This month kbbreview's famous Mystery Shopper turned off the M25 to visit the Medway Towns of Kent...

Globe Plumbing & Heating, High Street

In Strood I found Globe, a plumbers merchants with a difference. A busy trade counter was located at the back of the shop manned by Trevor, at the front was a surprisingly good bathroom showroom.
Brands on display included Crosswater, Hudson Reed, Vitra and each display had a neatly typed price list attached to the wall.
Trevor called out to see if I needed any help and when I asked about a particular display he left the counter and joined me to point out the benefits of a shower bath with over bath screen. "We don't fit but I can point you in the direction of an excellent contact who can undertake the project for you. Call Ken and get him to measure up and see what's possible then come in here and we can look at products with you and make a few suggestions."

Score: 8/10
A well presented shop and Trevor was friendly and helpful with photos

PTC Kitchens, Maidstone Road

On the road into Rochester, PTC has an eye catching black and red exterior enhanced by a red gloss kitchen in the window - the black and red theme is carried through to the business cards and website.
This attention to detail is also in evidence in the shop which is clean, well lit, with imaginative Schmidt displays and attractive props.
John came through from the back of the shop and explained that PTC is his son Paul's business. "I'm afraid he's out today so I'm helping out but I'll try to answer any questions you have."
John produced a book of images showing kitchens installed by Paul including one featuring a curved black gloss island with white Silestone top. "That kitchen will appear in 25 Beautiful Homes next month," he said with pride.

Score: 8/10
An attractive showroom and John was both helpful and charming.

Kitchen World, Walderslade Centre

Situated in the Walderslade shopping centre Kitchen World made the most of its location with a smart exterior and attractive window displays including a painted cream kitchen and a natural oak display from Second Nature.
A bell on the door announced my arrival and Wendy immediately joined me with a brochure and explained that there were a variety of options for me to choose: "It's your choice of door style, finish and handle." She then walked me round the displays opening various cupboards to demonstrate larder and corner carousel storage solutions. In one display she apologised for a couple of missing floor tiles explaining that they were in the process of installing plinth lights. "They're popular at the moment and would look particularly lovely if you get your kitchen in by Christmas."
I asked about the practicality of a high gloss kitchen and Wendy replied that while it would look good it would be high maintenance, "You might consider mixing a few high gloss doors with a wood finish." She reassured me that Kitchen World uses its own plasterers, electricians and fitters "We've been here for 25 years and have installed many, many kitchens in the area."

Score: 8/10
Wendy was friendly and made many helpful suggestions

Showcase Kitchen Studio, Watling Street

The shop exterior is clean and bright - including the 50% off signs hanging in the window which would be clearly visible to passing traffic and were neatly suspended from the ceiling (not a blob of blue tack in sight).
I had a long chat with Tony who explained that Showcase sell both Wentworth and Colonial kitchens.
"There are plenty of different door styles to choose from, almost too much choice really. We will come and measure up and plan something for you, once it is in the computer it takes no time to change so we can play around with the design until you're completely happy."

Score: 6/10
An attractive showroom and chatty presentation

Oasis Plumbing & Bathroom Supplies, Rainham Road

The baths and basins were dusty, notices fixed to the window with blue tack were peeling away, the ceiling joists were exposed and the felt pen on hand written signs was faded.
This is a shame as Oasis has a good location on the busy A2, the showroom is next to traffic lights so potential customers in their cars have a chance to view the window displays. Inside there's a wide range of products available and a couple of eye-catching touches such as a blue glass basin and rack of brightly coloured acrylic toilet seats. The saleslady was busy with customers, she sounded friendly and helpful.

Score: 5/10
A wasted opportunity - it's time for a thorough spring clean

Rochester Court Interiors, Anthony's Way

In Strood I found this well presented kitchen and bathroom showroom. Steve was busy with a customer in the downstairs kitchen displays so I wandered upstairs to look at bathrooms and he joined me when he was free.
We walked round and he pointed out interesting items such as the made to measure bathroom furniture, a Jacuzzi waterfall tap and the new Bisque 'hanger' radiator. We then went downstairs to look at the RWK kitchens. The displays were clean and neat but not particularly inspiring. However I spotted a photo album only partly filled with pictures of a couple of lovely installations. "I've been meaning to take more pictures," said Steve.

Score: 7/10
Don't forget your camera! Fill the album with photos

WINNER'S PROFILE - PTC Kitchens

Paul Chantler was a carpenter in demand to a number of kitchen retailers in the Surrey and London area. Three years ago he decided that rather than work for others it was time to do it for himself. Before opening PTC Kitchens he visited other showrooms in the area. "I wasn't impressed by what I saw. People had boxes piled up in the window, cupboards and drawers full of brochures, and door samples everywhere. I like the showroom to be really tidy."
Paul hasn't had to advertise much as the bulk of his business comes from recommendation through his new customers and from previous architect and builder contacts. "I would say my strength is that I offer a personal service and pay attention to detail," he says.