The Kitchen Range Cookshop on Church Street has been a Harborough destination for nearly 30 years, with their sister store, Polkadot, joining over the road seven years ago. Late last year, Andy Johnston, along with daughters Jade and Ella, saw an opportunity to expand the shop, bring both businesses together, and reinstate a part of Harborough history.
‘Mawer & Saunders (a department store) operated from the joint premises on Church Street and Church Square,’ says Jade. ‘When Coleman’s on Church Street closed, we saw the opportunity to expand our business and have both shops under one roof.’ For residents and shoppers not old enough to remember the layout of the old building, it has been a bit of a surprise to see how both shops have fitted back together. ‘There was a wall at the back of the shops connecting the two buildings,’ explains Jade. ‘So, it was just a case of knocking a wall down and putting in some steps to join the two shops again. That makes it sound easy, but it has taken a lot of hours of hard work!’ That hard work has certainly paid off. The shop has opened up to give both the cards and gifts of Polkadot and the incredible range of kitchen and cookware, room to be full appreciated. ‘We have seen so many benefits from expanding the shop,’ says Jade. ‘We have a high street presence, all our products are under one roof, we are able to expand our product ranges and there is lots more space for customers to browse.’ With so many ranges on offer to customers, do Andy, Jade and Ella have their favourites? ‘Our fantastic range of glasses,’ says Andy. ‘Wine, beer, cocktail, shot, brandy, whiskey – you name it we have it!’ ‘Le Creuset toughened non-stick cookware,’ says Jade. ‘The best, non-stick pans you can buy and we have such an extensive range, I wouldn’t be without mine!’ ‘Rosie Made a Thing cards, as they always make our customers giggle,’ says Jade. ‘And Jellycat soft toys!’ Andy, Jade and Ella will be celebrating the renovation with a special event on Saturday 15th April. Keith Brymer Jones from The Great Pottery Throw Down will be throwing pottery in store live from 10am, and Rosie from Rosie Made a Thing cards will be in store doing a meet and greet from 11am to 1pm. With their 30th anniversary coming up in 2024, The Kitchen Range Cookshop is one of Harborough’s longest-serving businesses, but the team haven’t lost their enthusiasm for the town. ‘The three of us are all Harborough born and bred, and we have seen how the town has changed over the years,’ says Jade. ‘With so many vibrant independent shops and a good mix of high street brands, we feel very lucky to be part of such a thriving town.’ The Kitchen Range Cookshop is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am – 5pm. 22 Church Street and 2 Church Square. |