Gates Garden Centre

Gates Garden Centre: two garden centres on the Leicestershire–Rutland border

Gates Garden Centre is a family-run horticultural and retail business with two sites in the East Midlands: Gates Oakham, on the Rutland–Leicestershire border, and Gates Woodlands Hinckley, on the A447 Ashby Road near Hinckley. The Oakham centre was established in 1948 by Fred and Ivy Gates within the walled Victorian kitchen garden of Cold Overton Hall and remains on that same site.

The company presents Gates Oakham as one of the largest destination garden centres in the UK, with an award-winning Farm Shop, two restaurants, extensive plant areas and retail space. It states that the centre continues to follow the family values on which it was founded, citing customer service and value for money.

Gates Woodlands Hinckley

After more than 75 years at Cold Overton, the business expanded to a second site, Gates Woodlands Hinckley, previously known as Dobbies Stapleton or Woodlands Garden Centre. The site has been refurbished and includes an extended plant area, a new Farm Shop and a restaurant called Fred & Ivy's, alongside concessions that were already established there.

The Grown at Gates label

The company promotes a Grown at Gates logo, which identifies plants grown in Leicestershire by its own growing team. According to its presentation, the label stands for locally grown plants with reduced plant miles, quality assurance by experienced growers, support for local jobs and quality control by a local company with horticultural experience.

Product ranges

The catalogue is organised around several broad areas:

• Garden furniture: outdoor sofa and lounge sets, corner and L-shape sets, dining sets from four to eight seats, bistro sets, round and oval table sets, egg chairs, cocoons and swing seats, benches, sun loungers, parasols and bases, gazebos and pergolas, cushions, storage boxes and protective covers. Brands featured include Bramblecrest, Hartman, Supremo Leisure and Orchard Life.
• Barbecues: charcoal, gas, hybrid and wood or pellet models, pizza ovens, fuel, cooking tools, cookware, covers and cleaning products.
• Gardening: lawn care, plant food and fertilisers, ericaceous feeds, disease and fungus control, pest control, weedkillers, potting and planting tools, secateurs and pruning tools, garden machinery, weed control tools, spades and forks. Brands include FELCO, GARDENA, Hozelock, Kent & Stowe, Vitax and Westland.
• Plants: roses (shrub, climbing, rambling and colour groups), herbaceous perennials, shrubs, ornamental trees, bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, fritillary, alliums, iris and amaryllis, and grow-your-own ranges. Featured rose growers are David Austin Roses and Whartons Roses, with a Plant Concierge service.
• Pets and wild bird care: bird food, feeders, tables and feeding stations, birdhouses and nest boxes, plus dog toys, treats, coats, bowls, health and hygiene items, walking accessories, beds and blankets. Brands include Henry Bell, Tom Chambers and Zoon.
• Christmas: model villages and miniature buildings, lighted facades, figurines and starter sets, artificial Christmas trees in sizes from 5ft to 8ft and above, prelit, slim and white trees, tree skirts, stands and storage, lights, wreaths, garlands, baubles, hanging decorations, candles, crackers and novelty items. Brands include Lemax, Three Kings, Premier Decorations, Gisela Graham, Festive Productions, Lumineo and Everlands.

Dining and events

Both centres include dining spaces. At Oakham, the Garden Restaurant serves fresh food and drinks daily with lighter options and views over the Leicestershire countryside; the Courtyard Coffee Shop in the walled garden offers breakfast, lunch and drinks in a more casual setting. The Garden Restaurant also has the Vellum Room and the larger Thornton Suite for private dining and special events. At Hinckley, the restaurant is Fred & Ivy's. The site states that both restaurants are open seven days a week.

The events programme includes festive workshops and, in November, poinsettia tours of the nursery at Gates Woodlands Hinckley. A Dine with Santa event is also listed.

Farm Shop and loyalty club

Gates Farm Shop stocks produce sourced locally wherever possible, including beef and lamb from the company's own farm in the village, and offers package-free fruit and vegetables ranging from everyday essentials to seasonal produce.

The Gates Loyalty Club is free to join and runs through a digital app. Members receive a free drink each month, priority event booking, a record of in-store purchases, access to rewards and in-store offers, and entry into a draw to win their shopping when they scan the app at purchase.