Blades Heating The Next Generation
It’s now been nearly two years since the closure the Blades Heating in Oxted, and their Aga and Everhot showroom, and just gone one year since Foreign opening of Fornello. Many things are different at Fornello but the dedication and service Blades Heating offered their customers is still very at the heart of our ethos at Fornello.
It’s now been nearly two years since the closure of Blades Heating in Oxted, and their Aga and Everhot showroom, and just gone one year since Foreign opening of Fornello. Many things are different at Fornello but the dedication and service Blades Heating offered their customers is still very at the heart of our ethos.
Even though we are a smaller outfit we still offer a great customer service and help find the right range cooker for our customers. Our range of appliances includes; Everhot, Lacanche, Bertazzoni and Blake & Bull Remanufacture Aga cookers, something for everyone.
Blades Heating was very much part of Foreign’s family for many years, her grandfather Tim Kentish was the managing director of Blades for many years before retiring making Blades part of Foreign’s life even before she ran the Blades showroom for 6 years and learning all her knowledge.
When visiting Fornello, our charming showroom makes people feel at home as we guide them through the options. At the showroom we are always hosting events and demonstrations, just like Blades Heating did and have become part of the local Forest Row community.
When it comes to ordering with us, customers not only get a great produce but also an amazing experience, we make sure we are with them every step of the process, tailoring the service they receive to their needs.
Want to learn more about us here at Fornello, they why not visit our ‘about us’ page, please see the link below or visit our showroom for yourself and see the amazing appliances we have to offer.
https://www.fornello.co.uk/about
Build Your Lacanche
When choosing the perfect Lacanche Range Cooker for you, there is many options available and sometime it can be confusing, well we have made it simple with our Lacanche Cooker Builder.
It couldn’t be simpler, each step allows you to choose the oven and hob configurations allowing you to tailor your Lacanche Range Cooker to your cooking needs.
When choosing the perfect Lacanche Range Cooker for you, there is many options available and sometime it can be confusing, well we have made it simple with our Lacanche Cooker Builder.
It couldn’t be simpler, each step allows you to choose the oven and hob configurations allowing you to tailor your Lacanche Range Cooker to your cooking needs. At the bottom this article is our Lacanche Cooker Builder, give it ago for yourself.
Behind the stunning enamelled exterior of a Lacanche range lies a seriously heavy-duty cooking platform engineered to perform in the world’s toughest kitchens.
From the sheer elegance of the Classic models to the stylish simplicity of the Modern range – if you take cooking seriously, a Lacanche is the serious range cooker for you.
Lacanche Macon in Black with Nickel Trim
With seven size options starting at 70cm wide with the Cormatin and Rully models to as wide as the Vezelay 2205mm which makes a statement like no other range cooker, there is a model to suit any kitchen size.
Depending on the model you have the choose of 5 oven options; Convections (fan), Static, Electric Dual Function, Simmering, or Gas. Hob options include, Classic Gas, Traditional, and electric Induction and any model over 1m you have the choice of extra hobs. Why not visit our Lacanche page and find out more about the options available for yourself.
At Fornello, our team can also help narrow down the options with you, think of us at your personal Lacanche cooker builder. Our showroom in Sussex on the boards of Kent and Surrey is designed to showcase the Lacanche options available, why not book an appointment.
Before you enjoy building your dream Lacanche range cooker, a little reminder order before 16th November 2024 and beat the Lacanche price increase.
LACANCHE COOKER BUILDER
Aga Tunbridge Wells
Even though the closing of the Aga Tunbridge Wells shop is unfortunately, F & R Fornello is here to help. We offer many cooker options, including remanufactured electric Aga cookers by Blake & Bull.
At Fonello we were sad to hear the news of the Aga shop in Tunbridge Well closing in October. Aga cookers are the heart of so many kitchen in the South East, and the UK. Our family team here at Fornello have personally had an Aga warming our kitchen since 1990, it was install the month our company director was born and has been the work horse of our family kitchen ever since.
Even though the closing of the Aga Tunbridge Wells shop is unfortunately, F & R Fornello is here to help. We offer many range cooker options, including remanufactured electric Aga cookers by Blake & Bull. With a host of model, sizes and colours to choose from, we are please to be able to offer customers beautiful Aga cooker options and fill the whole Aga Tunbridge Well has left behind. What to learn more about the options available, why not visit our Aga Blake & Bull page.
https://www.fornello.co.uk/aga-blake-bull
OUR SHOWROOM
Our display Blake & Bull 2oven eControl Age range cooker sits proudly in our in our showroom in Forest Row, just 20 minutes outside Tunbridge Well, and will easy parking right outside customers are welcome to pop in and learn more about the options available. Here’s a guild to finding our showroom, it’s very simple to locate us.
Our showroom in Forest Row is a host to a large range of cooker, including Blake & Bull Aga Cookers, Everhot, Lacanche, and Bertazzoni.
WHY CHOOSE A REMANUFACTURE AGA COOKER?
Controllable; each oven and hotplate is individually controlled, so you can choose which parts of the cooker you have on and at what temperature. Heat up time are also much quicker than a traditional Aga cooker.
The look; our remanufacture Aga cookers has all the classic Aga looks but with next generation controls. You can choose from any of the Aga style from over the years, including what Blake & Bull call Heritage (the original Aga style).
65 colour to choose; from neutral creams to bold reds, there is a colour to suit any kitchen. We can even do bespoke colours to order.
This is just a snippet of what a electric Aga remanufactured Blake & Bull can do, why not book an appointment at our showroom to learn more.
F & R Fornello display electric remanufactured Aga Range Cooker
DEMONSTRATION
What to see the Aga in action before you buy? We can arrange a complementary private demonstration for those interesting in learn more about Aga cookers and their amazing benefits. Our in-house demonstrator with guide you through everything you need to know about the options available and Aga cooking. Book a demonstration today, see link below.
COME AND FIND US AT F & R FORNELLO
Our team our passionate about the brands we supply, we will help you find the right range cooker for you. Our showroom is also host to a number of other range cooker brands including Everhot, Lacanche, and Bertazzoni.
We look forward to seeing you soon at our showroom.
A Piece Of Italy In Your Home
With summers coming to an end and many of us are returning from our holidays, Italy with its beautiful scenery, amazing culture, not to mention delicious culinary delights is one the most popular destinations visited. So why not fight the holiday blues and bring a little of this incredible country into your kitchen.
Scene Of Italy
The Bertazzoni range is the epitome of Italian style and at the centre of the company is a true Italian family. Founded in 1882, the company has always understood the kitchen is the heart of family life. With this in mind, their approach was to design a cooking appliances to help people bring the best home-cooked meals to the table. Family life is at the heart of Italian culture, family meals all together, lovingly prepared for everyone. Bertazzoni has built its reputation on considered design, outstanding engineering and a deep passion for food. How did it all begin? To find out a little more about the history of Bertazzoni, click the link below.
Picture of an original Bertazzoni cooker
The Italian style has always been known for being timeless and classic, and Bertazzoni has captured this. Each of the Bertazzoni Series brings their own unique touch of the Italian approach to design.
Professional Series
‘Bringing professional style and performance to your kitchen’
With its fusion of modern style and exceptional engineering, the Professional Series has a confident design with the latest technology. The iconic look features clean and clearly defined lines, elegant control knobs, ergonomic handles and is available in a choice of sophisticated colours. The Professional Series appliances are designed to co-ordinate seamlessly across an entire kitchen suite, you can integrate a wide choice of ultramodern technology to create a versatile, flexible home kitchen.
Bertazzoni Professional in Carbonio
New in the Professional Series is the 90cm freestanding Air-Tec range cooker that packs three high-performance appliances into one; Induction Hob, Muilt-function Electric Oven, and Built-in Extraction. An efficient integrated extraction system is added to the design and technology of the Professional Series cookers.
Bertazzoni Professional 90cm Air-tec
Master Series
‘Beautifully elegance and exceptional efficiency’
A style that is all its own, with a sophisticated monochrome colour palette that would turn your kitchen into a work of art. The Master Series blends the best of commercial kitchen-inspired style with advanced technology and fine Italian design. Stainless steel and black finishes accentuate a confident style. Large metal control knobs and bold handle design allows for exceptional usability and durability.
Bertazzoni Master Series Control Knobs
Heritage Series
‘Authentic style with 21st century innovation’
The most traditional design in the Bertazzoni range, the Heritage Series is a true classic. The Heritage Series is a homage to the original Bertazzoni range cookers from the late 19th century, bringing a classic look to a modern kitchen design, allowing owners to chose either a contrasting design statement or era-inspiring centre piece. A warm and welcoming design that translates across the whole series from range cookers and built-in ovens to refrigerators and much more.
With the Heritage Series Bertazzoni also offer the opportunity to tailor the appliance with bespoke finishing touches with their sophisticated Colleziona Metalli Décor set, available in gold, copper, and nickel.
Bertazzoni Heritage 100cm Range Cooker With Gold Decor Finishes
Modern Series
‘Contemporary elegance, timeless style’
A range of built-in and speciality ovens, hobs with metal or glass bases, induction hobs, hoods, and much more. The Modern Series tells a very Italian story of deign and style, the series is crafted by many years of knowledge and passion that made the Bertazzoni approach a work of art as much as a science.
Even though there is not a range cooker option in the Modern series, the built-in ovens offer totally precision cooking abilities and the most advanced modern features with a hi-res full touch TFT display, which also gives a clean look with exceptional flexibility and control. Finishes include black, stainless steel or even warm copper.
Built-in Ovens In Copper
Looking for inspiration on how to incorporate a range cooker into your kitchen, and not sure of the style of cooker to choose. Homes and Gardens recent article ‘Range Cookers are replacing kitchen islands as the heart of the home’ published by Malloy Malsom features many design ideas and thoughts on how to style your range cooker. Have a read for yourself, simply click the link below.
https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/ways-to-style-a-range-cooker
When our customers visit our showroom, we are lucky enough to be able to offer a wide range of appliance options, and Bertazzoni with it vast collection contributes greatly. Our customers are able to find the perfect style range cooker to suit them. Book an appointment today and start your Italian inspired kitchen journey.
Orange & Cardamon Shortbread
Here at Fornello one of our favourite afternoon pick me up is a cup of coffee and these orange & cardamon shortbread are a perfect extra treat. So simple to make and always a favourite here.
With our showroom Everhot 120i there is alway an oven on and ready to rustle up treats. Try these shortbread for yourself.
ORANGE & CARDAMOM SHORTBREAD
INGREDIENTS
75g Cornflour
175g Plain Flour
175g Butter (room temperature)
65g Caster Sugar
Zest of 2 Oranges
2tsp Ground Cardamom
METHOD
Put the cornflour, flour and butter into a bowl and rub together to until breadcrumbs consistency. You can use a stand mixer instead.
Add in the sugar, orange zest, ground cardamom and mix until it forms a smooth dough.
On a lined baking tray, press the dough into a round disk shape, roughly 10in. Crimp the edges and prick the surface all over with a fork, then mark triangles with a knife. Chill for 30 minutes until firm.
Bake in the oven until pale golden brow. Everhot oven temperature 180°C (fan 140°C/325°F/Gas 3)
Once cooked, while still warm cut through the wedge marks and sprinkle with extra caster sugar.
HELPFUL TIP
Use a round cake tin when shaping the dough. This will give a more accurate shape.
No Blind Baking Required
One of the perks of having live cooker models at our showroom is we are able to rustle up quick lunches, and one of our favourite at this time of year is a savoury tart or quiche. Many Everhot & Aga owners will know this but new owners or someone considering purchasing might like to know you don’t need to blind bake the pastry before hand. This makes things so much quicker and simpler, plus no soggy pastry bottom. Just one of the perks of cooking on an Everhot or Aga.
Using the base heat from the floor of the oven, you are able to cook the pastry at the same time as the filling. And we even use ready made pastry, why do more work than necessary, life’s to short.
We recently got to enjoy a delicious Beetroot & Goats Cheese Tart, with flaky golden pastry and a cheesy filling, freshly bake in our showroom Everhot 120i. We thought we would share the easy recipe.
BEETROOT & GOAT CHEESE TART
INGREDIENTS
500g Fresh Beetroot
1tbsp Olive Oil
Ready Roll Shortcrust Pastry
4 Large Eggs
300ml Double Cream
175g Grated Extra Mature Cheddar Cheese
150g Soft Goats Cheese
20g Fresh Chives (Finely Chopped)
Seasoning
METHOD
Scrub the beetroots well with a vegetable brush under running water (no need to peel them at any point). Remove the tops and the root ends and cut into quarters. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes in the oven (Everhot oven set at 200 -210 degree, Roasting oven for an Aga). Tossing the beetroot halfway through roasting, and cook until you’re able to pierce through the beets with a fork with light pressure.
Whilst the beetroot is cooking, line a loose base flan tin with the shortcrust pastry, and leave to rest.
Once the beetroot is cooked and cooled, cut into smaller pieces (roughly 1.5cm in size) and sprinkle into the prepared tart case.
In a separate bowl whisk the eggs and cream together, then add the grated cheddar and chive and mix well. Season with salt and pepper and pour the mixture into the pastry case. Make sure to spread the cheddar cheese if needed.
Cut the goats cheese in the 2cm pieces and place on top of the tart filling. Bake until golden brown.
LOCATION IN OVEN & BAKING
Cook the tart until the filling and pastry are both golden brown. This can take anywhere from 30-50 minutes, so you will need to keep an eye on the tart while cooking.
EVERHOT - The tart should be bake on a shelf on the bottom of the oven. The oven set a 190 - 200 degrees.
If you are cooking the tart in an Aga, for traditional models bake on the floor of the Baking Oven or Roasting Oven ( Please Note: In the Roasting Oven the tart will cook quicker and you may need to use a cold plain shelf if the filling is cooking to quickly. For new Aga models with floor grid, cook the tart on the floor grid, not directly on the floor of the oven.
HELPFUL TIP
When removing the tart from the loose based flan dish, place on top of a can and the side will slip down, see video below.
We hope you enjoy this recipe as much we did here at Fornello. If you are interested in learning more about cooking on an Everhot or Aga, we host demonstrations regularly. These are a great way to learn helpful tips and recipes. Visit our demonstration page for upcoming events.
Everhot And Aga Essentials
The beauty of a Heat Storage Cooker is its functionality and the more you use them to their full potential the more you will see the benefits. Fornello is a family company and we strongly believe in the applainces we sell and have had the same Aga in our family kitchen for 34 years, and it’s still going strong. The family Aga is the heart of the home, as well as a work horse. Most popular with the family dogs, specially Bana who sits so tightly up against the Aga you can’t put a pin between them, she also grumbles if made to move out the way. However a Heat Storage Cooker can do move that keep the dogs warm and there are a number of ways to make sure you are using either your Everhot or Aga to its potential and at the same time make your life easier.
Everhot Airer from Everhot Essentials
ARIERS
Even though the cookers have been designed to keep the heat in as much as possible, they’re still a warming comfort in your kitchen, so why not use the warmth to your advantage. An Airer is a great alternative to your tumble dryer and can also help with your ironing.
A Lid Airer will sit directly over the lid/s and with the heat radiating up from below will air your laundry. And if you fold it nicely once dried you will save time and money with having to do less ironing.
The Rail Airer option hooks neatly on the rail of the cooker making good use of the cooker’s radiant heat. With plenty of rails to air your washing and the ability to fold neat to make storage easier. This is a lovely product that is really practical! Just think of home much less you could be use it your tumble dryer and saving money.
Both Everhot Essentials and Blake & Bull have both Lid or Rail Airer options available, have a look for yourself.
https://www.blakeandbull.co.uk/collections/drying-racks-rails-for-range-cookers
Wooden Rail Airer for Everhot 110 from Everhot Essentials
KETTLE
We are a nation of tea and coffee lovers and how many times do we boil a kettle a day? So why use an electric kettle when your Hotplate is there to be used. There is also a number of stove kettles that are suitable for the Hotplates and Induction Hobs. Why not check out the options Everhot and Blake & Bull have to offer.
F & R Fonnelo’s Showroom Kettle on Everhot Hot Plate
TOASTER
There’s nothing better than tea and toast on lazy Sunday mornings. And in our opinion the Hotplates makes the best toast, it’s crispy on the outside and warm and fluffy within, delicious! A wire toaster can be used for many other things, cooling cakes, drying herbs on the warming plate, it’s very handy. If you still don’t have one, why not visit Blake & Bull online cookware shop.
https://www.blakeandbull.co.uk/products/toaster-toasting-rack
Everhot Toaster on Everhot Hot Plate
TOASTIE MACHINE
At Fornello we are die hard cheese toastie lovers and an Everhot or Aga makes the best. All you need is the Simmer Plate and a piece of Bake-O-Glide, plus there’s the bonus of no messy toastie machine on the work surface or in a cupboard. Blake & Bull offer a wide selection of Bake-O-Glide.
Toasted Sandwiches ‘Toastie’
PANS
They aways say to use the right tool for the job, so why should it be any different when you are cooking, and the right pan can make all the difference. When cooking on an Everhot or Aga, it’s always good to cook as much as possible in the oven, it keeps the heat in the cooker and is even a easy way of cooking, so pans with detachable handles are always a good idea when possible.
The quality of the pan will also make a difference, a good solid, flat base will help conduct the heat better and give a more even cooking surface. There are many material options for pans and fry pan; Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Copper and plenty more. Why not read Everything kitchens guide to cookeware.
COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONS
If you are interested in learning more about how to get the most out of your Everhot or Aga, why not attend one of our demonstrations. With a host of useful tips and great recipes our demonstrations are not just informative but entertaining. Visit our demonstration page for upcoming dates.
Everhot Stove
At Fornello we are passionate about all our products, however the small but mighty Everhot Stove holds a special place in our heart. Our showroom Everhot Stove in the new Matt Black has kept the chill off the showroom this winter and has pride of place.
At Fornello we are passionate about all our products, however the small but mighty Everhot Stove holds a special place in our heart. Our showroom Everhot Stove in the new Matt Black has kept the chill off the showroom this winter and has pride of place. As we are such devoted fans, we thought for this blog we would discuss this clever little heater.
An alternative to a standard electric heater, the Everhot Stoves are not only functional but stylish. If you are looking for a heating solution for a room, look no further.
Hand built in the heart of the Cotswolds the Everhot Electric Stoves integrates the Everhot expertise into an elegant and efficient stove featuring their unique oven design with cast iron door. Unlike a traditional wood burning or solid fuel stove the Everhot Electric Stove or Heater doesn’t require a flue and simply plugs into a standard 13amp socket.
F & R Fornello Showroom Everhot Stove in Matt Black
The Everhot Stove comes in two options; the Everhot Stove with an internal oven and the Everhot Heater.
EVERHOT STOVE
The Everhot Electric Stove comes with a concealed internal a 20 litre oven behind the door and can reaching cooking temperatures of up to 200 degrees. Perfect for light meals, jacket potatoes, slow cooking and warming food through. Ideal for working from home without having to turn on the central heating or even leave the room for lunch! When on half power the Everhot Stove oven is at a simmer temperature, perfect for slow cooked meals.
Everhot Stove in Teal
EVERHOT HEATER
The Everhot Electric Heater brings a cosy charm to any room needing additional warmth, but without the oven. Its timeless design will emphasise an unused fireplace or bring character to the corner of a bedroom. Still featuring the Everhot traditional heavyweight steel and cast iron build, the Everhot Electric Heater is slightly lighter than the Stove model and, with a fixed door, is easier to move from room to room as needed.
FACTS ABOUT THE EVERHOT STOVE & HEATER
There’s lots of information about the Everhot Stoves, and with this in mind we have answered questions customers normally ask, using information directly from Everhot.
How much does the Everhot Stove cost to run?
The Everhot Stove or Heater gives out between 0.3 and 1.5kW of heat an hour depending on how high you run it. So, with a standard electricity cost of 30p per kWh, your heater would cost between £1.08 and £5.40 for 12 hours of use.
What power supply is required for Everhot Stoves?
A Everhot Stove only requires a standard 13amp supply, making the positioning options endless.
How much does the Everhot Stoves weigh?
The Everhot Stove (with oven) weighs 50kg and the Everhot Heater weighs slightly less at 40kg.
Where can the Everhot Stove be positioned?
You can place your Everhot Stove wherever you have power, a flat protected surface and the weight can be taken. Many of our customers have their stove in home offices, garden rooms and even caravans.
You need to allow for a 25cm gap either side of the stove if you are placing it next to cupboards or wardrobes, and a minimum 10cm from the rear to any surface or wall.
Will the Everhot Stove heat a whole house?
The Everhot Stove is designed to heat one room of the house. This can saving you money by not switching on the central heating to warm just one room. If you work from home for example it is great for warming just the office during the day. Or if you tend to spend the evening in one room only then it’s great for warming the living room or conservatory whilst you’re cooking.
How big are the Everhot Stoves?
Both the Everhot Stove models are the following dimensions:
Height: 510mm, Width: 461mm, Depth: 418mm
The Everhot Stove oven dimensions is 271.5mm x 277.5mm x 27mm.
Does the Everhot Stove come with a warranty?
The Everhot Stoves come with a two year warranty.
What are the colour choices for the Everhot Stoves?
The Everhot Stoves are available in all 20 Everhot colour choices and ‘new’ Matt Black which is only available for the stoves. Choosing the colour is the hardest part, at our showroom we have all the colour choices on display in either cooker or large door samples. If you are considering an Everhot Stove, customers are welcome to visit our showroom to see the colour selection for themselves.
What is the price of the Everhot Stove?
The Everhot Stove (with oven) is £1,495.00inc. VAT and the Everhot Heater is £1,195.00inc.VAT. There will be a price rise on 1st April 2024, so if you are considering purchasing order before this date and beat the price rise.
What delivery options are available with the Everhot Stoves?
When ordering there’s two delivery options; Standard Pallet Delivery to the door or Two-Person Delivery including deliver into the house, unpacked and put into place (additional charge of £50inc. VAT).
How long is the Everhot Stove Delivery?
On average the Everhot Stove lead-time is between 2-3 weeks.
Everhot Stove in Mustard
Which ever model you choose, either the Everhot Stove or Heater will be a beautiful and functional addition to your home. If you are considering an Everhot Stove, why not pop along to our Everhot Coffee Morning next Friday (08.03.24) and see the stove for yourself.
New Year, New Cooker
With the arrival of the New Year, many of us have started to look at improving our health and wellbeing as a New Year’s resolution and one of the easiest way to achieve this is with what we eat and drink. January is the month of health eating and having the right appliance makes cooking a pleasure not a chore.
With the January’s cold and formidable weather, the Everhot & Aga range cookers not only help keep you warm but can produces delicious hearty meals. With the cookers radiant heat food is kept moist and full of flavour, enabling owners to use less fats and oils. The cookers are designed to be on and ready for you to cook and mid week meals are made simple. Casseroles, stew, curries and lots more can be prepared in the morning before work and ready for when you return, allowing you more time to hunker down and snuggle up on the cold nights.
One of our favourite staff lunches at this time of year is the humble toasted sandwiches, simply cooker on the either the Everhot or Aga simmer plate. No extra butter is needed on the outside unlike most toastie machines, and the choices of filling are endless, everyone’s favourite at Fornello is the unassuming cheese & ham toastie but every sandwich tastes better when toasted. To amp up the goodness try a greens and gruyère toastie which is an indulgent mix of swiss chard, and gruyere cheese. https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/vegetarian/greens-and-gruyere-toastie/
A great way to see just how simple and healthier cooking on a heat storage cooker can be is attending one of our demonstrations/events coming up in the next few months. Our events page has lots of information on upcoming events.
If your cooking style is more last minute, thrown together and instant, the Lacanche and Bertazzoni range cookers will make things even easier. With their gas or induction hob options and built in grills, there is nothing you can’t rustle up. Healthy stir fry’s are very popular this time of year, and a doddle to cooker with a 5kW burner with wok trivets available on many of the models, you would also most feel you are cooking in a professional kitchen. With the Bertazzoni’s nearly endless oven functions, and the Lacanche’s many oven options, any meal can be simply prepared in no time at all. They are not just stylish but functional as well.
We always say, choosing the colour is the hardest part, but with all our models being so capable, we are starting to think choosing the model is, specifically with our January sales making it even more tempting to order.
The Making Of Fornello
When thinking about our first blog, we considered lots of ideas, like delicious bakes made in our showroom Everhot 120i, think heavenly Cheese Straws, gloriously decadent Brownies and towering Coffee & Walnut Vertical Layer Cake. After many ideas being bounced around, we thought talking about how we came to be was the best way to begin.
Back in June this year; after scouring for commercial property throughout Kent, Sussex and Surrey we had almost given up on the idea of opening our own showroom. But luck was on our side when we noticed a sign in the window of a little shop, in the heart of Forest Row. Some places just have magic, and as soon as we stepped into the shop one sunny evening, we fell in love with the space, it had so much light and the potential for making something truly special.
The final decision to take the leap was made over Gin & Tonics, because all good business plans are made whilst tipsy. We would like to say from this point on everything went smoothly and was an amazing experience, but all good things come with challenges along the way and this was no different.
On 31st July we got the keys, and by the 1st August walls were coming down. We are very lucky to have a builder in the family, who has years of experience building, maintaining, painting and decorating spaces, and is able to bring to life a clients vision, or in this case the vision of Fornello. From the beginning, we wanted the showroom to be inviting and welcoming, to feel like customers were stepping into a beautiful kitchen, the heart of any home. With this in mind, we decided to showcase most of the appliances in a beautiful handmade kitchen.
The next tricky part was choosing the display models, how do you choose from all the beautiful models that Everhot, Lacanche, Bertazzoni or Aga Range Cookers from Blake and Bull are able to supply.
With our many years working with the Everhot range of cookers we knew exactly which of the exceptional models would work best for the showroom; an Everhot 120i in Cream to sit proudly in the centre of the showroom kitchen, with its simple elegance and extraordinary functionality its perfect for our main demonstration cooker. Along with an Everhot 100i in Graphite, as its one of the most desirable model sizes. An Everhot Stove now also greets customers and with its charming looks, customers and all of us at Fornello love it. Choosing the stove colour was the hardest part of the ordering process, but we are lucky enough to be one of the first to display the NEW Matt Black option, perfect for our showroom.
From the beginning Lacanche with their many model options was a perfect fit, we now have two beautiful models on display; a Lacanche Savigny 1105 in Ivory and a Lacanche Chablis 1405 in Slate Grey, both whispering French charm and classic beauty. Adding to the excitement of their arrival, it turns out you should always make sure you give the right contact number and not leave the keys for the showroom in a different car. Luckily Lacanche delivery team are very understanding.
We had previously worked with Everhot and Lacnache at Blades Heating Ltd, a well established cooker distributor, but throughout the inception of Fornello we knew we wanted to offer our customer as many options as possible. We had heard a lot about Bertazzoni over the years with a reputation of considered design, outstanding engineering and our display Bertazzoni Professional 90 Air-Tec is a beautiful addition to the family, with it’s built in extractor, it been a big hit with our customers.
Our line up would not have been complete without an Aga range cooker, and the right fit for us was Blake & Bull. We love that they take old AGA cookers and remanufacture them to breathe new life in to this kitchen classic. They keep all the classic Aga charm but give the customer a completely modern user experience. Their options are endless, from the model types to the colours and finishes, each cooker is one of a kind. Alex from Blake & Bull was the first to see our finished showroom two days before we opened, and thanks to him our Blake & Bull AGA cooker with e-Control now sits beautifully in the showroom keeping us warm. There is magic in being able to see your bespoke Blake & Bull Aga cooker being built from start to finish, and our showroom model in Wattle is simply timeless.
As the months passed, the space slowly turned from a building site to a showroom and we were soon in the final week before we opened the doors. We had a showroom with cookers, but the space needed the extra things to bring it to life and add soul. The cavalry was called in, and the family pulled out all the stops, to help come to the rescue. Our family home is now empty of all the beautiful things that have been collected over the years, from framed art work to ceramic chickens, glass cloches and beautiful books. The showroom is a perfect vignette of our family home transported and lovingly displayed to give the showroom the soul and warm feel that we wanted from the start.
We spent that last week before opening flying around the countryside in a mad rush buying everything from plants to fancy eggs, because apparently you can’t have ordinary eggs for displaying in a vintage egg holder. Who knew? Moments of complete hilarity arrived unexpectedly, particularly found at 7:00am one morning watching the sensible sister in the family fall head first into a concrete trough planter that someone else (who shall not be named) insisted we needed for the showroom, we’ve never laughed so hard in our lives. Thankfully, she was no worse for wear other than bruised dignity. Thanks to a good friend and her muscle power, between us we got the mammoth of a planter safely to the showroom and it is now home to thriving Bamboo. GIRL POWER!
Our opening day has now come and gone and we have now settle into offering our customers the exceptional experience including ‘one to one’ appointments and demonstrations from our warm and wonderful showroom.
