Our favourite Tadworth neighbourhood businesses are still going strong…

In what seems like week 347 of lockdown, it’s a relief (if a bit of a worry) that some of the rules are relaxing a little, and getting people back into work is the way forward.

I’m very aware how lucky we are in our little Blackbrook Kitchens bubble, tucked away in the showroom and able to carry on designing beautiful kitchens and arranging installation through our socially distant workforce.

There’s everything we need here… plenty of space, an excellent coffee machine and super-fast broadband - so it’s as close to business as normal as possible. The main thing we’re missing are our lovely walk-in customers… we can’t wait to see you again!

Talking of businesses that are trying to keep things happening fairly normally, there are a whole host of fantastic producers and retailers on our doorstep who are still providing a top notch service.

We thought it would be nice to give you the rundown so that if you’re passing by or need something special delivered, you have our personal recommendation that this little lot will do their very best to help you out. Once the lockdown is over, their shops are all definitely worth a visit - and then you can pop in and see us too!

Alligator Pear in Tadworth is a glorious emporium of gifts and treats. It’s won the coveted South’s ’Gift Shop of the Year’ three times and its fantastic range of home accessories, candles, cards and gifts for the little ones… usually spread throughout 8 lovely browsable rooms. The lockdown hasn’t stopped Alligator Pear providing us with goodies… they’ve upped their online offering and can deliver for FREE if you live within 3 miles of the shop and spend over £15. If you live a little further there’s Royal Mail delivery… or you can phone your order through and arrange to collect, or click and collect via the website: www.alligatorpear.co.uk

The Chalet Bakery in Tadworth is a brilliant bakery. It’s currently open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings for freshly baked bread made on the premises and you can place an order over the phone so it’s all ready for you when you pick up. They’re fully versed in social distancing so no worries there either. We’re looking forward to The Chalet opening up properly so we can sit outside and enjoy a cuppa and a cake! You can track them down on Facebook.

SR Kay & Sons are our neighbours and fishmongers extraordinaire. They’ve been open for business throughout for a delicious selection of fish and poultry - plus the team are always full of bright ideas for the best ways to prepare and cook your purchases. They’re closed on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday afternoons but other than that open 7am ’til 5.30pm. Find more details on Facebook.

Local grocery shop Hartleys of Tadworth are open from 8am to 10pm every day. They’re offering free delivery for local isolated people and have really extended their range since lockdown began. They’ve got a new cheese counter, a plentiful supply of fresh meat, useful extras like charcoal for the bar-be-cue, newspapers and fresh fruit and veg. You should be able to get flour and yeast too for all that lockdown baking.

Awesome ‘Ye Village Butchers’ have an amazing selection of meat. They’re open from 7am for socially distant shopping and can also deliver if you’re self isolating, vulnerable or a busy key worker. Keep an eye on their Facebook feed because they’ll keep you up to date with what’s new in so whether you’re planning to BBQ or serve a slap up Sunday roast, they’ll be able to help you out.

Images from Mad Lilies

Award winning florist Mad Lilies is still brightening up people’s days with bouquets and plants. They can deliver or you can arrange to pick up from the shop (you can wait outside if you wish). If flower arranging is your thing you can sign up to their brilliant ‘bare naked stems’ program which means you’ll get a selection of seasonal blooms delivered every week, fortnight or month - and you can while away some relaxing time arranging them just as you like. There’s also the fabulous Mad Lilies at Home website to browse and buy… lots of gorgeous accessories and homeware to lust after.

Images from Louisa Grace interiors

And finally one of our absolute favourites - the beautiful Louisa Grace interiors. This stunning store has supplied items for many of our kitchen redesign projects, as well as our showroom space. This brilliant vintage warehouse is full of fabulous French and Dutch antiques and curiosities, including paintings, furniture and feature pieces. There are also lots of gorgeous revamped vintage pieces of furniture. Take a look at the website here and see if anything takes your fancy. And if you’re after a project then how about giving some of your old furniture a facelift with a new coat of Annie Sloan chalk paint? It’s available from Louisa Grace now - with free local delivery.

Blackbrook Kitchens may not be  open for visitors as yet, but we’re still only a phone call (or a zoom call) away…

If you’d like to begin the process of a kitchen redesign, we can chat about your plans, you could give me a tour of your current kitchen and then I can get on with creating a fabulous new kitchen design, especially for you. Then it’ll be already to unveil to your friends and family, once they’re allowed round!