The 5 acre site at Eastfield Garden Centre opened on the 15th of April 1976. The idea of a Garden Centre first came to Mr John Stephenson and his wife Betty some three years previously with some friends George Hardwick, from Northern Horticulture, supplier of garden sundries and Ray and Ken, from Daleside Nurseries, for plants from Harrogate. A 2700 ft² Glass house was erected on the site with a car park for 60 cars.
John Stephenson said in the press “I want an absolute top quality Garden Centre to service the district”.
When it opened, the first item that was sold was a gnome. Once he launched his Gardener Centre his son Brian took over the running of the farm and John wanted another outlet for his energies.
John Stephenson unfortunately died four years later leaving his wife to run the business.
Betty died in 1985 which then left Brian to manage the business. Brian Stephenson was the fourth generation to run the Farm which he did as well as running the Garden Centre. From 1994 with his wife Joan, they expanded the Gardener Centre many times over with the car park now with a capacity of 250 cars.
The first major project began in 1998 when after much thought and deliberation, building began on the first café which was named the Potting Shed.
Neither Brian or Joan had previously had experience in the catering industry, but decided as John Stephenson had put on the original plan for a café that it was a good idea. In 1976, Garden Centre’s didn’t have cafés, so John Stephenson was very forward thinking.
The Potting Shed Restaurant started with 50 covers, serving meals and snacks. Over the years their reputation has grown. The varied daily specials made fresh by the team of chefs are very popular.
To meet demand the seating has increased. In 2016 they decided to build the Orangery. This time the idea of an afternoon tea area was put forward by Joan, so the Rose Room seemed an appropriate name, as it was where the roses where originally sold. They are known for their seasonal and speciality afternoon teas with customers coming back time and time again.
However, the Stephensons, not a family for resting on their laurels completed their biggest building project in 2009 with the new extension, housing the Food Hall, Autumn Bliss Coffee Bar, an extended gift area and cook shop.
The Food Hall is stocked with a wide range of artisan specialities supporting locally sourced products wherever possible. From biscuits to an extensive range of chutneys and jams to sausage rolls and pork pies, and the counter fridge is filled with 35 to 40 different cheeses, including of course Yorkshire cheeses. At Christmas this number goes up to around 60 Cheeses.
The Autumn Bliss coffee bar is always a place to meet friends for a coffee, cake or a snack. The Bakery makes home-made cakes from original recipes, some from Betty Stephenson and some from Joan’s family and some from friends, of the family. These cakes are sold in the cafés and in the food hall as well. Their Christmas cake is particularly sought after and the team make literally hundreds each year to satisfy demand.
In the Gift Shop, as well as selling a various selection of thoughtful gifts for all members of the family and friends there is also an extensive range of cards to compliment the gifts. In the Cook Shop there are mugs and a large selection of items for the house and kitchen to inspire you to start cooking and baking.
The year 2020 was a difficult time for everyone but particularly for the expansion of the new plant area as building products were in short supply and difficult to acquire. Not the best year to do this, however the show must go on. It eventually opened in April 2021, the Atrium, a skylight-covered area to show case plants. In spring for primroses, dahlia bulbs and seed potatoes. In early summer for bedding plants, herbs, tomato and cucumber plants. Then in autumn, for daffodils, crocus and tulip spring bulbs, plus pansies to name but a few.
In 2021 the newly refurbished outdoor living area opened with an area for displaying garden furniture and then in the autumn/winter the Christmas displays. The furniture includes anything from traditional wooden furniture to modern aluminium furniture, in traditional dining sets or contemporary corner suites. Christmas has already been ordered and Laura, the Manager has put a lot of thought into this theme, ‘Coming home for Christmas’ incorporating themes of ‘where’ you are spending Christmas. The team are looking forward to seeing the displays, as she does a tremendous job.
In 2012 the business took its first step, making it greener today for the environment. With renewable energy generating electricity with turbines and solar panels, the installation of a wood chip biomass unit to heat the Garden Centre and LED lighting. The business also recycles their glass, cardboard, cooking oil and food to help wherever possible.
Brian and Joan Stephenson, who are now semi-retired feel they are very lucky to have family continuing the family businesses. Sam the fifth generation to run the Farm and Mike the third generation to run the
Garden Centre.
Mike said: “We are all proud of what we have achieved and hope we have done our grandfather proud, but we couldn’t have done this without the support of our wonderful 50 staff and our loyal customers who come back regularly”. Thank You All.”
