The founders of Divertimenti, Mike and Suzy Schneideman have praised the current range and format of the Knightsbridge shop, recognising that it echoes the aims of their original store. The Schneidemans founded Divertimenti in 1963 having decided that the UK’s culinary activity was limited by the lack of cookware available. The ground-breaking cookshop has been linked to the evolution of London’s culinary landscape.
“The Schneidemans were thrilled to see the shop, saying there is so much that would appeal to the original Divertimenti customer,” says owner, Ben Phillips, who acquired the Divertimenti brand after Steamer Trading Cookshop went into administration in early January.
Since becoming independent, Divertimenti has been focussing on the needs of London’s foodies, promising exclusive products and a wide range of premium kitchenware that is tried and tested for high performance. Moreover, a diverse and engaging programme of courses and supper clubs at the Divertimenti Cookery School (situated on the lower ground floor) is also widening the shop’s audience of keen cooks.
Exclusive products include Marzocco coffee machines, the Magimix Cook Expert, bespoke pottery by Peter Swanson, teaware by Nick Munro and Divertimenti’s own brand of Union Jack textiles. Divertimenti also stocks exclusive pieces of Bordallo Pinheiro tableware.
“Christmas has also been a good time for getting new suppliers on board and given us the confidence to branch out,’ Divertimenti’s general manager Jason Somers explained to HousewaresNews.net. Jason confirms that Christmas trade is looking promising, with a wide range of gift food prompting impulse buys and add-on sales.
Top: Divertimenti’s Jason Somers demonstrating the Marzocco coffee machine. (Photos: H Howard).
