Elys Cook & Dine Relaunch

by Bastion Harrison (subscribe)

Event: 01/09/2013 - 30/09/2013

Elys department store in Wimbledon has just had a major refurbishment of its third floor. Although Elys has always been nice, it has now become much more upmarket, and provides quality and style on a similar level to that of John Lewis. Considering John Lewis is a major chain, and Elys is unique to Wimbledon, they have done pretty well for themselves.

The third floor used to be a mishmash of children's toys, travel services, home ware, and electrical goods; it also had a cafe with decor that mainly attracted customers of a certain age (myself being an exception). Now, however, the shop floor is a lot more organised, and specialised, while the cafe has transformed into a classy place to eat for all ages.

Refurbishments were completed at the end of August and at the beginning of September they opened up the third floor once more with a Cook & Dine Relaunch. The relaunch includes a number of cooking demonstrations, tasting events, competitions, and half price deals. One the 19th September, there will be a tasting session between 12pm - 4pm (the sign actually said from 12am, but somehow I think that was a typo).



If you like minimalist design then Elys's new range of gifts and accessories will be up your alley. With simple white and washed out colours, they will make any home feel fresh, clean, and stylish.



Those into a more retro style can also find the odd thing here and there to take their fancy; especially if you like big statement pieces.



Elys has also started selling Yankee Candles, a very well known and respected brand in America, which has also become very popular here. I think Yankee produce some of the best scented candles out there, and love sniffing them all out. My favourite was the 'Vanilla Cupcake'; it doesn't just smell of vanilla, like you might expect, but you really feel like you have just entered a kitchen with freshly baked cakes are coming out of the oven.

There were a few I wasn't so keen on, mind you. For example, 'Wedding Day' might be more appropriately called 'Washing Day', as it did not conjure up any images of romance, but rather undies that are a few days old.





Most of the third floor is dedicated to cooking and dinning supplies. They sell crockery made by a range of different artists, so whether you are looking for something elegant by Emma Bridgwater or something loud and colourful, there will be something that suits your taste.



One of my favourite designers is Cath Kidston, or as I like to call her, 'Cath Kitchen'. Although I am not usually keen on floral designs, Kidston's range is brings out all the fun and tweeness in British baking.



There are currently three competitions in store, one of which are Cath Kidston prize draw giveaways. Simple read a passage on the entry form and answer the question below. The winning entry will get a Cath Kidston gardening kit with gloves and rucksack. Another similar prize draw is for a Yankee Candle gift hamper. The third competition is a colouring exercise for children. Denby are giving children the chance to make their own plate design. Simply pick up a paper plate in stall, colour it in, and the winner will have their design printed on a Denby plate.



For all the cooks and bakers out there, Elys has some nifty gadgets to make those chores in the kitchen that much easier. Something I thought was particularly good was a 'Palm Peeler', which fits over your hand, and protects you from slicing your fingers. There was lots of bakeware too, including colourful equipment made from silicon. I have often been tempted to buy silicon bakeware to avoid those awful 'stick to the tin' moments. With the half price sale on, however, I was able to get two packs of mini muffin cases for £3.50 each.



Funky pet food bowls mean that cat and dog owners can still keep their kitchen fashionable, while other novelty gadgets such as egg cups, jar openers, etc, will also add colour to the room.



There is no stated date as to when the sale ends, but at their new cafe you can currently print off a voucher for a free cup of tea or coffee, which is valid until the 29th September.

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Why? Get good deals

Phone: 020 8946 9191

Website: www.elysonline.co.uk

Where: Wimbledon

Cost: Up to Half price on sale items