Bents Garden & Home has been crowned Best Destination Garden Centre in the North West at this year's Garden Centre Association (GCA) regional awards, providing the perfect start to a landmark year as the family business prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2027.
Founded in 1937, Bents has grown from Alfred and Margaret Bent selling roses from their front garden, just yards from the Centre's current location in Glazebury, into one of the UK's leading destination garden centres. The latest accolade recognises the continued commitment to quality, innovation and customer experience that has been at the heart of the business for almost nine decades.
The regional title follows the GCA's rigorous annual inspection programme, during which member garden centres are independently assessed across every aspect of their business. From plant quality and visual merchandising to customer service, catering and innovation, every department is judged against the highest industry standards.
Following an unannounced inspection, Bents achieved one of the highest scores in the country, securing the title of Best Destination Garden Centre in the North, along with regional awards for Customer Service, Indoor Plant Retailer, Indoor Lifestyle Retailer, Outdoor Living Retailer, Catering Excellence, Garden Construction, Barton Grange Trophy, Environment & Sustainability and Best Food Hall.
Matthew Bent, Managing Director of Bents Garden & Home, said: "To receive this recognition from the Garden Centre Association is a fantastic achievement and one we're incredibly proud of, particularly as we prepare to celebrate our 90th anniversary next year.
"This award reflects the passion, commitment and expertise of every one of our colleagues. They work tirelessly to create an exceptional experience for our customers every day, and this recognition is a testament to their dedication. I'd like to thank every member of the team for the part they've played in this success."
The GCA awards are regarded as one of the industry's most respected benchmarks of excellence. Rather than entering individual categories, member garden centres are assessed through independent, unannounced inspections, ensuring the awards recognise consistently high standards across every area of the business.