I’m back visiting Lee Rowan’s Gardenworld, but this time the Warners Bay store. It feels more established and compact compared to the Ourimbah outlet, but the stock looks the same (or thereabouts). If you’re not here for the plants, then wander the gift shop for garden ornaments, homeware, wallets, costume jewellery, and gardening implements. The Gardenia Cafe shares the same building as the gift store, with tables spilling out into a small courtyard overlooking the nursery. If you prefer to stay indoors, the high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows gives the cafe an airy feel. The single serve scone is definitely made to order, and arrives crisp and out-of-the-oven fresh. The strawberry jam is better than average, and the cream is impressive; slightly sweet and thickly whipped. My tea arrives promptly and before my scone, unlike the sister cafe in Ourimbah.

Scones: 

Jam: 

Cream: 

Tea: A small range of loose-leaf tea served in a plunger pot.

Price: $$

Overall: A basic and small range of loose-leaf tea served in a plunger pot.

Location: Lee Rowan’s Gardenworld, 381 Hillsborough Rd, Warners Bay NSW 2282
Ph: 02 4954 6999 leerowans.com.au
Reviewed in April, 2017