Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Kooks Unlimited in the Surrey town of Richmond-upon-Thames is celebrating 25 years of trading.
Doors opened to the independently-run specialist cookshop, owned by Chris Lynn-Thomas, in 1989. She said: “Like a good cheese, Kooks Unlimited has got better with time. It’s now bigger, housed in a double fronted store and a basement packed with goodies. It stocks a greater variety of cookware – from high-end Le Creuset pots and pans to purse-friendly Kuhn Rikon Colori knives.” It’s expanded into cooking-themed gift cards and wrapping paper, and foodie presents for pets and also offers knife sharpening, plus a personalised wedding gift list service.
Kooks Unlimited launched its sister store, The Bakeware Studio, in 2010. A few doors up from the flagship store, The Bakeware Studio is billed as the place to go for everything you need for cake baking. “From decorative spray paint to sprinkles and ribbons to cake tins (buy them or hire them), The Bakeware Studio’s got it covered,” Chris said. “And if your love of cakes doesn’t match your culinary abilities, you can order a custom-made one, or take part in a cookery lesson in the Studio.”
Popular classes include cupcake baking & decoration, cake covering techniques, cookie baking & decorating, piping techniques, basic sugarcraft, decorating novelty cakes and mince pie masterclass.
The Studio also can also be hired for parties for up to eight children. All the ingredients and tools are supplied, and Kooks Unlimited can arrange party bags for each child to take home.
The Studio is also offered as a fun alternative for hen nights; guests can bake macaroons, decorate cupcakes, or ice biscuits for wedding favours. The night includes a complimentary glass of bubbly and an in-house photographer to capture “those special girly moments”. The bride and her hens can also expect a special discount throughout the store for a private shopping experience on the night.
Another bespoke service is Dessert Tables, which aims to take the stress out of party planning. Kooks Unlimited provides the cake, sweets, biscuits, cupcakes, plus cake stands, sweetie jars and decorations that can be customised by its in-house designer to the party’s theme.
