19 minute read
HOME & GARDENS
A new look Coopers
As part of an ongoing transformation coupled with an exclusive Premio Partner status with SMEG, one of Bath’s favourite businesses has unveiled a shiny new showroom featuring one of the largest ranges of the luxury manufacturer’s appliances on display in the UK. We chat to Coopers’ Darrin Christan about all things retail
The man in the control centre of Coopers home appliances in Walcot Street is someone who knows the business well. Inside out, in fact. His name is Darrin Christan. He started his Coopers life over 20 years ago, taking on a part-time job delivering and installing appliances. He quickly moved into the store and found his passion for sales. He then worked his way up within the business, learning different skills, from HR to procurement all the way through to management. His experience in these roles gave him a fantastic understanding of the business, the changing marketplace, and how to best to fulfil customers’ wants and expectations. In 2019 he finally realised his dream and purchased the business.
COVID coming along so soon after buying the business must have felt like a major blow for Darrin, but he is philosophical: “We very quickly had to adapt, and I was amazed to see how supportive and understanding our customers were. The one big trend that I have seen is how the public wants to support independent businesses and shop locally. We moved swiftly and put measures in place to protect our staff and customers while continuing to supply all the essential appliance needs.”
There have also been changes afoot over lockdown, as anyone walking past the store will know, having seen a regular bustle of workmen and dustsheets and floors being laid and new appliances being installed.
“While the store was closed, we took the opportunity to start the first stage of our extensive refurb. Something that would have been very hard, if not impossible to do while being open. Covid helped focus our thoughts and efforts and, if anything, we have come out stronger,” says Darrin.
“When I took over the business I did so with the intention of completely reinventing how we traded. I could see that the future of retail was changing, and I was genuinely excited and wanted to be part of it. My plan is to create a true destination store for the region. Concentrating on fewer brands and creating a real experience for our customers. Just seeing the appliances isn’t good enough. I want somewhere where you can actually interact with the appliances.
“One of the most tactile brands out there is Smeg, and they were always the first on the list of manufacturers I wanted to work with. You need to see the Smeg appliances up close and personal to really appreciate the curves of the retro refrigeration, or the effortless touch control interface of the Dolce Stil Nova ovens, or the solidity and build quality of the Portofino range cookers.”
So after months of designs and COVID delays the new Coopers now presents a first for the business, a ‘store in store’ showroom, unveiled just two days before reopening after lockdown three, and this is just stage one of the overall vision.
Darrin is brimming with enthusiasm about the latest appliances with wow factor. “Appliances are becoming smart! Being able to connect your built-in coffee machine to your phone may sound strange but it’s a godsend on a cold morning, having the ability to order your perfect coffee from the comfort of your bed! Or when you find yourself walking around Waitrose not sure if you’ve got all the ingredients at home in the fridge you need for supper. Simple, buy a fridge with a camera inside so you can see on your smartphone exactly what you’ve got at home. Or keep it simple and add a splash of colour with the new rose gold finish of small appliances from Smeg.”
Coopers are working very closely with a number of premium brands, including Fisher Paykel, Liebherr, Lacanche, Rangemaster, Ilve, Smeg, Quooker, Neff, Bosch and Siemens, just to mention a few. Over the coming months, the business is planning to expand the displays to create an immersive destination store where the appliances will be in demonstration mode or even live. And soon they will be hosting cookery demos where you can experience and taste the benefits of things like combination steam ovens and sous-vide cooking, a cooking technique that utilises precise temperature control to deliver consistent, restaurant-quality results.
“This is the future of retail. We don’t want to just show you boxes on the shop floor. We want to show you how they work, we want to show you that your favorite Le Creuset Casserole dish will fit in the Fisher & Paykel Dishdrawer or just how easy the Miele auto-dosing washing machines are to use,” enthuses Darrin.
Anyone who has purchased appliances from Coopers will know that it’s a relief to deal with people that care and take the time to advise you on your purchase and to deliver and install it with that personal touch, something that is sadly lacking when you buy online.
“The key thing we offer over online retailers is a true customer experience,” says Darrin. “From being able to touch and feel the appliances through to the right expert advice to make an informed decision. We constantly have customers who have made online purchases from our competitors just to find that what turns up isn’t what they wanted. It isn’t quite the right colour or it’s just too big or too small. A computer monitor won’t ever replace standing in front of the machine to really understand the size, colour, or feel of the controls. We offer competitive and simple pricing without the hidden add-ons that you commonly find with our online competitors.”
After the last year where retailers had to close their doors, people’s shopping habits have changed by necessity and Darrin understands that all retailers will need to work hard to get people back into the shops. It seems he is going the right way about it, offering welldesigned spaces with carefully considered displays.
“We are well underway into transforming the shop space to be fit for the new era of the high street.” n
The eco-friendly log cabin offers guests a unique countryside escape
Log cabin getaway
Do you have spare land in your garden? Then you can build a dreamy log cabin and make it into a source of income. This eco-friendly cabin by Garden Affairs provides a stylish holiday destination in Wales
An outdoor garden building can be used to extend your living space, creating a studio or garden room, but it can also be self-contained and provide a source of income. Rose wanted to create a holiday let business in her countryside Welsh home, which had land and breathtaking views of rolling hills and valleys, but no spare indoor space. A beautifully crafted timber log cabin from Garden Affairs was the inspired solution. A stand-alone building such as this would make an idyllic countryside hub for guests to enjoy nature, go on countryside walks and bike rides, or just relax and soak in the views.
The result was Rose Lodge –now up and running as a holiday let in the Radnorshire hills, offering guests a unique countryside escape in an eco-friendly log cabin, including kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Rose explains, “We looked around and saw that Garden Affairs produced the very model we were looking for, at an affordable price and the flexibility we needed. They were pragmatic and took a helpful approach to our needs and pocket. And they had an extensive knowledge of the product.”
The team at Garden Affairs set to work to deliver the vision, aware that special care was needed to make sure the building complemented the tranquil countryside around it. The 4 x 8.5m log cabin is made of natural, sustainable materials and with its earthy colours and textures, it blends seamlessly into the natural environment. The cabin was a very suitable choice for the Airbnb business that is now established there. It was quick and easy to assemble, reasonably priced and the additional porch gives a subtle nod to the natural architectural grandeur of the surrounding landscape.
Inside the cabin, the look is bright, airy and contemporary, in large part due to Rose’s exquisite taste and styling, and the generous windows and glass doors which bring the drama and delight of the outdoors into the living space. The feature beams add a cool, chalet-style feel to the building, a blue kitchen adds a splash of colour, and thoughtfully placed furniture helps create a warm, practical environment for guests.
As well as feeling invigorated by nature, guests will also sleep in the double bed sound in the knowledge that the building is made from sustainably sourced timber, making it an eco-friendly alternative to other types of holiday accommodation. Its extra-thick, 70mm wooden walls will also guarantee comfort. Timber is breathable –no mustiness or condensation – and it’s a natural insulator, so guests will stay warm in winter and cool during the summer months.
Rose Lodge now occupies a unique and enviable position in the Welsh valleys. Its tranquility, comfort and outlook are sure to make it a go-to destination for leisureseekers wanting to relax, re-energise and get away from it all.
“I love the look and feel of it,” says Rose, “and the way it has become a part of our garden. It stands there like a good, solid friend.” n
Book your luxury stay in this destination in Radnorshire hills by searching AirBnb 39266977 in your internet browser. Enquire about log cabin options at Garden Affairs Garden Centre, 288 Frome Road, Trowbridge BA14 0DT; 01225 774566; gardenaffairs.co.uk
Summer Party
Field, beach, riverbank, or even in your own back garden, go for a stylish summer sundowner
TAKE COVER IN STYLE A shelter for all seasons
The four-sided very popular Crete gazebo is flexible, in a range of sizes from a petite 1.8m square to a showcase 4.2 x 6m. This multi-tasking gazebo range takes you from a hot-tub shelter to a restaurant terrace via every possible use in between. Choose from felt tiles, cedar shingles or slate effect roofing. Choose to add solid sides, balustrades, or open sides to create the style you dream of. Paint the sustainable timber any colour you like for the perfect look. Visit: gardenaffairs.co.uk
PICNIC BLANKETS By the Natural Blanket Company
A luxury picnic rug is perfect for a day out at the beach, a concert in the park or just picnicking in your back lawn. This pure wool blanket will also protect you from damp ground with its durable waterproof backing. With real leather carry straps it makes a great gift that will be a pleasure to sit on for years to come. Choose from a variety of colours and designs, 145cm x 183cm, Made in Britain. £120. See the range at: thenaturalblanket.co.uk
LIGHTING FOR FUN Fiesta Festoon lights
Add these fiesta festoon lights to the top of your garden party list. A 7.25m string (with a 5m lead-up from transformer) of 30 multi-coloured bulbs have a deep intense colour in the darkness that’s sure to liven up your indoor or outdoor space. Lightweight, safe LEDs and durable so they’ll survive blustery days and are oh so easy to hang in your home. £33.99. Order from
lights4fun.co.uk FIREBOWL COOKERY Gather around the Kadai
Original Kadais are up to 100 years old. Each one completely unique with a rich heritage from years of use as cooking bowls at weddings and festivals across India. Hand-picked in Rajasthan and available in sizes from 60cm – 170cm diameter. The Kadai can be raised to the perfect cooking height with a handmade iron stand or can be used as an impressive fire bowl to enjoy evenings under the stars throughout the year. The Boniti showroom on the A46 has an impressive selection of Kadais and accessories. Order from boniti.co.uk
EXTREME LOUNGING Outdoor, indoor weatherproof bean bag
Engineered to defeat the elements, the Outdoor B-bag by this fabulous Brit brand takes lounging to new places and extremes. All eleven fabric colours are fade-resistant even in direct sunlight. Plus the tough and waterproof fabric of the outdoor bean bags is double-stitched for extra durability. Available in Mini, Mighty and Monster sizes, the Extreme Lounging bean bag collection can be found in Bath at TR Hayes.
trhayes.co.uk
SCATTER CUSHIONS Evie Stripe Outdoor Cushion
Take your Neptune cushions outside. Evie is made from a showerproof and highly lightfast polyester fabric featuring a ‘Nanoblock’ fluorocarbon treatment, so it won’t fade in the sun or grow mouldy over time. Most of all it looks great and very comfy too. Shown here in Burnt Sienna and Flax Blue, 45cms x 45cms, £90 each. Order from
Neptune.co.uk
Fresh organic Rainbow Swiss Chard
Plants with superpowers
As we look forward to warmer months ahead, Elly West shares how gardening and what we grow in our gardens can make a world of difference to our mental and physical health
Now that we’re finally emerging from the third and hopefully final lockdown, looking to the future with an end to the pandemic firmly in sight, we may well be thinking about what we have learned over the past year. The value of good health and mental well-being has never been so apparent –and gardening has long-proven health benefits.
Our garden layout, the plants we choose and the physical act of tending our outdoor space can all contribute to enhancing mood, lowering stress levels, encouraging relaxation and promoting happiness. So if 2020 made you appreciate the importance of a healthier and happier life, then the garden is a great starting point.
If you don’t already have a vegetable plot, then this could be the spring that you decide to grow your own produce, even if it’s just some salad leaves, herbs or cherry tomatoes in a pot. Consider making room for fruits and vegetables that will actively boost your health. Growing your own will save you money and if you choose organic methods then you can be sure your food is chemical and pesticide-free. Freshly picked crops also have more vitamins and minerals than those from a supermarket shelf –and children are more likely to eat fruit and vegetables that they have had a hand in growing.
Easy-to-grow ‘superfoods’ – those that are bursting with nutrients –include artichoke, kale, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, chard and beetroot. Leafy greens in particular are rich in prebiotics, vitamins and antioxidants. Most are easy to grow from seed and tend to be shallow-rooted crops that don't need an extremely rich soil, so are easy to grow in an average border. They do need plenty of water though, as well as good levels of sunlight.
Spinach beet, also known as perpetual spinach, is an ideal starter crop as it can be sown from early February right through to the end of August for crops from May to October. The bright green leaves can be eaten in salads or cooked in the same way as regular spinach, and it’s packed with calcium, magnesium and vitamins E and K. It’s also a great source of dietary fibre. Curly kale has a long cropping season that can extend right through the winter, and has the added bonus of ornamental appeal with its red-purple frilly foliage. It’s happy in shade and is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium.
If you are short on space, you can always mix edibles in with your ornamental plants. Globe artichokes look fantastic at the back of a border with their large thistle-like heads and architectural leaves. Colourful chard is another vegetable that can hold its own in the flower border with its vivid stems and leaves. Try the variety ‘Bright Lights’ for stems in yellow, orange, pink, purple, green, white and red.
A resolution on my list this year is to get more sleep. Quality sleep is vital for good health, both physical and mental. Lack of it negatively affects our concentration and memory; can contribute to depression and anxiety; and also lowers our immune system, making us more likely to contract infections. Gardening is all about fresh air and exercise, so can improve our sleep by making us physically tired. Being exposed to natural light as much as possible also helps regulate our internal body clocks. Gardening reduces stress levels, helping us to wind down – all conducive to a good eight-hours of shut eye. And, if you want to grow crops that will help you rest, then try tomatoes, walnuts, cherries, broccoli and strawberries, as they contain melatonin –the natural sleep hormone.
Another way to get a good night's sleep is to ditch the caffeine and drink home-made herbal teas instead. Chamomile tea in particular is well-known for its calming properties, also helping with nerves and anxiety. The scent of lavender is also said to aid restfulness, so place lavender bags under your pillow or in with your stored sheets and pillow cases.
Many garden herbs have other healing benefits as well. Rosemary is an attractive evergreen shrub that works well in mixed borders, a herb garden or pots, and contains healthy antioxidants. A tea made from its leaves may help boost mood, enhance alertness and memory. Mint tea is good for digestion and mint is very easy to grow. Grow it in pots or a separate bed in the garden though, as it tends to run rampant and can become invasive.
The bark, leaves and sap of witch hazel are well-known for their astringent, anti-inflammatory healing properties, and are used in cosmetic and skincare products worldwide. Widely available in chemists, you can also make your own soothing tincture by boiling chopped twigs and scraped bark in water for half an hour or so, then straining into a jar. Keep it in the fridge and use within a few days.
Think about the layout of your garden as well, to ensure it’s a space for calm, quiet contemplation, where you can relax and feel at one with nature. Include peaceful and secluded seating areas, harmonious colour schemes and sensory plants that offer scent and texture, as well as colour and form. Consider screening eyesores with trellis or planting, and masking noise pollution with the calming sounds of a water feature. Summer is on its way and our gardens are definitely calling us to get outside and appreciate the great outdoors. ■ • ellyswellies.co.uk; Instagram: @ellyswellies1
Plant of the month: Wisteria
Scent is a vital element in a garden, and May brings the sweet aroma of wisteria, which can be seen flowering in all its splendour this month. This coveted plant produces distinctive long racemes of purple or white flowers in abundance, wafting their fragrance and attracting bees and other pollinators. Wisteria grows large and needs a strong support, which is why it is often grown on the front of a house where it has room to spread, or over a large arch or pergola. Plants like full sun and grow quickly. The twining tendrils can get under tiles and into roof spaces, so keep an eye out and make sure you prune them regularly, both for the best flowering performance and to keep them under control.
Prune twice a year, shortening the long whippy growth at the end of the summer to about 30cm from the main stem, then in February cut these back again to short flowering spurs about 10cm long.
Create space with a garden room
GARDEN OFFICES • LOG CABINS • STUDIOS • SUMMERHOUSES POSH SHEDS • TIMBER GARAGES • OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES 01225 774566 • www.gardenaffairs.co.uk
MARDAN, BATH’S BESPOKE REMOVALS AND STORAGE COMPANY, DEVELOPS NEW TALENT
Mardan have a wealth of experience within the removals and storage industry, spanning over 30 years, ensuring customers have a stress-free and seamless move. Mardan are family run and bespoke with the experience, knowledge, skills, equipment and capacity to complete removals of any size; locally, nationally for domestic or commercial customers.
Marcus, Mardan’s founder, has always held fast, with confidence, to his belief that he can deliver a high standard of removals, exceeding that of his competitors. Marcus knows to do this he must have trust and confidence in the skills of his staff, which he does. So when a new office position was required within Mardan instead of recruiting externally Marcus looked to develop a team member which he already had extreme confidence in and who he knew would develop into the role seamlessly, Nik. The role would include; liaising with customers, completing quotes, emailing quotes, planning the removals diary, logistics and managing the storage yard. Nik, had worked with Marcus within removals for over 10 years having a strong knowledge of all aspects of removals and with the skills necessary to lead a team from Mardan on removals. Nik has risen to the challenge and is thriving. Marcus and Nik work extremely well as a team thus ensuring all customers have a personalised service and a positive move experience. Both Marcus and Nik enjoy completing the physical removal and Marcus truly believes that to do the ‘office’ role well it’s important to continue to complete removals, thus maintaining the in depth knowledge developed throughout their earlier careers. Marcus and Nik are able to be flexible with their roles and keep their ‘hand in’ the hard physical work of removals.
Mardan continue to grow their self-storage facility, offering safe, secure and reasonable storage to upward of 100 domestic and commercial customers.
“We used Mardan following a recommendation from a friend. They moved us in and out of storage and then into our renovated house. I would highly recommend them. The service was super efficient and the guys were quick, polite and courteous. Nothing was too much trouble and all of our possessions arrived safe and sound”
Emma Webster, Moon Client
Mob: 07899 847857 Tel: 01225 317645 www.mardanremovals.co.uk
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL MOVERS • packers • STORERS • SHIPPERS
Bailbrook Lane, Bath A stunning development of two individual, contemporary, luxury homes in a secluded setting with magnificent views.
