Client: Preston Bissett Nurseries & Country Shop
Location: Buckinghamshire
Testimonial
“We absolutely love them, they have been up for 17 months now and have become firmly established in the local area as a unique and stunning destination. The uniqueness of them has provided an addition to my Garden Centre that has been received with much positivity and enjoyment. They have provided a venue to expand our evening events offerings and have been a wonderful backdrop for many special moments so far.”
Oak Richardson, Owner
The Brief
Nestled in the heart of rural Buckinghamshire, Preston Bissett Garden Centre has been a family-run business for over 30 years. Known for their extensive range of plants, professional garden design services, and charming country shop, they continually strive to grow and innovate.
In 2021, they sought to expand their offerings by opening a café that would seamlessly blend with the garden centre's natural aesthetic. The café needed to reflect the earthy tones of the plants and flowers, while also offering a unique and inviting space for visitors.
The Challenge
Preston Bissett needed a café solution that was both functional and visually striking, complementing the natural surroundings of the garden centre. The space had to be adaptable for year-round use and align with the centre’s commitment to showcasing nature. Additionally, the café space needed to offer flexibility to host a variety of events, such as workshops, weddings, and private parties.
The Design & Installation
After thorough planning, the team at Preston Bissett invested in two Big Hat Tipis in 2021, complete with panoramic windows, dual entrances, and a raised wooden base. The panoramic windows allowed natural light to flood the space and showcased the stunning outdoor views, creating a tranquil atmosphere for café visitors.
A year later, the garden centre upgraded to double panoramic windows, enhancing the light and visibility even further. This upgrade added a modern yet natural touch to the space, making it an even greater focal point of the garden centre.
In 2024, Preston Bissett further diversified its use of the tipis by introducing a Tipi Rose Garden, in partnership with David Austin Roses. They invested in a Big Hat framework set. By using the Big Hat Tipi framework, they are planning to create a stunning visual display where climbing roses will adorn the tipi structure, serving as a breath-taking centrepiece within the garden.
Theming
The tipis were thoughtfully decorated with wooden tables and chairs, mirroring the natural tones of the wooden tipi poles. To integrate the café with its surroundings, the team added vibrant plants throughout the space, extending the beauty of the garden centre into the tipi interior.
The tipis also doubles as an event space, offering an unforgettable venue for weddings, parties, workshops, and more. This versatility has opened new revenue streams for the business and elevated their customer experience.
The addition of the tipis has become a defining feature of Preston Bissett Garden Centre, attracting positive feedback from visitors and creating a unique destination in the local area.
The tipis continue to enhance Preston Bissett's business offerings, blending nature and functionality into a versatile space that serves both as a café and an event venue.
Looking to upgrade your garden centre? Contact The Tipi Company for bespoke solutions tailored to your business needs.
If you are feeling inspired and would like to discuss about adding Tipis to your offerings, contact us here. You can also download our brochure for more information.
Topics from this blog: Case Studies
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