Hillier Unveils Edwin & Betsy’s: A Fresh New Dining Experience at Weyhill

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 promises visitors a brighter, more contemporary setting to enjoy freshly prepared dishes inspired by the seasons.

The new open‑plan layout filled with warm natural light, pairs calming botanical tones with lush foliage installations. Together they create a space that feels both modern and deeply connected to the Hillier horticultural roots.

A welcoming environment blends contemporary design with the garden centre’s natural surroundings.

The refurbishment forms part of the Hillier 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 - from hearty, seasonally inspired pies to fresh and wholesome grain plates and handcrafted sandwiches. Guests can still enjoy Hillier classics such as the Hillier Great British Breakfast, fish and chips and indulgent Afternoon Teas.

The restaurant will continue the Hillier 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: celebrating Edwin & Betsy Hillier

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.

Commenting on the reopening, Chairman George Hillier said:

“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.”

Celebratory Grand Opening event

Guests enjoyed an exclusive preview evening on Monday 9th March opened by George Hillier and family with a special ribbon cutting by George’s youngest daughter Betty. With tasters from the new menu, celebratory drinks and the chance to meet the Edwin & Betsy’s team, early feedback praised the warm atmosphere, stylish interiors and fresh new dishes.

Ends

Editors notes

“To inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future” Hillier is one of the leading names in the horticultural industry, with 160 years of growing and retail experience.

Founded in 1864 by Edwin Hillier, the company remains a family-run nursery with the fifth generation now actively involved in the family business as it continues to grow.

Not only is Hillier the largest producer of semi-mature trees in Europe and grower of over one million plants at its Hampshire nursery, but it also employs over 750 staff across its nursery, amenity trees and 22 garden centre divisions and is a flourishing multi-million pound company. It proudly holds the world record for the most consecutive gold medals awards at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with 74 wins.

As one of the leading growers in the UK, Hillier is involved in many peat-free initiatives, including the RHS Peat-Free Fellowship, the largest peat-free collaborative research project globally. The company was amongst the first nurseries to become 100% peat-free across both its production nursery and retail garden centres, and all Hillier plants are grown in peat-free compost.

Recent successes for the company include the launch of its online shop, the substantial redevelopment of Hillier Garden Centre Newbury and the acquisition of the Rosebourne Garden Centre Group in November 2022, as well as sponsorship of BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, and the incredibly popular free ‘Hillier Gardening Club’ loyalty program which now has over half a million members.

Renowned for being a leading breeder of plants in the UK at its 100% peat-free nursery in Hampshire, each year Hillier introduces amazing new varieties. Many of these have become essentials in British gardens and the company continues with the tradition of innovation and the introduction of new garden plants in the present day.