Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2009/January 2010 | Page 113

LOCAL BUSINESS life Cook up a storm at Galerias of Cowes “OUR customers often remark that they have Given that Sue and her husband Pat have spent time and money fruitless searching for been in catering – they used to have the Four things in Southampton, only to return and find Seasons at Wroxall and the Bay Watch Bistro – the very thing here!” says Sue Boynton, who they are pretty good people to buy equipment runs Galerias of Cowes. from. “I always advise on which knives and That’s not difficult to believe. Galerias could pans I use,” she says. She is also very attuned have been lifted from a certain well-known to the fact that this is Cowes, hope to boat department store – except it is more attractively owners who are always short of space in laid out. The refit, about 18 months ago, was the galley. The wide range of gadgets and unlooked for: it was as a result of a horrendous bakeware includes much made from silicone, fire which started in the room above the shop and large items such as basins and colanders and was fanned by the sea wind: “There were are collapsible. That’s good news for campers, six fire engines out there, and the weight of the too. water brought the ceiling down and ruined the shop,” recalls Sue. An ill wind indeed, for she, and her “We are popular with locals and with visitors,” says Sue. “Anyone looking for a present can usually find something suitable. customers, are very pleased with the spacious And if all else fails – or they’re buying for a and relaxed feel that Galerias now boasts. very particular cook – we do sell gift vouchers.” It is the perfect space in which to browse through the range of cookware every creative Goods can be gift wrapped if required. So when you see the queue for the Red Jet cook aspires to: Le Creuset’s famously robust winding round the corner, think twice and attractive pans, cookware by Stellar, about that trip to Southampton. You and knives and blocks by Sabatier and James might get exactly what you want at Martin. Then there is the china, and again if Galerias of Cowes. you want something right up to the minute The shop is open seven days a week, there is no need to jump on that Fast Jet. Sue and is only closing briefly over the has in stock several of the Emma Bridgewater Christmas and New Year period. ranges, from the fun and frivolous Polka Dots to Black Toast – cream with black writing – and Galerias of Cowes, 75 High Street, Cowes. Tel: 01983 280174 Hearts, which make lovely wedding presents. “We’ve got the Emma Bridgewater textiles too,”