Greenside Nursery

I’m not a huge fan of gardening. Browsing the shelves for some nice chrysanthemum’s isn’t really my bag at all, so I wasn’t too enthralled by the suggestion of a trip to Greenside in Newarthill.
If you have read any of my previous reviews, you might realise that there is one constant in my life that I do like. No, make that Love. And that constant is cake. I’m not a fussy cake eater; I like chocolate, sponge, cream, cheese, apple, caramel, empire, anything along those lines, really. So when I clapped eyes on the café in the centre I was more than pleasantly surprised by the cake selection. They have a really large café, almost as big as the garden centre section, which does a range of hot meals, light lunches, soups and drinks, as well as the aforementioned cakes.
We took a seat, had a flick through the menu, and went up to the counter to order. I decided on some lentil soup and a roll, which was really good. It was home made too, something which the café prides itself on. My mum had a cheese and pineapple toastie, which looked dynamite, it was oozing cheese and had a big salad and crisps along side it. Her silence seemed to signify that she enjoyed it.
Then it was cake time. My mum is a top class cake maker, and my dad is a baker by profession, so I come from a good stock of bun mixers. I haven’t found my passion for baking yet, but I’m sure when I do, I’ll be a natural. My mum actually got her banoffee pie recipe from the woman who runs this café, after tasting a slice one lunchtime. My mum’s banoffee pie is renowned amongst friends and family as the best desert, ever!
We went up to the cake counter and perused the fine display of goodies. They have loads, from wee mini trifles to millionaire’s shortbread, and carrot cake. They have different cakes on every day, which keeps you guessing what the next delight will be! I went for the mandarin cheesecake, and came away with a huge lump for just over £1.50! It was absolutely, dribbling-​into-​a-​napkin worthy of some coveted cheesecake prize. The base was crumbly and buttery, the cheesecake itself was thick and creamy, laced with orangey bits, and the jelly like topping was packed full of little mandarin segments, bursting with juice. It really was amazing.
This place is not just restricted to lunch. They also have plants, and all the gardeny stuff a garden centre usually has. Located within the unit is a beauticians, which is a nice touch, and a kids soft play area, brilliant to chuck the kiddies in if you fancy a cuppa in peace. There is also a little gift section, selling candles and crockery, cards and china. It’s all pretty expensive, but nice and unique for a birthday gift.
My mum tells me that the plants she’s bought from here have never failed her, and she wouldn’t buy them from anywhere else. And my mum knows her plants.
Recommended! It’s a lovely wee afternoon out and really not as boring as some garden centres tend to be!