August is one of our favourite months at Hilltop – the garden’s in full bloom, the garden centre is brimming with colour, and our award-winning café is buzzing with chatter, clinking cutlery and the irresistible smell of something delicious being cooked up by Chef David and the team. And this month, there’s even more to tempt you in. Whether you’re popping in after plant shopping or planning a summer get-together, here’s what’s new in Floral Days Café this August.
Grab a slice of the (summer) pie
Our Summer Pie is a true taste of the season – home-baked right here in our kitchen using only the finest, quality local ingredients. Tasty tender chicken, bacon, and rich mature cheddar come together in perfect harmony, all wrapped in a golden, mouth-watering pastry case. Served with your choice of new potatoes & vegetables or chips & vegetables, it’s comfort food with a summery twist – perfect for a hearty lunch.
Summer dessert special: Strawberry Melba
Fresh, fruity and just a little bit indulgent – our Strawberry Melba is August’s star of the show.
With juicy strawberries, a drizzle of yummy sauce, creamy vanilla ice cream, and topped with squirty cream, it’s summer in a bowl. Perfect after lunch (try our summer special platters) or as a well-earned treat after a wander through the garden centre.
Pop in while it’s still strawberry season – it won’t be around forever!
Summer Platter offer – buy 4, get a bottle of wine free!
Planning a summer get-together? Make it special with our delicious Summer Platters – ideal for laid-back lunches with family or friends.
Even better – if you order four or more platters, we’ll gift you a bottle of wine absolutely free. Choose from crisp white, smooth red or a lovely rosé, all specially selected to pair beautifully with our food. It’s the perfect excuse to gather your loved ones, soak up the sunshine in our garden seating area (weather permitting!), and enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared by our French head chef David and the team.
Skip the queue – order from your table!
We’re excited to introduce something new and super convenient – our brand-new QR code ordering system. No more queuing at the counter - unless you prefer to of course! Now, you can simply grab a table, scan the QR code with your phone, and browse our full menu from the comfort of your seat.
Choose your food and drinks, pay securely online, and your order will go straight through to the kitchen. Easy! It’s perfect for busy parents, if you're here alone with your dog, or anyone who just fancies putting their feet up straight away. Don’t worry though – if you’d still prefer to order at the till, that option is always available.
New: Flavourful range of natural teas
We’ve added something truly special to our drinks menu – a new range of award-winning, flavour-packed teas.
These teas are naturally decaffeinated, pesticide-free, organically grown, and kind to the planet with unbleached, eco-friendly teabags. And the flavour? Absolutely incredible.
Choose from:
- Chamomile
- Spiced Pears
- Thai Chai
- Honeybush & Rooibos
- Lemon & Ginger
- Oolong (Black & Green)
- Peppermint
- Mao Feng Green Tea
- Darjeeling Earl Grey (origin controlled)
- Super Fruit (a perfect blend of red berries)
We recommend steeping for 10 minutes for full flavour and sweetening with a little Tiptree honey (available in our café!). If you’re a tea lover, this is your new happy place.
Pick up your copy of The Clacton Gazette at Hilltop!
We're now stocking The Clacton Gazette in Floral Days Cafe! A new edition comes out every Thursday and it's a great way to find out all the local news and what's on in the Clacton area. Pop in for breakfast and a cuppa while you read all about it from the comfort of our beautiful restaurant.
Visit Hilltop Garden Centre this August
We hope this gives you plenty of delicious reasons to visit Hilltop this August. Whether you’re dropping in for a cuppa, treating yourself to dessert, or planning a leisurely lunch with friends, we’d love to welcome you to Floral Days Café – at your friendly, local garden centre in Clacton on Sea.
And don’t forget – we’re more than just great food. We’re also a garden centre with café, fully stocked with gorgeous plants, gifts, and wonderful treats, along with expert advice from our talented team. We hope to see you soon!
