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The ������Ƶ’s largest garden centre chain has opened a ‘mini’ branch in central Bristol.

Dobbies' new-format store, on Whiteladies Road in Clifton, is the second Little Dobbies to open in the ������Ƶ following the launch of the company’s Edinburgh outlet in November.

The Clifton branch brings the Dobbies store estate to 70 sites.

The shop will sell a range of gardening products aimed at people living in urban areas with a compact gardening space, as well as house plants and pots, and freshly-ground takeaway coffee. There will also be a seasonal range.

Graeme Jenkins, chief executive at Dobbies, said: “This is an exciting new venture for our team, as we expand our little dobbies offering into Bristol.

“The store features gardening essentials for urban residents and showcases some of the extensive ranges available at our larger stores and online.

“We hope that residents in Clifton enjoy shopping at Little Dobbies. I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to the project.”

Earlier this month, Dobbies chairman Andrew Bracey said the company had a “clear strategy” for growth.

“We are encouraged by the progress [we have] made, he said. “The business has continued to demonstrate its resilience as we navigate the challenges of Covid-19.”

Dobbies, which was founded in 1865, acquired 31 new stores in the last financial year and its sales increased 51% to £252m, the company’s latest annual result show.

The company, which is privately owned by Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital, employs 4,000 people around the ������Ƶ.

Mr Jenkins, added: “During [the last financial year] Dobbies delivered a robust performance through a period of significant change.

“I would like to thank all of our team members for their support and commitment. In line with our strategy, we are continuing to grow and invest in Dobbies. This includes in our garden centre network, our customer offer and our team.”