Soft play at Dobbies in Gillingham closed for refurbishment

A popular children's play area and restaurant at a garden centre has temporarily closed for refurbishment.

The soft play section and diner at Dobbies in Gillingham is expected to fully re-open by the end of next month.

But pre-booked children's parties will be honoured while the work is being done, but new bookings cannot be made until Friday, October 21.

Hot drinks will be available from a mobile unit in the plant area of the store in Courteney Road.

The revamp will provide more seating and table service in the adjoining restaurant, popular with customers who do their weekly shop at the nearby 24-hour Tesco supermarket.

It also offers traditional afternoon teas and a vegan menu.

Most of the plant area is undercover, allowing shoppers to pick up items for the garden all year round, from winter flowering hanging baskets to spring bulbs and shrubs.

It has an aquatics and homeware department, food hall selling products from local suppliers and fresh meats from Kent-based butchers, Brogdale's and deli.

There's also a Christmas shop selling lights, decorations and trees.

Tracey Dunlop from the customer services department said it was hoped the revamp would be complete by just after mid-October.