'One of the most important parts of the store': Dobbies gives Northern Ireland restaurant and coffee shop a new look following Antrim closure

Dobbies Garden Centre in Lisburn has unveiled a new-look restaurant and coffee shop in time for Christmas, following a refurbishment designed to bring the garden indoors.

The restaurant has been completely reimagined, with an additional 90 seats and a fresh, nature-inspired design, marking the first phase of a £400,000 investment in the store over the next six months.

Located on Saintfield Road, the Lisburn store's restaurant now has capacity for up to 326 customers, with an improved layout, expanded seating and refreshed interiors.

The renovation works comes after the Dobbies’ Antrim store at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park closed at the end of October after its new landlord, Frasers Group, served notice as part of plans to redevelop the site for new retail and leisure uses

The new restaurant and coffee shop feature a calming colour palette of soft olive green, complemented by reeded wall panelling and warm wood-effect flooring.

Large botanical murals of tropical plants line the walls, while woven pendant lights, statement olive trees and terracotta planters filled with greenery help create a relaxed atmosphere.

The revamp comes as the store prepares for Dobbies' Best Ever Christmas, with the restaurant now serving its new festive menu.

Richard Herbert, restaurant director at Dobbies, said: “We are making a significant investment in our Lisburn store over the next few months, with the restaurant refurbishment marking the first phase of these improvements.

“We know from listening to our customers that the restaurant is one of the most important parts of the store. We’ve enhanced the design and layout, improved the seating and increased capacity, creating a more welcoming space that we hope will attract customers from across the area, including those who previously visited our Antrim store.”

Jenny Campbell, general manager at Dobbies Lisburn, said the team had worked hard to have the new restaurant and coffee shop ready for Christmas: “We wanted to reflect our customers’ love for plants and gardening throughout the space, creating an environment that feels relaxed and inviting, whether enjoying a quick coffee or a festive lunch with family.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming both loyal and new customers and showing them around.”