Middlecombe Nursery and CUPPA Coffee Shop; Where garden lovers, artists, artisans and coffee drinkers meet…
Tucked away on the edge of Congresbury village, just 25 minutes outside the city, you’ll find Middlecombe Nursery, a lively, flourishing family business with an enviable reputation for the quality and value of their plants.
Bounded by rolling fields and ancient oak trees, Middlecombe’s three acres is a brimming trove of beautiful plants, quirky ‘gardenalia’, unique artisan gifts, and great coffee!
Originally a market garden, Middlecombe has been in the ownership of garden experts Isy and Nigel North for almost four decades. With the help of eldest daughter, Becci, and their knowledgeable team, the couple have lovingly created a must-visit destination for anyone who enjoys gardens and growing. Their plant range encompasses everything you’d expect, from shrubs and fruit trees to herbs and climbing plants, as well as an extensive selection of hardy perennials and seasonal plants. For those requiring instant impact, the nursery offers the widest choice of large ‘specimen’ trees and shrubs in the Bristol area.
An attraction in its own right, Middlecombe’s characterful and eclectic Garden Shop hosts selections of garden tools, seeds, pots, and organic plant care products, all carefully hand picked by the family. Here you’ll also be confronted by displays of unusual and quirky garden ornaments, as well as a carefully chosen range of indoor plants. Currently, the shop is awash with thousands of spring flowering bulbs in colourful variety, ready for autumn planting.
In recent years, Nigel has found time to indulge his interest in vintage gardening tools and ‘gardenalia’. He searches far and wide for what he terms ‘garden treasures’, from tin baths and agricultural water tanks to chimney pots and rusted garden rollers. All of it is sought by Middlecombe’s discerning customers for repurposing as plant containers and garden decoration.
Click here to read CUPPA’s autumn menu
Housed in a renovated 1960’s glasshouse, CUPPA Coffee Shop continues to earn acclaim for its excellent coffee and homemade cakes, and for its warm, friendly service. The menu ranges from classic jacket potatoes and toasties (including pepperoni and ploughman’s) to sweet potato falafel bites and many other very low gluten options. Their English breakfast composes quality locally sourced ingredients, whilst their cinnamon waffles are an any-time-of-day treat.
When it comes to drinks, Francesca, CUPPA’s manager, has devised an extensive menu including a splendid variety of coffees, iced coffees and iced teas, milkshakes, smoothies and frappés, as well as local Bradley’s juices.
If you’ve something to celebrate, or even if you haven’t, afternoon tea at CUPPA (pictured above) could be perfect, but please book in advance on 07354 444520.
Outside is a covered terrace designed for those cooler autumnal days when sitting out is lovely – if there’s a degree of comfort and shelter! Beyond this, further seating adjoins Middlecombe’s latest addition; their Arts and Artisans Courtyard. Here, a talented group of artists and artisans, collectively known as the ‘Middlecombe Makers’, create, fashion, paint and sell from purpose built studios. Step inside and you’ll discover original art, enamel work, frost- proof ceramics, and jewellery made from recycled silver, as well as prints, bags, purses, fused glass, greetings cards and handmade gifts. Seven of the eight studios enclose a playfully inspiring and ever-changing courtyard garden, which currently hosts a fiery display of chill plants.
Excitingly, this weekend marks the first anniversary of the Arts and Artisans Courtyard at Middlecombe, and the Middlecombe Makers invite you to help them celebrate. Whilst individual studio hours usually vary (please check the nursery website for details), this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 25th – 27th September, it’s a full house with all the makers here together from 11am until 4pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet them, watch them at work, support local and to enter a free raffle to win exquisite handmade, one-of-a-kind prizes.
And how about this for a perfect surname? Forget-Me-Not Florist, which opened at Middlecombe in late 2024, is owned by floral artist Vicki Flowers. Yes, really! As well as offering blooms, bouquets and arrangements for every celebration, Vicki’s small but perfectly formed boutique-style shop is stocked with artisan chocolates, candles and soaps.
Middlecombe Nursery’s tranquil setting is perfectly complemented by a relaxed and informal atmosphere, making it a delightful to spend time there, whether you are garden or gift shopping, enjoying lunch or sipping coffee. You, your family, your friends and your dog are all assured of the warmest welcome.
Middlecombe Nursery and CUPPA Coffee Shop
Wrington Road, Congresbury North Somerset BS49 5AN
