CULINARY ARTISTS Sarah Moolla explores DINGHAMS, the Salisbury cookware store brimming over with more than just kitchen utensils P ic t u r e s by Joh n Rose
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ou don’t have to be a cook to enjoy Dinghams. In fact it might be better if you aren’t. Then the Salisbury store becomes a voyage of discovery and a treasure trail of things you didn’t know existed. This then quickly morphs into ‘things you now most definitely need.’ By the time I leave I am clutching a strawberry huller, a peppercorn funnel, four sky blue eggs cups and a microwaveable pan lid. Somehow my life now feels a little more complete. It’s taken me a while to explore the family-run shop which was established in 1982 and specialises in creative kitchenware, dining and home furnishings. There is so much to occupy the eye, your time and inspire. The whole store, from ceiling to floor, seems to fizz, bubble and pop with colour and energy. Along with everything you’d expect to find in a cookery shop such as pots, pans, mixers and mashers, there’s sales of the unexpected and culinary curios. Books, homeware, toys, kids’ kitchen sets, and even the vibrant art on the wall is for sale. There’s Nordic Sea jugs, French Grey wall clocks, vintage-style spoon rests and teapots you 32 I SALISBURY LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
will want to marry. Managing director, Becca Hardingham, explains the motivation behind creating such a shopper’s delight. “My family are keen cooks and bakers, so having that passion for both the products and for customer service, has always been at our forefront of the business. It means we can speak from experience and with passion.” Last year, the shop opened up a small but beautifully formed upstairs café – an ideal place if you need a little time to mentally sift through all those potential purchases, plus it affords you a bird’s eye view over its Market Place location. Becca says, “Opening the cafe was brilliant. We have a dedicated team who love reinventing the menu, and it’s wonderful to meet new faces and see frequent visitors. As well as offering a selection of hot and cold drinks, and sweet and savoury light bites such as Moroccan couscous salad, and homemade cakes, the café is available to book for private hire such as hen parties and birthdays.” And that’s not the only hiring service Dinghams provides, “Our cake tin and cake stand hire service is popular for those celebratory cake occasions. ” The store, which also boasts a branch
Clockwise, from below: stylish homeware section; contemporary kitchenware; managing director Becca Hardingham; the unexpected like colourful knobs; traditional products like peppermills; the light and airy top floor café