A fixture in Brighton's North Laine for a staggering 25 years, what's Utility's secret to longevity? Founded by Martha, Jonathan and Adam Le Roy, the shop focuses (as the name suggests) on useful, well-made homewares produced by small, often family-run, manufacturers from the UK, US and Europe, as well as making their own range of enamelware.
This is what they have to say:
Utility is an independent housewares store in Brighton’s North Laine. Some say we’re the must-stop-shop for straightforward household goods. We have a huge run of stock – some from well-known family-run factories and some from smaller makers. And some made by us.
We sell household things that are designed so well that there’s been no need to change their format in many years, or ever. Think of Duralex glass or Silvine stationery : Both of them are stylish and modest.
So these everyday designs mean our stock seems comfortingly familiar and looks good in every setting.
Most importantly, we want you to enjoy getting your everyday supplies. And we want to sell it to you at a fair price.
Win, win.
The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.