Hello from all of us here at Floral Days Café! September has arrived, and while the seasons are starting to turn, our kitchen is as busy as ever creating delicious dishes that bring warmth, flavour, and a little bit of sunshine to your day. Our Head Chef David brings a touch of French flair to everything he creates using the fresh, local, quality ingredients we source from right here in Essex. We're supporting growers, bakers, and suppliers in our community – it’s just one of the reasons people love visiting us when searching for a new lunch spot.
So, what’s cooking this September? Let’s take a peek at the limited edition specials you won’t want to miss…
Our famous Fish Finger Sandwich is back!
We’re so excited to welcome back one of our most talked-about dishes: the Hilltop fish finger sandwich. This isn’t your average sandwich – oh no! Chef David has raised the bar, creating it with freshly battered cod goujons tucked inside rustic bread, served alongside golden fries and our special tartare sauce.
It’s hearty, comforting, and just the thing to hit the spot on a crisp September afternoon. Whether you’re popping in after browsing the plant displays in the garden centre, or meeting a friend for lunch in our garden centre and restaurant, this is one menu item you don’t want to miss. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel like a kid again – but with a grown-up twist.
Summer Platters - extended into September!
You asked – and we listened! Our Fish Platter and Ploughman’s Platter have been such a hit over the summer months that we’ve decided to keep them running into September. Perfect for those late-summer days when you want something fresh, colourful, and satisfying, these platters are all about sharing good food with friends and family.
And because we love to treat you, the free bottle of wine offer when you buy four platters still stands! It’s our way of helping you toast to the last of the summer sunshine with friends, whether you prefer a crisp white, a fruity rosé, or a bold red. Nothing says “good times” quite like a platter piled high with deliciousness, a bottle of wine on the table, and good company to share it with.
Early Bird Breakfast Bundle - only £6.99!
Mornings at Hilltop just got even better! This September, we’ve got a brilliant Early Bird Breakfast Sandwich Bundle offer: enjoy a bacon or sausage breakfast sandwich plus any hot drink for just £6.99! The only catch? You’ll have to set your alarm, because this offer runs between 9am and 10am, Mondays to Fridays.
It’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself before the day really gets going. Whether you’re heading off to work, popping in after dropping the kids off at school, or planning a leisurely wander around our garden centre, why not start with a hearty breakfast made with the best local ingredients? A steaming cup of coffee or tea, paired with a freshly cooked sandwich, will set you up for the day ahead.
It's simple, tasty, and excellent value. If you’ve been looking for a garden centre with cafe that does a proper breakfast, look no further.
Pick up your copy of the Clacton Gazette
We like to think of our garden centre with cafe as more than just a place to eat – it’s a hub where the community comes together - that's why we're now stocking the Clacton Gazette right here in Floral Days Café. Whether you’re enjoying a slice of cake, a cup of coffee, or a full meal, you can keep up with all the latest local news while you eat. New editions drop every Thursday so pop in for your copy, and perhaps enjoy our Breakfast Bundle offer while you're here!
And because we know your time is precious, don’t forget we offer scan-to-order at the table. No more queuing at the counter – simply scan the QR code, browse the menu at your leisure, and place your order directly from your phone. It’s quick, easy, and means you can spend more time enjoying yourself with friends and family.
Why choose Floral Days Cafe?
So, why visit us this September? Well, apart from the fact that Floral Days Café is now award-winning (yes, we’re still excited about that!), it’s also the heart of our Essex garden centre. You can shop for plants, gardening supplies, and homeware, then take a break in our welcoming café where fresh, local ingredients are always at the forefront of our dishes.
Whether it’s the irresistible fish finger sandwich, the unbeatable value of our Early Bird breakfast bundle, or the joy of sharing a Summer Platter with friends, we’ve got something for everyone this month.
So, if you’ve been searching for a garden centre with restaurant, or perhaps you’re exploring the best garden centres in Essex for a day out, we’d love to welcome you to Hilltop. Come for the plants, stay for the food, and leave with a full belly.
We’re looking forward to seeing you this September – whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or an indulgent afternoon treat. From all of us at Hilltop, thank you for supporting your local Essex garden centre and making our café the warm, vibrant place it is today. We’ll see you soon!
