Tong Garden Centre: Why It’s Perfect for the Festive Season
Why It’s Perfect for the Festive Season
While the dining pods are popular year-round, they truly transform into a magical highlight during November and December:
Warm & Weatherproof Winter Sanctuary: Fully enclosed and heated, each pod keeps you snug and warm while you watch winter fall outside.
Twinkling Holiday Atmosphere: As daylight fades, the garden centre lights up with twinkling fairy lights, festive greenery, and seasonal illuminations, creating an atmospheric backdrop for evening and late afternoon bookings.
Festive Menu Treats: During the holiday season, the standard afternoon tea is elevated with seasonal flavors—think spiced turkey & cranberry sandwiches, warm pig-in-blanket savouries, spiced fruit scones, and miniature Christmas patisserie like mince pie tarts and winter berry bites.
Christmas Shopping Pairing: Tong Garden Centre is famous across West Yorkshire for its massive Christmas displays, themed tree decorations, and gift shop. Booking a pod afternoon tea gives you the perfect mid-shopping retreat after picking out decorations and gifts.
The Dining Pod Atmosphere
Set within the vibrant surroundings of Blooms Kitchen, the dining pods offer a secluded sanctuary away from the main restaurant floor.
Private & Cosy: Each pod is exclusively yours for your slot, offering an enclosed space where you can relax with family or friends without distraction.
Scenic Views: Surrounded by seasonal garden displays, you get to enjoy an outdoor dining feel with all the comforts of an indoor room.
Dedicated Service: Table service is provided directly to your pod, making the experience feel extra special and seamless.
What’s on the Menu?
Served on classic tiered stands, the Afternoon Tea highlights a blend of fresh savouries and artisanal sweet treats prepared by the in-house chefs.
Savoury Tier
Finger Sandwiches: Freshly made with classic or seasonal fillings (such as egg & cucumber, roast ham, or turkey & cranberry).
Warm Savouries: Seasonal bite-sized treats like mini quiches, sausage rolls, sliders, or warm savoury pastries.
Sweet Tier
Fresh Scones: Warm fruit or spiced scones served with generous dollops of clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Patisserie & Desserts: A rotating selection of miniature cakes, fruit tartlets, seasonal traybakes, and festive chocolate treats.
Drinks
Includes a hot pot of Yorkshire Tea or freshly brewed filter coffee.
Upgrade Options: You can elevate your celebration by adding a chilled glass of Prosecco or alcoholic fizz to toast the occasion.
Practical Information
Price£29.99 per adult guest
Duration90 minutes exclusive pod hire
Pod CapacityUp to 6 guests per pod
ChildrenAvailable (Children's Afternoon Tea priced around £16.99)
BookingEssential (Pre-booking is required online)
Book Early for Christmas: Festive pod slots sell out very quickly once holiday bookings open in autumn.
Timing is Everything: Book a late afternoon slot to transition from daylight into twilight as the garden centre festive lights turn on.
Family Fun: Pair your afternoon tea with a trip to Santa's Grotto or a play session at Grass Hoppers Indoor & Outdoor Play.
