There’s something about summer that just makes food taste better, don’t you think? Whether it’s the fresh produce, the longer days, or the joy of slowing down and sharing a meal with good company — everything just feels more delicious. Here at Hilltop Garden Centre Clacton, we’re embracing every bite of the season in our award-winning Floral Days Café, with a mouth-watering line-up of seasonal specials that celebrate the very best of local ingredients and global inspiration.
We’re lucky to have David, our talented French head chef, leading the kitchen. He’s a master of combining big flavours with beautifully fresh ingredients — and this July, he’s brought something truly special to the menu. So, if you’ve been searching for a garden centre with restaurant that’s serving up something a little different, you’re in the right place.
Let’s take a look at what special delights we have for you this month…
Say hello to our new summer platters
We’re so excited to introduce our brand-new summer platters — three generous, flavour-packed boards designed for sharing (or not sharing, we won’t judge). These are perfect for light lunches, relaxed catch-ups, or a sunny bite after a browse around our garden centre with cafe. Best of all, they’re available all summer long!
The Ploughman’s board – a classic with local flavour
Let’s start with a British favourite — our award-winning Ploughman’s board. This isn’t just any Ploughman’s. David has handpicked some truly standout award-winning local ingredients, including Baron Bigod Brie, Mrs Temple’s Binham Blue, and the rich, smoky Norfolk Dapple. Add Emmett’s Store Suffolk Ham, salad, coleslaw, crusty bread and creamy butter and you’ve got a satisfying, savoury lunch that’s full of flavour and absolutely perfect for a summer’s day.
As a community focused garden centre in Essex, we love supporting our regional food producers — and this board brings together the very best of what East Anglia has to offer.
The fish platter – fresh, light, and totally moreish
If seafood’s more your style, our new fish platter is a real treat. You’ll find crispy calamari rings, tempura king prawns, a flavour-packed smoked mackerel pâté, delicate North Atlantic prawns in a classic Marie Rose sauce, and sunflower-soaked anchovies. Served with salad, bread & butter, and garlic mayo, it’s light, satisfying, and full of summery freshness.
Like everything we serve here at our garden centre and restaurant, it’s made using the best ingredients we can get our hands on — locally sourced wherever possible, and prepared with love by David and his fabulous team.
The Spanish platter – sunshine on a plate
Fancy something a little more Mediterranean? Our Spanish platter brings the vibrant taste of summer straight to your table. This one’s packed with authentic flavour: Serrano ham, Lomo, Manchego cheese, spicy chorizo, and our own take on frittata. It’s served with salad, marinated Manzanilla olives, Pimientos peppers, and a generous drizzle of Sriracha mayo to give it that little extra kick.
Whether you're on a staycation this year or just popping in after a browse around the garden centre, this platter is your ticket to sunnier climes — and a fantastic excuse to take your time over lunch.
Get a free bottle of wine with any four summer platters!
We couldn’t launch these platters without something wonderful to sip alongside them, so we’ve created the perfect wine pairings —think crisp whites, zesty rosés and a few chilled reds to bring out every delicious note on your plate.
And here’s the cherry on top: Order any four platters (of any combination) and we’ll treat you to a bottle of wine, completely free! So bring friends and family along for a get-together at Floral Days Cafe - we’ve got your lunch and your wine sorted.
Cool treats from Lakenham – including vegan sorbet!
And because no summer meal is complete without something sweet, we’re now stocking more Lakenham ice cream than ever before. This award-winning, Norfolk-made ice cream is one of our all-time favourites, and this year’s selection includes something for everyone — like their zingy, refreshing vegan lemon sorbet. Perfect after a platter… or just on its own, enjoyed outside in our sunny seating area.
Pick up the Clacton Gazette while you’re here
Next time you pop into Floral Days Café, don’t forget to grab a copy of the Clacton Gazette! This much-loved local paper is now available to buy in the café (it comes out every Thursday), so you can catch up on all the latest community news, events, and local stories while enjoying your cuppa. It’s the perfect pairing — great coffee, delicious food, and a good read. Just ask a member of the team if you need help finding it!
Why eat with us this summer?
We’re not just a garden centre Clacton on Sea locals love — we’re a place to meet friends, unwind with family, and treat yourself to something truly tasty. Our garden centre with cafe is open daily, with indoor and outdoor seating, dog-friendly spots, and a menu that changes with the seasons.
Everything we serve in Floral Days Café is made with care using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients we can find. We support nearby farms and food producers whenever possible — and we think you can taste the difference.
Remember — order any four platters and your wine is on us! No need to book, just turn up and tuck in.
From all of us at Hilltop Garden Centre — happy eating!
