Annual revamp at The Garlic Tree

It has become something of an annual event, as The Garlic Tree is stripped down and reassembled for another 12 months. Back in June 2016 I welcomed in a new layout in the grand manner with the finale to The Chemist, the Cat and the Time Machine adventure, following a 10 week odyssey.

I can't offer anything as impressive this time around, but I have done my best to take my restaurant to the next level. So here is the latest carnation of The Garlic Tree, following an expansion to 26x29:

The Garlic Tree after expansion and refurbishment

The overarching structure and format is maintained with four core areas - the main section, kitchen, foyer and outdoor setting - all holding their slots. But I have rejigged things, and have introduced a fifth zone which is intended to be a permanent inclusion.

But before I start a self-indulgent tour of the place, a brief word or two is needed on my expansion. My goodness was it expensive! The 26x29 step came with a 22.5 million coin price tag, and so initiating the expansion was not an act I took lightly! I was somewhat relieved to find that the next three expansions all come at a flat 25 million, although that is still a number to make me nauseous! I count myself fortunate to have maxed out on the expansions shortly before Storm8 started adding new ones in 2015, since I doubt I'll ever do so again.

Anyway, let's kick-start that tour in the entrance garden.

Entrance garden and foyer at The Garlic Tree

The what?! Up until now the punters have always entered straight into the foyer section at my diner, but that has all changed. Instead an outdoor scene is where the bots start, and they have to snake their way past the Spanish Fountain and along a Stepping Stone path to get to the restaurant itself. One of the big benefits of this change is that it reduced the number of traffic jams involving customers bashing their big heads into one another when the host stand is close to the door. But it's also just nice to have them taking in some fresh air.

However the air isn't that fresh - it's filled with the smell of Action Chef Lee's barbecue, which is sizzling away. His BBQ Island is teeming with mouthwatering grub, and visitors are encouraged to come and sit at the Hightop Seating Area, where they can grab something from the Patio Drink Cart.

Alternatively they can buy everything they need for a good old picnic from the Jam Stand and Produce Stand. And who else to look after these stalls than the Lake Fisher and Playful Parasol! Their relationship continues to go from strength to strength - they've been together since Valentine's Day and are now going into business together! Their dogs - the Lake Dog and Frisbee Dog - are getting along great too, and are keeping an eye on the Produce Stand.

 Previous refurbishment posts

 04/06/16 The Chemist, Cat and Time Machine Finale
 21/03/15 The Garlic Tree replanted
 15/03/14 Expanding into the garden

 13/04/13 The Garlic Tree refurbished

Once into The Garlic Tree, you'll find My Fair Gran-Gran running the show, as ever. Her elegant pink outfit never changes, but her host stand has! A Cash Register is now installed so that I can monitor every last coin that comes in, and Gran-Gran is able to stand behind a row of Barista Counters. This is more like a proper reception now, with the Slate Fireplace (which was my big purchase for the previous refurbishment) maintaining its place as a spot for bots to wait for a table.

Once into the main section, you'll be met with familiarity, headlined by the four-pillar centrepiece which will never ever be removed. I did fancy changing up the tables and chairs in use, as well as the flooring, but couldn't find anything that did as good a job as the Flamenco Table, Bombay Chairs and Rustic Italian floor tiles at conveying a high end feel. The Crooner continues to croon alongside the Grand Piano and Elegant Harp, while the Fancy Waiter, Fancy Waitress and bloke with the Treat Trolley are still providing the service for every sitting. The only real addition are the Flamenco Dancers, who blend into the surroundings seamlessly and bring the String Quartet's music to life.

And just in behind them is a small but significant new section.

Bar section and kitchen at The Garlic Tree

The Fine Drinking Station has been a favourite item of mine ever since it was released as the final prize in the high end dining goals last May. Until to this point the only time I managed to incorporate it was at Christmas, but now it is a permanent fixture. It's part of a VIP area of sorts, with only loyal customers such as the Lounge Lizard invited. His chum, the Pool Shark, is also in attendance to partner him at the Pool Table. A big part of this section is the Red Carpet - it brings a touch of class which may otherwise not have been possible.

Accessible from behind the bar is the kitchen. But what is this 4x4 giant standing tall in the corner? None other than the Swedish Kitchen, returning after a hiatus of over two years! It was a tough decision at the time to push the Swedes into storage, but a much easier one now to bring them back. They have the best view of all the goings-on in the kitchen, where the Chic Chef and Manager Phoebe are in charge of keeping the ship afloat. The Ticket Station also returns to provide some much needed order, while long-standing staff members including the Classic Chef, 50's Chef and Busboy have signed new contracts.

Beyond this my restaurant features a number of themed sections branching off the main area. For now they include pizza, classroom, sport and saloon themes, all of which have been seen before at The Garlic Tree. But there is one new area being premiered.

Swimming pool at The Garlic Tree

The pool zone is an expansive space where a swimming pool offers the bots an opportunity to cool off on those hot summer days. So dump your regular clothes in the Lockers and climb up the Water Slide. Otherwise you can be a Floaty Kid or just enjoy some sunshine from the comfort of the Cruise Deck Chairs (complete with Beach Parasol for if the heat all gets too much!) Just don't go for any beverages from the Cruise Ship Bar - the Mad Scientist's cocktails are not to be trusted!

With or without a scientifically altered cocktail, relaxation cannot be guaranteed here because you never know when some rowdy Tubers will descend upon the pool. In this case the Lifeguard is stepping in to slow up these overeager kids, although the use of the whistle may be a direct response to the Loch Ness Decor lurking in the water...

So that does it. My once a year refresh is complete, and will take a little getting used to. But it won't be long before it all gets ripped up again, as I countdown to a very special event, to which all of you are invited. Keep a lookout over the next month or so for more on that!