Ivy House Kitchen at Groves Nurseries

Gawping koi carp, a glorious array of plants and flowers and a pergola draped with roses and wisteria will immediately lift traffic-tired spirits at Groves Nurseries before you even reach the radiant Ivy House Kitchen.

The cafe is housed in a purpose-built glass house next to borders that have been designed to inspire budding and accomplished gardeners in their own veggie patches – and the menu to demonstrate novel ways of using their harvest. Chefs serve up creative combinations, perhaps pea and rosemary soup or chicken and nasturtium salad. The jackets are quite literally hot potatoes and one of the most popular items on the menu, next to burgers, soups and creative salads, while the friendliness of the staff frequently draws praise.

Head outside to the terrace to bask in the sun or relax among the roses if the weather allows, and if yours is an afternoon stop, head down to West Bay to watch the sun dip below the horizon before heading onwards. For travellers in a hurry, The Cabin, next to Ivy House, serves take-away coffee, cake and panini.