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,”