Art of Living for Cookware, Glassware & Kitchenware

"Many thanks for all your help and I'll certainly remember your site now I've found it!

"Please can I say a massive thank you to you and all your staff!!!!!! I was surprised, and delighted, when at 8am today my order arrived today after only placing it on Monday evening. Everything appears to be in perfect condition and I am looking forward to being able to present my friend with a fabulous birthday present. We have some of these glasses already, as my husband is in the wine trade, and so like yourself, appreciates the quality of the wine when drunk from Reidel glasses. We are now hoping that our friends will discover the advantages also. We will happily and mercilously plug your company, should they decide to buy more. Once again many thanks to you all, and we hope to purchase more goods from you in the future."

"...when the latest lovely edition of the Red Apron magazine arrived a few days ago, it jogged my memory! It's such a great magazine, and I've also meant to write to say that before now! I realise that I've been coming to the shop in Reigate for about 26 years now. I used to push my large pram down through the park, and leave it outside the shop (either my baby daughter didn't look worth pinching, or we were less worried then about abduction!!) Mrs. Duncan senior was always smiling and friendly, and always enquired after the family, even remembering everyone's names. It's so lovely that the shop has continued, now slightly larger than it used to be, but fundamentally the same. A very good atmosphere, and always charming and helpful staff. With so few of the original Reigate shops still around, I do hope you will stay forever .... I'll look forward to all the exciting new things you are planning!"

"The Art of Living is my cooking shop, I love the range of good quality well priced kitchen ware – from the smallest bottle stoppers to the scrummy Kitchen Aid machines – I love the atmosphere and the helpful and knowledgeable advice about the lovely shiny things they sell. There is always an alternative on offer – a proper shop! I have bought for myself, friends and colleagues – I know we have a local “London” shop with it’s owners own French flair and care for the customer ….. "

"The 'Art of Living' represents not just a location to buy the best cook & kitchenware available, it also represents an ethos in retail and community that is essential. They know exactly what they are selling, they know exactly what you are making and they know exactly what you need. There is no forced sale because they know that their integrity will bring you back time after time. In comparison to today's mass-market, chain-store anonymity, the 'Art of Living' shows them all how it is supposed to be done."

"Cake-making started with helping my grandmother on Saturday afternoons to make a cake for tea. I've loved baking ever since, and now have children of my own and get them involved in the same way my grandmother did me. For years I had longed for a Kitchen Aid mixer - the Rolls Royce of mixers as far as I was concerned. On numerous occasions whilst in Art of Living I looked at the models on display and discussed their merit but I never had the £269 needed to buy one. One evening I had a call from Art of Living to say that the design of the mixer was changing and the shop had one of the old model left, "Would I be interested in buying this one at a reduced price?". It took me about five seconds to decide that, yes, I would. The fact that the shop had remembered my visits and taken the time and trouble to offer me a personnal and thoughtful service is something that one does not encounter much these days. My Kitchen Aid has pride of place in my kitchen and it was worth every penny!"

"I enjoy shopping at Art of Living in Cobham because it is obvious from the moment you walk in that the range has been put together by people who take the pleasure to be had from the preparation, handling and presentation of food and drink very seriously. I particularly like the way the staff ask sensible questions to establish what you want to achieve before making suggestions. They are well informed and always exceptionally helpful. Considering the grown-up nature of the stock there is a remarkable child-friendly feel."

Penny Halfacre

"Nothing is too much trouble - a cut above the rest. The Art of Living knows what customer service should really be like. Always a great shop to visit, even with little people!"

Melanie Knight, Leigh

"I have been shopping at 'Art of Living' ever since moving to Reigate seven years ago. The quality is second to none; the advice is incredibly helpful and useful; the staff are honest and friendly - it feels like chatting to friends whenever I walk into the shop, even if I end up not buying something! I have introduced family and friends from near and far to this gem of a shop, and many 'Art of Living' birthday and Christmas presents adorn kitchens and dining rooms all over the UK, and the World."

Michael Smith, Merstham

“I am an enthusiastic amateur cook and consider myself extremely fortunate that I have Art of Living on my doorstep, and have been a customer for over 20 years. They offer expert, courteous advise (never pushy!) - nothing is ever too much trouble. I have always received first class personal service both before and after sales. There is always an enormous eclectic range - and they will source almost anything for you. Virtually my whole kitchen has been equipped by art of living!!! I cannot recommend them highly enough - although a very dangerous place to browse, as I very rarely leave empty handed.”

Nina Topple, Reigate

“Art of Living has a wide variety of superb kitchenware with very helpful and friendly staff. Even when we had a grumble, it was dealt with immediately, sensitively and brilliantly in a way that would only be possible in a family firm. God bless you.”

Frank and Nance, Surrey

"As a long standing customer, Art of Living's expertise has provided me with everything from an excellent wedding list service to advice on every aspect of my kitchen and dining needs, and always with the most courteous and informed guidance from their informed assistants."

Andrew Prior, Cobham

“On the numerous occasions I've browsed and shopped with you, I've always found an excellent range of quality goods, from sensibly priced essentials through to the high end of the market. For me though, the most important aspect of the Art of Living is the extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff. They actually seem to use the products you sell themselves, which is a rare thing with today's retailing.

I think my kitchen and dining room are slowly but surely tuning into Art of Living showrooms themselves.”

Tim Hardman, Reigate

“I just wanted to congratulate you on such a fantastic shop as Art of Living. As I am not a kitchen goddess, I often find myself looking to buy things that I don’t really understand anything about, whether it be a 50p pourer to an expensive set of pans. I always receive helpful and friendly advice on what I should or shouldn’t buy, depending on my needs, budget and use.

Its not unusual for me to go in with a set price in my head and come away having spent much less because I found I didn’t really need the extras, or likewise, when I went to buy a really cheap griddle pan because I didn’t have one and my recipe said I must (!). I came out having spent several times more than I thought BUT having a really useful item that I find myself using day in day out, several years on!

I used to imagine that being a local shop, your prices would be much higher than larger department stores however, when I did a price check on my dinner set and then other items, I was pleasantly surprised to find that your prices are equal or better.

The shop is like Aladdin’s Cave and you can be sure if it goes in the kitchen, you’ll find it in Art of Living”.

Shirley Stone, Reigate

I have been a customer at the Art of Living for as long as I can remember. As I child I was a regular visitor, shadowing parents in and out, always wanting to buy something (and worrying about knocking things over)! As an adult, it is always my first stop for any kitchen item or kitchenware gift, as it is for my husband and son, both keen chefs.

It is without doubt one of the best shops of its sort I have ever come across, and that includes the largest and internationally renowned stores. Rather than eulogising about each of its qualities, I can summarise that the Art of Living cannot be beaten for:

Babette and her staff deserve the highest of accolades for their success.
Yours faithfully,

Testimonials