Nichol's Garden & Pet Centre, & Cafe, Invercargill

Garden center staff were great and the two stars is for them and ONLY for them for being so helpful. I would only ever come back to the garden center in future if at all. However the three different times I've been to the cafe, I was served at the counter by the same middle aged woman in the most rudest manner with hardly any eye contact, no smile, and I would go as far as to say I was treated with open hostility at my last visit. When I asked about gluten free food in my last visit (I didn't at the first two), she told me nothing is gluten free (obvious lies given the labels on the food in the cabinet if you haven't figured it out yet). I usually give people the benefit of doubt, assuming they are having a shit day, etc, but after three visits and observing the same attitude only to myself and not to the other customers before or after me, it was obviously that "people like me" (interpret that how you will) are not welcome here. I had my little toddlers with me each time as well and was horrified at how blatant the racism was the third time around. I'll be supporting every other local business except Nichols Cafe.

Great environment to meet up for a morning catch-up and Sunday lunches. The food is great, vegetarian potato bake and pasta comfort food options would be a bonus. I noted they offered an excellent range of gluten-free options. Service and environment were perfect.