Hillier Garden Centre Weyhill has unveiled a vibrant new chapter for its dining experience with the reopening of its fully refurbished restaurant – now reborn as Edwin & Betsy’s.
The transformed space offers visitors a brighter, more contemporary setting to enjoy freshly prepared dishes inspired by the seasons.
The new open-plan layout is filled with warm natural light and pairs calming botanical tones with lush foliage installations, creating a space that feels both modern and deeply connected to Hillier’s horticultural roots. The welcoming environment blends contemporary design with the garden centre’s natural surroundings.
The refurbishment forms part of Hillier’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the visitor experience across its garden centre destinations, ensuring customers have a comfortable and inviting space to relax and recharge during their visit.
A fresh menu with favourite classics
Alongside the redesigned space, Edwin & Betsy’s introduces a new seasonal menu showcasing a blend of comforting favourites and delicious new flavours.
Guests can enjoy everything from hearty, seasonally inspired pies to fresh and wholesome grain plates and handcrafted sandwiches. Hillier favourites remain firmly on the menu too, including the Hillier Great British Breakfast, classic fish and chips, and indulgent Afternoon Teas.
The restaurant will continue Hillier’s focus on high-quality food and great value, offering a relaxed dining experience whether customers are stopping for coffee, meeting friends for lunch, or enjoying a family meal.
A name with a story
The reopening also marks the transition from the centre’s previous Mulberry & Thyme restaurant identity to its new name, Edwin & Betsy’s.
The name honours Edwin and Betsy Hillier, the founders of the Hillier business, who opened a small florist’s shop and nursery in Winchester in 1864.
Their passion for bringing people and plants together still shapes Hillier values more than 160 years later – making their names a fitting choice for this new dining experience.
Special opening evening
The Hillier family officially opened the new restaurant on Monday evening with a special celebration at the Weyhill garden centre.
Betty, a young sixth-generation member of the Hillier family, joined her father, Chairman George Hillier, to cut the ribbon and formally welcome guests into the newly transformed space.
Visitors enjoyed a relaxed and social preview evening, sampling dishes from the new spring menu while enjoying live entertainment from The Kings Pond Shantymen and singer Katie Rogers.
Early feedback from guests praised the warm atmosphere, stylish interiors and the fresh flavours on offer.
Honouring Hillier heritage
Speaking at the opening, Chairman George Hillier said the restaurant holds special significance for him as both chairman and a fifth-generation member of the Hillier family.
“This refurbishment and rename of our Weyhill restaurant is particularly special to me, not only as Chairman of Hillier, but as a fifth-generation member of the Hillier family. Our company has always been rooted in our people, our local communities, and of course our passion for growing – so it feels only right that our new restaurant reflects those same values.
“It also takes us right back to where our story began, in 1864, with my great-great-grandparents, Edwin and Betsy Hillier. Together, they worked incredibly hard, shared a clear vision, and laid the foundations for what would eventually become the Hillier business we know today.
“More than 160 years later, we’re still a family-run company, and those values continue to shape everything we do. Naming it Edwin & Betsy’s felt like the perfect way to honour where we’ve come from, while creating somewhere warm, welcoming, and very much for today.
“This is a space for everyone – whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee, catching up with friends, enjoying time with family, or simply taking a well-earned break during your visit. We hope Edwin & Betsy’s becomes a place you’ll enjoy returning to time and time again.”
If you’re in the Weyhill area, Hillier invites visitors to come along and experience the newly reopened Edwin & Betsy’s restaurant for themselves.