Delight and Pride: Shere Kitchens Meets HRH The Earl of Wessex. It was a moment of great joy for Ella from Shere Kitchens as she had the privilege of meeting HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO during a Royal Visit meticulously arranged by Surrey Hills Enterprises (SHE). Ella, brimming with enthusiasm, had the opportunity to showcase a piece of our carefully designed and handcrafted furniture to Prince Edward, who was introduced by Wendy Varcoe, Executive Director of SHE.
The spotlight was on our custom-made prep table, elegantly styled with a selection of local apples, carrots, and herbs. As they engaged in conversation, Ella guided Prince Edward through the exquisite details of our craftsmanship. The star of the show was undoubtedly the handcrafted Oak worktop, featuring extra-wide staves that artfully highlighted the beauty of the wood grain. Ella took pride in discussing the intricate dovetailed joints and the custom-made drawer designed specifically for baking utensils, showcasing the thoughtful and functional aspects of our designs.
In the midst of the exchange, Prince Edward expressed genuine interest in our workshop, the talented craftsmen behind our creations, and the bespoke nature of our kitchens. A delightful anecdote unfolded as he shared insights into his own kitchen, emphasizing its considerable size to accommodate the extensive catering activities undertaken. Ella couldn't help but express our team's collective desire to have the honour of touring the Earl's impressive kitchen space.
Beyond the realm of kitchens, the conversation veered towards our commitment to local conservation projects. Prince Edward displayed a keen interest in our initiative to plant trees locally for every kitchen commission.
Ella, reflecting on the experience, expressed her pride in showcasing our craftsmanship during the Royal Visit. For Shere Kitchens, the transformation of wood into exquisite furniture is considered an art form, and the opportunity to share this passion for traditional woodwork with His Royal Highness was truly gratifying. The visit unfolded at the picturesque Birtley House & Albury Vineyard, creating a perfect backdrop for a celebration of the Surrey Hills.
Gratitude was extended to Surrey Hills Enterprises for their unwavering support of our craft, forming an integral part of our supportive community. Ella thoroughly enjoyed a delectable lunch hosted at Albury Vineyard, a feast crafted entirely from Surrey Hills produce. The menu boasted delights such as biodynamic wine from Albury Vineyard, meat sourced from Learn Land Leisure & Coverwood Lakes, watercress from Kingfisher Farm shop, coffee from Chimney Fire Coffee, and artisanal bread and pastries from Chalk Hills Bakery. It was an indulgent treat that perfectly encapsulated the essence of the Surrey Hills.
The Royal Visit served as a resounding recognition of the Surrey Hills' burgeoning reputation as a hub for innovative, high-quality, sustainable local products and services. During the visit, Prince Edward had the opportunity to interact with outstanding arts, crafts, food, and drink producers, all proudly bearing the Trade Mark Surrey Hills—a symbol of local provenance, quality, and sustainability. This esteemed accolade is bestowed by Surrey Hills Enterprises, a Community Interest Company dedicated to fostering a robust local economy, promoting tourism, and championing environmental sustainability.
If the allure of our craftsmanship has ignited your curiosity, we invite you to explore more of our creations in our portfolio. Each design seamlessly marries functionality with elegance, providing a glimpse into the possibilities that our kitchen design service holds.
To see examples of our bespoke kitchen projects, click here
For those seeking a kitchen tailored to their unique vision and lifestyle, Shere Kitchens welcomes you to reach out. Contact us at [email protected] or call 01482 202143 to embark on the journey of transforming your living space into a haven of sophistication and functionality. At Shere Kitchens, we're dedicated to bringing your dream kitchen to life, one exquisite detail at a time.