The cafe at Thornton Nursery continues to innovate and expand with new and increased outdoor seating, more choice on the menu, a new coffee machine and very competitive prices.

A perfect place to visit if you are looking for new plants or for a quick snack and drink whilst walking and cycling in the area.

Their latest menu … (17.09.25)

And next week sees the return of the popular Thursday special – Soup and a roll

But do you know the history of this wonderful, family owned nursery overlooking Thornton Reservoir

Over 60 Years and Still Growing

In 1963, John and Nita Smith began their journey on this nursery site, with John balancing part-time work as a postman to support his growing family. At the same time, he cultivated catch crops like strawberries and asparagus fern for the floristry trade. Inspired by his father, William (Bill) Smith, who had suffered a life-altering injury in 1948 after a roof collapse at the Bagworth Colliery, John chose to pursue horticulture instead of following in Bill’s footsteps to work in the mines. Bill’s injury, which left him with a broken neck, had a lasting impact, and he was determined to prevent his children from experiencing the same fate. The winding wheel, now sited on the nursery front, brought a very injured Bill to the surface after the roof collapse.

As the business grew, the nursery expanded year after year, adding more greenhouses and becoming well-known for its specialty in growing fuchsias for both wholesale and retail markets. In 1976, their son David joined the family business, helping it further evolve by growing houseplants on contract. With the opening of Thornton Reservoir to the public in the late 1980s—along with the development of the surrounding walking paths and fishing areas—the village began to attract more visitors, and the nursery’s retail area expanded. Today, over 85% of the plants sold on site are still grown here, making us one of the last remaining true nurseries in Leicestershire and the surrounding areas.

In 2001, Sue opened the nursery’s coffee shop, responding to the growing demand from walkers, cyclists, and gardening enthusiasts. It quickly became a beloved haven and remains a popular stop to this day.

The next chapter came in 2007, when Ben, David and Sue’s son, joined the family business.

Ben’s wife Sarah joined the business once again to help Sue in the running of the coffee shop in 2024 after the sudden passing of David.

Footnote:

• John has been a panelist on Radio Leicester’s gardening program, Down To Earth, since 1969 and still holds a season ticket for Leicester City, celebrating their 2015/16 Premier League Championship victory.
• David played over 350 matches for Coalville R.F.C. 1st XV before retiring due to a detached retina.
• Ben and his wife Sarah have blessed the Smith family with the next generation: Isabella Lucy, Imogen Grace, and Amelia Smith.