Garden Centre Catering Awards winner profile

Monkton Elm Garden Centre is an independent business run by the Bellman Family. The site started out a successful tomato nursery, run by David and Luella Bellman, and their children. Over the next 40 years, it evolved to provide the local community with everything they need in order to enjoy their homes and gardens, as well as somewhere to eat and relax via the restaurant and tranquil Pond Side Café.

A complete refurbishment of the restaurant took place at the start of 2025, opening in March as a new and exciting 400-seat outlet with a garden room and events space. It prides itself on being the go-to place for children's activities and many social groups use it for free.

The five charities Monkton Elm supports are Parkinson's UK, Mind in Somerset, Greenfingers, St Margaret's Hospice and Rushton dog Rescue. The business also supports and sponsors the Taunton Flower Show, Bridgwater Flower and Craft Show, Wellington flower Show and Ruishton Flower Show.

The restaurant menu changes twice a year, plus there is a special festive one. It boasts weekly breakfasts, light lunches and main course specials each week. These depend on what is on offer from the local fish and award-winning meat suppliers. The most popular dishes are the slow-roasted pork belly and cod and chips during the week; on Sundays there is roast pork and beef from Pynes of Somerset, served with huge Yorkshire puddings.

All of the chiller cabinet cakes and desserts are home made in the bakery by the patisserie chefs. The company is in its first six months of making its own cakes.

The management team has regular meetings with suppliers to discuss upcoming products and trends. The menu is put together with input from the kitchen and front-of-house team. The idea is for everyone to feel involved, that their opinion matters and to take pride in what the company is trying to achieve.

With regard to interior design, the colour scheme and feel was inspired by the owners’ time spent living in South Africa. There is lots of terracotta, a range of warm colours and lush green growth. The garden room promotes a feeling of being outside, then when the walls slide back, the visitors become a part of the plant area. There are also quiet areas for a peaceful visit. The events space is smart and enjoyed by large family get-togethers, as well as being used for meetings and parties.

Monkton Elm currently has 60 staff of all ages. The support and dedication they show to the owners and the company is heart-warming. It uses GROW training for all of its courses.

The business operates a recognition scheme whereby a member of staff can be given a well-done card by their manager or colleague when the company’s values have been demonstrated. The card is swapped for a small prize and then put into a monthly draw for employee of the month.

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