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Our Restaurants

Dining at St. Johns

At St. John’s Garden Centres, we believe in bringing people together over delicious, locally sourced food. Our restaurants in Barnstaple and Ashford proudly use local suppliers wherever possible, ensuring that every meal is freshly cooked and packed with flavour. Whether you're after a hearty breakfast, a light snack, or a freshly prepared lunch, our menu offers something for everyone, with options to suit all dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. Plus, our weekly carvery in Barnstaple and Ashford certainly draws a crowd for our homemade Yorkshire puddings and delicious roast meats. 

If you have specific dietary needs, please feel free to contact us before your visit, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your requests.

Opening Hours:

Monday-Saturday: 9am-5pm (Breakfast: 9am-11am | Main Meals: 11.30am-3pm | Selected items until 4pm)

Sunday: 10am-4pm (Breakfast: 10am-11am | Carvery: 11.30am-2.30pm | Main Meals: 11.30am-2.30pm | Selected items until 3pm)

We welcome well-behaved dogs on leads throughout our garden centres, and they’re welcome on our patios, though they are not permitted inside our restaurants (except for service dogs).

    A slice of blueberry and vanilla cake at St. John's garden centres

    • A piece of cake with a coffee at St. John's Garden Centre
    • The outdoor play area with a blue butterfly at St. John's Garden Centre, Ashford
    • Vegetables from St. John's Garden Centre's Sunday Carvery in Barnstaple
    • A selection of cakes available at St. John's Garden Centres
    • The restaurant team at St. John's Garden Centres
    • A burger and chips at St. John's Garden Centres
    • The restaurant at St. John's Garden Centre Ashford
    • A drink at the Summer Party for St. John's Garden Centre, Ashford
    • Christmas in the restaiurant at St. John's Garden Centres
    • Christmas Brambleina at St. John's Garden Centres, Ashford
    • A chocolate waffle from St. John's Garden Centres
    • Roast potatoes at St. John's Garden Centres
    • The restaurant team at St. John's Garden Centres, Barnstaple
    • The restaurant seating at St. John's Barnstaple
    • The trim trail children's play area at St. John's Garden Centre, Ashford
    • A coffee and a biscuit at St. John's Garden Centres
    • Our Sunday Carvery in Barnstaple at St. John's Garden Centres
    • The Conservatory Restaurant at St. John's Barnstaple

    The Conservatory Restaurant, Barnstaple

    The Conservatory Restaurant at St. John’s Barnstaple is the perfect place to relax, whether you’re meeting friends for coffee and cake, stopping by for a light bite, or popping in for a hearty, warming meal. Our menu offers plenty of choice, from comforting favourites to treats, like our indulgent ice cream milkshakes.

    Every Sunday, we’re also proud to serve our popular Sunday Carvery, available from 11.30am–2.30pm. Enjoy succulent meats, homemade Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings, with small/child portions priced at £13.49 and adult portions at £15.99. Each week, there’s also a tempting dessert to finish things off — from apple and blackberry crumble to sticky toffee pudding and other delicious treats.

    Rain or shine, our covered al fresco area allows you to enjoy the fresh air while you dine, and dogs are very welcome to join you by your side in our outdoor seating area (access to the outside area is via JungleLand). Dogs are now allowed in the main restaurant. Throughout the year, you’ll also find a range of seasonal food events at our Snacks and Drinks Shack, from BBQ burgers and hot dogs to sweet treats and shakes on sunny bank holidays.

    Join us for our NEW Sow & Grow Coffee Morning, launching on Wednesday 28th January, 9–10am. You can expect a relaxed social hour designed to bring people together over a coffee and a chat.

    And for families, our Barnstaple centre is home to Jungleland, the perfect place for little ones to burn off some energy before or after their meal.

    The Conservatory Restaurant at St. John's Barnstaple
    The restaurant team at St. John's Garden Centres, Barnstaple

    The Garden Room Restaurant, Ashford

    The Garden Room Restaurant at St. John’s Ashford is the ideal spot to enjoy light bites and hearty meals, all served in bright, comfortable surroundings. When the sun is shining, our al fresco dining area is the perfect spot to sit back, enjoy your food and make the most of the sunshine.

    Every Sunday, our much-loved Sunday Carvery takes centre stage, served from 11.30am–2.30pm. With tender meats, generous helpings of seasonal vegetables and all the classic trimmings, it’s a firm favourite for families and friends alike. Choose from a small/child portion (£13.49) or an adult portion (£15.99), and don’t forget to save room for one of our indulgent weekly desserts.

    Families will also love our outdoor play area, featuring a fun trim trail to keep little ones active and entertained. It’s also home to Brambleina, our resident fairy whose charming house and garden can be found within the play area. Inside the restaurant, Brambleina’s swing seat makes a wonderful photo opportunity for younger visitors, and a firm favourite for capturing special moments.

    Throughout the year, Ashford plays host to a range of events, including our popular Spring and Summer Garden Parties. These lively family-friendly days feature live music, BBQs, games and plenty of fun for all ages, making them a real highlight in the calendar.

    With great food, welcoming spaces and plenty to keep the whole family entertained, the Garden Room Restaurant at St. John’s Ashford is a place to relax, refuel and enjoy time together.

     

    A strawberry milkshake at St. John's Ashford Garden Centre

    Event Room Hire near Barnstaple

    If you’re looking for a welcoming venue to host an event or gathering near Barnstaple, the Estuary Function Room is the perfect choice. Located at St. John’s Garden Centre, Ashford, this versatile space is ideal for everything from meetings and workshops to family celebrations and special occasions — all with lovely views to enjoy.

    To find out more about the Estuary Function Room, click here, or get in touch with our team at [email protected] for further information.