Situated over three sites in the Surrey countryside, Knights Garden Centre was born in the aftermath of World War II from a father’s dream to run a family-owned business.
Knights sought to upgrade its existing café facility so it could provide an additional, relaxed dining experience within a Victorian walled garden. Gratte Brothers was commissioned to supply and fit the catering equipment into a brand new, purpose-built extension.
Working with Knight’s selected builder, Gratte Brothers installed a freezer, walk-in cold rooms, an all-in-one cook suite, dish-washing and drying areas, a combi oven, front of house display and all bar bottle cold storage. The running of external duct-work was sensitively installed to fit the garden environment.
The project was disrupted by major roadworks leading to the site, causing a 6-month delay to the necessary utility upgrades. Making the best of the situation, Gratte Brothers demobilised and rearranged the commissioning and training programme to be available as soon as the council would allow works to begin.
The Victorian walled garden was listed as a Finalist in Horticulture Week’s Catering Excellence Awards 2017.