BRASSICA MERCANTILE
Having established the renowned Brassica Restaurant in west Dorset with husband Cass Titcombe, Louise Chidgey has now opened a beautiful lifestyle store right next door
Tell us a bit about your background.
I have had a career of more than 20 years as a design and retail creative. I built my expertise as senior buyer at The Conran Shop, followed by roles at Tom Conran Restaurants, Marks & Spencer, Nicole Farhi Home and Selfridges. Since 2005, I’ve gained an international reputation as head of home design at global trend-forecasting giant WGSN. I also co-authored
with David Oliver. Paint & Paper: A Masterclass in Colour and Light
What gives a product the Brassica Mercantile seal of approval?
I am very drawn to colour and pattern, although the palettes and combinations I like are very particular. I try to find products that are designed to last and are beautiful enough to have on display anywhere in the home.
How often do you update your stock?
As a small, independent store, cash flow is the biggest hurdle. I have lots of products and suppliers bookmarked and, when the budget becomes available, I immediately place an order. I place smaller orders more frequently to keep the shop interesting, visually inspiring and up to date. We may be situated in deepest Dorset, but I often buy products that are then seen a little later in shops such as Merci, The Conran Shop and Twentytwentyone.
Who are your favourite designers?
Carl Hansen’s Wishbone chair will always be my favourite piece. It is simply timeless. I also admire Patricia Urquiola – she is, to me, the most inspiring contemporary designer. Oona Bannon and Russell Pinch of Pinch Design launch pieces each season that I believe will become family heirlooms.
What do you like about the local area?
Being a Londoner means I have had a long adjustment to rural life, but one really gets to see nature first-hand here. We live on the Mapperton Estate on the top of a hill overlooking the sea and the house backs onto a forest with deer, rabbits and pheasants. We also live by the seasons, awaiting the wild garlic to sprout and the sea of bluebells to erupt. Being close to the coast is also a bonus and the countryside around us is stunning.
What’s next for your business?
Expansion – we have begun the search for a building to convert to accommodate both the shop and restaurant and therefore be able to serve more customers. Our current restaurant is fairly small but very popular. The edited collection of books, home furnishings, tableware and garden essentials, plus food and wine, makes Brassica Mercantile a one-stop shop. Brassica Mercantile, 3 The Square, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3AS, 01308 538140, brassicamercantile.co.uk.