Winter wonderland garden centre opening dining globes at festive food market

A garden centre known for its lavish Christmas displays is getting set to open its popular Winter Food Market which will see the return of its popular dining globes.

The domes first launched last year at Bents Garden & Home in Glazebury, near Wigan, and they're returning from next month.

Tickets have now gone on sale for the globes, which you can hire for £20, giving you a private space to dine and seat up to six people.

Given how busy the place gets as we head towards the festive season, last year's proved popular with groups and families wanting their own guaranteed space, which is also dog-friendly to give pets a bit more peace.

The heated domes, based just outside the Open Skies Glasshouse which hosts the market, have a zip-up door to keep warm inside and you get blankets included.

It isn't table service, so you need to head out to the food stalls, which sell a range of seasonal food from sizzling sausages cooked on Bents’ Bavarian-style swinging grill, Yorkshire Pudding Wraps and loaded fries to sweet crepes, crumble and so much more.

The iconic Airstream trailers will also be there, serving up traditional fish and chips and stone baked pizzas, freshly prepared to order.

Each of the six pods includes heating and lighting as well as a bluetooth speaker and throws to give some added comfort. In the centre of each table is a mini bauble Christmas tree.

A spokesperson for Bents said: "The festive season has a flavour all of its own and there's no better place to savour it than at Bents Garden & Home. Whether you're planning a festive lunch, meeting friends for an evening catch-up or making a day of your Christmas visit, Bents has got a choice of dining destinations perfect for any occasion.

"Filled with festive flavours, cosy corners and the unmistakable buzz of the season, Bents Winter Food Market captures all the charm of a traditional Christmas market whilst being perfectly positioned in the welcoming shelter of its Open Skies Glass House."

Globes will be available while the Winter Food Festival is running, from October 7 to December 24. There'll be live entertainment Wednesday to Saturday evening from November 9 to December 19.

Bents is also launching a new Aladdin-themed Winter Light Trail this festive season. The Magic Lamp in the Hidden Garden event will run from November 20 to December 30.

Dining globes can be booked on the website here, with diners getting their dome for 90 minutes.