DESIGN INSPIRED BY INNOVATION…
Gail Bailey visits Markham Webber Designs in Clitheroe to see the transformation of their new kitchen showroom on their official launch day. Photography: Rebecca Bridges
Markham Webber Design have officially arrived in Clitheroe since taking over J&S Kitchens seven months ago. The showroom has benefited enormously from significant investment and complete refurbishment, and this was showcased for all to see at a special promotional open day.
David and Jane Brunt of Markham Webber Designs, who also have a showroom in Wilmslow, were in attendance all day to greet customers both old and new and were delighted with the numbers of people who came along, as Jane explains: “It has been a pleasure to see everyone enjoying drinks and canapes, having the opportunity to watch the rolling cookery demonstrations by Neff appliances and to sample a fabulous selection of wines courtesy of Byrnes Wines Clitheroe – the whole day has been really interactive with everyone getting involved.”
Jeremy Bernstein, also of Markham Webber Design, who has been central to the transformation of the showroom, was equally delighted with how well the opening event went: “We’ve been very happy with the launch day and it has mirrored the smooth transition from J&S Kitchens to Markham Webber, with the whole team working so well and moving forward together.”
Talented chef Stephen Naghi from Neff was certainly kept busy from the minute the doors opened and customers were engrossed with his display of culinary expertise along with his vast knowledge of the state-of-the-art appliances. Stephen’s enthusiasm for his cooking and the equipment was clear to see: “There was a continuous flow of questions from the audience, which made it really enjoyable for me too. Everyone wanted to know more about the recipes and how these were made so much easier by the many different modern cookery options the appliances provide.”
Stephen used a Neff combi microwave and an oven housing the slide and hide, a favourite of Mary Berry’s as featured on TV’s the Great British Bake Off. Another key feature is the added benefit that there is no need to pre-heat the oven which meant Stephen could make a gammon joint and roast potatoes in just 38 minutes – something which would generally take nearer 90, and as Stephen says: “Why waste all that extra time and money cooking when you don’t have to, that time is much better spent around the table with family and friends.”
Chocolate cake drizzled with chocolate sauce and a variety of cookies complemented the demonstration along with the opportunity to show customers the mouth-watering colours that can be achieved when cooking certain foods.
He was also able to explain the added benefit of the warming drawer that he used as a slow cooker and was quick to point out that some of those watching, who already had the appliance were eager to share their positive experience with those perhaps undecided – making his job easier!
Along with fabulous food there was of course fabulous wine supplied by Byrnes, six in total comprising a summery rosé, two wines that had won the accolade of ‘Wine of the Year’, two Lebanese wines for those who hadn’t had the chance to try wines from this region, along with a sweet Chilean wine which Mathew Fleming of Byrnes hoped might convert those who tend to stay away from a sweeter wine. Customers enjoyed chatting to Mathew whilst sampling the wines and enjoying strawberries befitting of a Wimbledon weekend.
To conclude the day there was also a fantastic prize draw along with the offer of a complimentary Quooker hot tap with each order generated from the open day.
David declared the day a success and wanted to pay a special tribute to his team: “The event has been incredibly successful, and we feel really happy and at home with the showroom in Clitheroe. Claire Kelly our showroom manager and her assistant Caitlin Nuttall have been the ones instrumental in working so hard getting everything organised for the open day, and the success of it is an absolute credit to them.”
Markham Webber Design
28-30 Parson Lane, Clitheroe BB7 2JP
01200 444414
info@markhamwebber.com
www.markhamwebber.com
