Aberdeen’s Dobbies garden centre on Lang Stracht has launched a redesigned foodhall just one month after its retail partnership with Waitrose came to a close, replacing the former grocery concession with a premium food offering built around more than 2,000 product lines.
The Aberdeen branch is among the first of Dobbies’ 47 UK stores to adopt the new format, which the company describes as a cottage kitchen garden concept. The development was informed by community feedback and analysis of local shopper preferences.
Waitrose, which is owned by the John Lewis Partnership, entered a supply agreement with Dobbies in 2022, bringing its grocery range into 50 of the chain’s stores. The Aberdeen location joined that arrangement the following year. However, last month the two companies confirmed the partnership had come to an end “by mutual agreement.”
In response, Dobbies moved swiftly to reimagine the space, announcing plans to create “a new concept that brings together treats and seasonal variety.” The new foodhall represents the retailer’s answer to that brief, with a focus on artisan, premium, and speciality food products rather than everyday grocery staples.
The revamped space includes a butcher counter, deli foods, a pantry section, and a savoury snacks range. Shoppers can browse traditional products such as scones and tray bakes alongside newer brands including Botham’s of Whitby and Patteson’s. Confectionery options span Bonbons, Lindt, and Tony’s Chocolonely, while the premium frozen food range features Cook, FieldGoods, and Supper Club.
Among the more eye-catching additions is a product range from Diddly Squat Farm — the brand made famous by Jeremy Clarkson’s television series — which is expected to attract significant customer interest. In total, the foodhall is set to house over 2,000 products across its various categories.
Yvonne Bernard, General Manager at Dobbies’ Aberdeen, said: “The foodhall is one of the most popular areas in the store and an important part of our garden centre experience.
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“We’ve been working hard on the new format that’s inspired by a cottage kitchen garden.
“We’re excited to welcome customers in to see the new ranges and try them for themselves.”
The relaunch positions Dobbies Aberdeen as a destination for speciality food shoppers, arriving at a time when the city’s retail food landscape continues to evolve following the loss of the Waitrose concession.
