I have mentioned this place before, quite a while ago now but I just thought it needed another little review again as on a recent visit the staff were so lovely.

The food here is really nice and I think I may have said before that I thought it was a bit expensive but I may retract that statement because for the amount of food you get on your plate I think it's great value. We had some lovely homemade soup, in fact Mum from the Brew and I have been at their soup twice in one week. The first time we were actually doing some research (well that's what I'm calling it) as we were planning to bring my niece, she is on a vegan diet so we just enquired what was available.

Well it is a bit limited but when we did take her the other day she was able to have the potato and broccoli soup but there wasn't any bread available.  If you have been to The Clock Tower Restaurant within Derby Garden Centre in Little Eaton you will know they have a massive array of cakes, a good choice of gluten free but not a great selection for those who are vegan so it really was a bit limited. 

Niece from the Brew found some roasty potatoes which she could eat and the world was ok but the thing was I think the staff were clicking on after having to check a few items with the kitchen staff and they may have just been feeling a bit sorry for my niece. A lovely lady brought over some vegan cheese which they had for her to pop on her potatoes. I thought that was really sweet and you could tell they were keen on making some sort of effort.

I was able to get gluten free bread with my soup so I faired a little better but it is tricky with different dietary requirements. I love a try'er me and some places wouldn't go to that extent to keep someone happy. I know it was only a bit of cheese but to us it was a nice gesture. 

It was a lovely day with us girls together and after being really sensible with my diet and being really clever sticking to my Slimming World syns I thought I would just blow the whole thing and have some cake, well it was just sitting there all alone on a plate. A lovely gluten free Victoria sponge cake with my name on it so I asked the lady if I could have a slice. Well this slice was blooming massive, we even joked about it needing to be cut but no this last huge slice that was left was one serving. 

My goodness, this slice of cake was something you would see if someone was entering a world record attempt at cake eating. I got back to the table and pleaded with Mum from the Brew to help me eat this cake, we did our best but it beat us both. Serves me right for my eyes being bigger than my belly although I feel my belly was screaming, what have you done to me? In fact my whole body went into a massive sugar rush, I've never seen myself get around Morrison's afterwards so quick.

It was lovely cake I have to say but blimey I kind of wanted them to have some for the rest of the restaurant not for me to eat everyone's share. I haven't eaten since (well cake anyway), I may never be able to again. That may be a good thing. You do get a huge pot of tea, I think ours was for two but I needed something to wash this cake down. What made me laugh was that I tried to devour a cake the size of a small planet but still put low calorie sweeteners in my tea, I think the damage had been done love. 

It is a lovely place to eat and very popular, it does get busy but there are plenty of tables available. The place is clean and tidy and the staff are very friendly and as we put them to the test, they will find out any information you need about their food. The Clock Tower Restaurant as I have mentioned can be found inside Derby Garden Centre on Alfreton Road, Little Eaton, Derby. DE21 5DB. They have a website here at:
www.bluediamond.gg/garden-centre/derby-garden-centre

So go and have some food and a walk around the shop there, it's all Christmassy now so a lot of gifts available and cards too. There is plenty of parking so just a great all round place to go. They have many garden bits obviously being a garden centre but tucked away at the rear of the place is a farm shop called Brown & Green and they have some lovely produce there.

Have fun and tell me if you have had a good experience while visiting here, did you attempt the record at eating cake or be really sensible and resist? Not me eh? I don't think 'NO' is in my vocabulary.

Well you all take care and I'm going to see if I am not banned from Slimming World yet. Join me again tomorrow for What to Buy Wednesday  (no it won't be cake).

Bye for now.

Well what is the best way to start today's 'Teapot Tuesday' than with a new teapot. I love this one and use it a lot as it holds quite a bit of tea. I purchased this little collection from Derby Garden Centre, there was an offer on at the time of 'buy teapot get the two cups for free' so couldn't resist. Although I did have to let the checkout staff about their offer as they had no idea. Sue from the Brew did you cause a bit of a queue while they investigated? Yes I did. Sorry I believe in obtaining a bargain when I see one.

The cups are not huge, they only measure 3 inches in height but are a lovely addition and I use them for herbal and fruit tea. I tend to like these teas in smaller portions. My traditional tea? yep tend to go for a big mug at home. I think the design of this set is sweet as well, I like the Chinese style with the bamboo handle, it's just a bit different. 

Derby Garden Centre situated on Alfreton Road, Derby DE21 5DB has had a massive change. If you have been in past weeks you will have noticed the refurb underway but it does look really good now. There are more plants available and they are looking healthy and watered. I say this as I did visit a few months ago and the plants never seem to look watered and seemed, well a bit dead! I was a bit reluctant to go back but glad I did. The cafe always pulls me in as they have gluten free cake and a massive big teapot, even for one so I can be drinking tea all morning. Definitely worth a visit again if you haven't been for a while, even if it is to take a look at the changes.

There are some similar 

on Amazon so click on the link above (affiliated) and take a look. Thank you for reading, I hope you pop by tomorrow for 'Whatever Wednesday'

Take care for now. 

​Happy Teapotting!!!

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