A family-run garden nursery and café overlooking Rutland Water, Rutland Nursery has been a great destination for plant lovers for over 30 years. Recently, the nursery has been through something of a transformation. In May this year the new restaurant, beautiful courtyard, and fantastic new shop opened to the public. Things have got even better since then, as you can now buy bags of Two Chimps coffee there too!

Located a little ways east of Manton, the nursery is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon browsing the wonderful array of plants before grabbing a bite to eat in The View restaurant. Don’t forget to have a wander through the glasshouse and check out the amazing cactus collection there. Rutland Nursery is a specialist centre for cacti and succulents, thanks in no small part to resident expert and President of the British Cactus and Succulent Society Graham Charles, who is often on-site to answer even the spikiest of cactus questions.

Graham isn’t the only superstar at the nursery. Legendary cricketer, 2005 Ashes hero, and latterly flame-grill afficionado Matthew Hoggard runs Hoggy’s Grill Cookery School. Not content with barbecuing Australians, Hoggy now spends his time sharing his passion for grilling and teaching people “everything from how to serve up the most incredible ‘smash’ burgers to how to wow with wonderful, sizzling steaks”. It’s not just about meat either, as Hoggy has great vegetarian and vegan recipes too, as well as his wife Sarah’s favourite lobster tails.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed activity, book into the Thrive & Bloom Wellness Talks and Workshops held in the calm surrounds of the nursery’s new wellness space, The Loft. Taking place at 4:30pm on the last Thursday of each month and lasting between 45 and 60 minutes, the sessions aim to promote good health and well-being in the local community. Best of all, there is no charge! Keep an eye on the nursery’s social media presence for details of the next topic.

Enjoyed the Two Chimps coffee you bought at Rutland Nursery? Pop over to our website and order some more online!

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