W6 Garden Centre and Café - Festive Fun And Inspiration For All

Ben and Louise

‘A fabulous oasis in West London! A lovely Garden Centre and Café and the staff are so welcoming and knowledgeable.’ – Ian Hamilton

Does the prospect of battling the Christmas crowds send a shiver down the spine? If so, there’s a much more tempting shopping alternative closer to home: one visit to W6 Garden Centre and your wish list could be ticked off in one go.

‘We’re pulling out all the stops,’ smiles the Manager, Louise Alhadeff. ‘With premium-quality plants and trees, our best ever choice of gifts, a Winter Wonderland for children and delicious warming dishes in the Café, Christmas at W6 will be so exciting. Also, for the first time, we are hosting a special all-day Shopping event on Friday 28 November: our VIP card holders will enjoy a 20% saving on all pricesin-store and customers can sign up on the day.’

As ever, W6 is offering a superb selection of Christmas trees, which can be delivered locally from £5. ‘We have sourced all sizes of slim, scented Fraser Firs – they are perfect for London homes – as well as the two-tone Noble Fir, which is big and beautiful, and the old favourite, the Nordman Fir,’ says Louise. (W6 supplies trees up to 10ft: they cost £190.)

‘The trees can be reserved by phone, email or using our online ordering system. Just fill in the details of type and size and we will pick one out – I usually do that myself and I’m very fussy: if you have any specific preferences please let me know! We also have stylish handmade wreaths, all the elements to decorate your own, and gorgeous seasonal outdoor plants, such as Hellebores, Camellias and Cyclamens, to spruce up your garden for the festive season.’

This year Louise and her team have excelled themselves with a wealth of gift ideas for all ages and tastes. ‘For children there are Djeco toys, puzzles and scientific learning activities (Living Twig Insect kit and Bug Goggles) and, for adults, luxury soaps and handwashes, stationery from the Museums and Galleries collection, coasters, ceramic flowers and candles. And, of course, we have practical presents for gardeners, classic indoor plants – Poinsettias, potted Amaryllis and bulb arrangements – and the Green Room is stocked with well-known and exotic houseplants.’

W6’s annual pop-up Winter Cabin created by Creative Director Paul Holt is always a wonderful source of inspiration. Paul designs themed displays that showcase exquisite decorations and lifestyle and home decor objects: vases, baubles, lanterns, soldier nutcrackers, cushions, plates, candlestick holders, glassware – there’s something for everyone.

From December W6 will become a magical Winter Wonderland with a snow machine, reindeer, sleigh and photo-opportunities with Father Christmas. ‘Of course, we never quite know when he will arrive, so keep an eye on our Instagram for the dates,’ adds Louise.

If you are spending time at W6, then the Café, with its new heated outside space, is the perfect place to take a break. The menu includes a Winter Salad, warming soups and jacket potatoes, mince pies and cakes and Black Forest hot chocolate and gingerbread latte. Also, from Friday to Sunday, there’s a traditional English Breakfast with Pork Sausages from Macken Brothers (vegan and vegetarian options are available).

‘We’re delighted that so many local families make visiting us a regular seasonal date,’ says Louise. ‘We’ll make sure that everyone has a lovely experience and gets into the spirit of Christmas.’

A DATE FOR THE DIARY: on Friday 28 November (until 7pm) all prices in-store will be discounted by 20% for VIP card holders (you can sign up on the day). A DJ from Hoxton Radio will provide entertainment from 4.30-6.30pm and complimentary blinis and Prosecco served from 4pm.