Dobbie's garden centre has unveiled the first UK store to benefit from a massive cottage kitchen style food hall - with a further 47 planned.

The popular garden centre chain says its York store is the first to transform its food hall, with 47 more planned in the coming weeks.

Dobbies says the new foodhall reflects Dobbies' commitment to investing in the York store and responding to what local customers want. By listening to feedback from the York community, new ways were identified to improve both the food range and the overall shopping experience, the firm said.

The new foodhall at York has opened with a host of introductory offers including 30% off Farmhouse biscuits and Belgid'Or chocolates and 20% off Coolmore cakes, and favourite brands like Fever Tree, available to 31 March.

Darren Dixon, General Manager at Dobbies' York, said: "The foodhall is one of the most popular areas in the store and an important part of our garden centre experience.

"We've been working hard on the new format that's inspired by a cottage kitchen garden and brings together essentials, treats and seasonal variety through a range of both popular and new brands. We're excited to welcome customers in to see the new ranges and try them for themselves."

With more than 1,500 products, York customers will be able to pick up scones and tray bakes, as well as a host of new brands like Botham's of Whitby and Patteson's.

Sweet treats will be prominent with well-known brands like Bonbons, Lindt and Tony's Chocolonely.

Deli foods will also feature, with everything to make the perfect cheeseboard or party platter, with a new range of chilled products including cheese, deli meats, olives and dips. To accompany this, there will also be a wide selection of biscuits for cheese, sharing bags of crisps and snacks, nuts and dried fruits. The pantry section will also host foods from around the world.

There will also be premium frozen food ranges, with brands including Cook and award-winning Supper Club, and ice cream from Jude's.

The ranges of gift foods will increase with a broader selection of alcohol and premium soft drinks; everything from gin gift packs to all-natural handmade beverages from Hullabaloo.