The pudding is perfectly spiced with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it a delicious flavour that pairs beautifully with the rich, warm custard. The custard itself is silky-smooth and generously poured over the bread pudding, creating a dessert that’s so indulgent. For £4.99, it’s an ideal sweet finish to your meal and just the thing for a chilly November afternoon.
Hunter's Chicken Toastie
If you’re in the mood for something lighter but still crave that comforting touch, try our Hunter’s Chicken Toastie. This toasty is packed with tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, smoky BBQ sauce, and melted mature cheddar encased in a perfectly grilled sandwich. At just £7.99, this option makes for a delicious, satisfying snack or light lunch and is served with crisps - or you can upgrade to chips on the side for an additional £1.50. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat, ideal for a quick pick-me-up while you’re browsing our garden centre for Christmas gifts or shopping for plants.
Chocolate Orange Delights
This month, we’re featuring a classic flavour combination across our cakes and drinks that we know you’ll love: Chocolate Orange. Our Chocolate Orange Cake (£4.29) is a delightful treat that’s light yet rich, with layers of moist chocolate sponge and a hint of zesty orange. For those who prefer their chocolate and orange in a drink, we’re offering a Chocolate Orange Milkshake and Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate, both at £4.45 each. The milkshake is thick and creamy, with a perfectly blended orange twist, while the hot chocolate is rich and smooth, perfect for sipping while warming up in our restaurant. And for a refreshing option, try Fentiman’s Mandarin & Seville Orange Jigger (£3.29), a sparkling drink that’s bursting with citrusy goodness and an excellent way to cleanse the palate.
Christmas Specials are coming on 25th November!
Our Christmas specials will launch on 25th November! As we move towards December, we’re excited to share our head chef's seasonal specials with you at our garden centre restaurant in Clacton-on-Sea. Whether you’re planning a meal with friends or just looking to enjoy a warm drink and a rest from the Christmas mayhem, you're always welcome at Hilltop. We’re more than just a garden centre with a café — we’re your local destination where you can relax, recharge, and indulge in the best local flavours Essex has to offer.
We can’t wait to see you and share these wonderful dishes and drinks with you! Stop by for a taste of what’s special this November, and remember, if you’re looking to enjoy a delicious festive meal, Hilltop’s café and restaurant are here to welcome you.
