Drakes, Vestry Road

Drakes was located on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Sevenoaks. The bathroom showroom was above a trade counter selling plumbing, heating and bathroom supplies.  
The showroom was equally impressive, with a display of shiny chrome Vado showers neatly presented against a wall of wood panelling. There was a good selection of Roman Sculptures enclosures, Roca and Pura sanitaryware, plus a working display of Aqualisa showers. Wall space was put to good use with a selection of wall-hung towel radiators. All was clean and bright. So far, so good.
I stopped at the desk by the door to ask the assistant if Drakes could fit my bathroom. He looked up briefly from texting on his mobile and said: 'No.' Could he recommend a plumber? 'Yes.'
Determined to get more than a one-syllable response, I persisted: "Should I buy the bathroom myself or is it better to work through the plumber?" The grudging reply was: "You buy it, get him to fit it."

SERVICE: 1 SHOWROOM: 3    TOTAL: 4/10
Monosyllabic

Badger Bathrooms, Tubs Hill Parade

Close to the busy Sevenoaks train station, Badger Bathrooms sat in a parade of shops sporting a modern black-and-white sign.
I wandered round admiring a free-standing Victoria & Albert bath, walk-in and walk-through showers, Duravit and Catalano sanitaryware and Gessi taps. There was also a wide selection of tiles. The showroom was obviously aimed at the more affluent Sevenoaks customer with its distinctive product range and presentation. However, in an attempt to bring life to the displays, someone had been a little heavy-handed with the colour-coordinated props.
I cautiously approached a man wrapped up in a coat and scarf. I wasn't sure if he was another customer, but he turned out to be staff. "Call if you would like us to come and measure up", he said. "Just ask for Steve, we're all called Steve." My Steve was rather awkward and didn't promote Badger's products or services at all. Perhaps he was unwell. The other Steve was escorting a customer round the shop, enthusiastically extolling the virtues of his business in a booming voice.

SERVICE: 2 SHOWROOM: 4    TOTAL: 6/10
Ditch some of the candles

Rencraft, Chart Farm

You would never stumble across Rencraft kitchens by chance. It's at the end of  a winding lane through ancient woodland amid a jumble of converted outbuildings that house a variety of artists and a farm shop.
Rencraft was in a low building at the back of the yard, which I assume is still part of a working farm as there was a tractor parked outside when I visited.
The showroom, however, was well worth the trip. Modern glass doors opened on to a surprisingly stylish interior with solid wood kitchens sporting granite worktops and butler's sinks, all nicely presented under warm lighting. Rebecca explained that the kitchens were all manufactured in the unit next door. "So we can make them fit exactly. If you go for a painted finish, or if you wish to mix paint and oak, the units are painted on site and you can choose whatever colour you want."
She pointed out a couple of design details and interior fittings and then left me to browse through a neatly compiled folder of glossy photographs. "There's lots of choice," she said. "You don't have to make all your decisions at once, we will take you through it in stages." As I left, Rebecca handed me a brochure and a sample kitchen layout with prices.

SERVICE: 4 SHOWROOM: 4    TOTAL: 8/10
A hidden treasure

Enclosure Interiors, London Road

Enclosure Interiors, a few doors up the road from Kitchen Design, is by contrast the epitome of understated style and April was equally calm and collected.
The showroom sold modern Leicht kitchens. There was a run of white gloss base units with recessed handles in the window topped with a composite worktop and inset induction hob. I liked it, but expressed my concern that it could look cold. April showed me how the white could be combined with a wood laminate door to bring warmth and texture to the design. We discussed appliances and April pointed out a run of Siemens built-in, eye-level ovens, including a combination oven and microwave and a steam oven.
She handed me a brochure and suggested I stick in a few Post-it notes to mark the designs that appealed to me. "Then bring a floor plan in if you would like, but really it's better if we come to you, then we can get a better idea of the space and your tastes," she said.

SERVICE: 3 SHOWROOM: 4    TOTAL: 7/10
Smart showroom, quietly confident service

Built-In Living, Pilgrim's Way

Rencraft was tucked away on a farm and this showroom was on an equally remote trading estate in the middle of open fields off the ancient Pilgrims Way.
I wasn't sure if Built-In Living was trade-only, but I ventured inside and found a surprisingly large and well-appointed showroom. There was a metallic grey display near the door and further in a kitchen with powder blue glass doors and another with matt white glass. Unusual floral arrangements added a splash of colour.
Frank appeared from upstairs and looked surprised to see me. I asked if the showroom was open to visitors and he said yes, but continued to look taken aback, so I fired a few more questions at him, asking about installation and costs. He explained that if I brought in plans, he would work out a design and that I could expect to pay between £25,000 and £30,000. He didn't volunteer any more information, so I left.

SERVICE: 2 SHOWROOM: 4    TOTAL: 6/10
Attractive showroom let down by frosty service

Kitchen Design, London Road

If you ever find yourself in the Kitchen Design showroom, don't expect a fleeting visit, as Gary Bullen likes a good chat and he likes to chat about kitchens.
He joined me as I inspected the lime green painted kitchen in the window: "I put in the green next to the oak display to show what's possible from Stoneham," he said.
This led on to a lengthy discourse on how flexible Stoneham was as a supplier, bending over backwards to meet customer demands, even sourcing unusual timber (olive wood) at the request of one particular customer.
I asked about appliances and again Gary had plenty to say about induction hobs and the merits of the Miele dishwasher, oven and microwave, showing me the relevant appliances and smattering his conversation with stories and anecdotes about his own culinary skills and those of his customers.
"I will be completely honest with you, if I think something does or doesn't work, I will tell you. Your job is to ask questions. I've got 30 years' experience doing this, I know the answer to most things, but if I don't, I'll find out for you."

SERVICE: 3 SHOWROOM: 4    TOTAL: 7/10
Gary's style was a little overpowering

WINNER'S PROFILE: Rencraft

Thirty-one years ago, Rencraft made beds and tables but quickly moved into fitted kitchens. Despite the out-of-the-way location, John Stephens says customers are happy to make the trip: "There's plenty of parking and they can see where the kitchens are produced.
"From our point of view, we know that if someone has made the effort to find us, they are genuinely interested."
Rencraft advertises in national and local magazines, pulling in customers from all over the country and abroad, but the bulk of the business comes from recommendation and repeat custom.
"We're very versatile and customers appreciate that we are genuinely bespoke. It's a long journey from first look to final fitting and you need excellent designers who listen to the customer and build up a good rapport."