P.S. Kitchens, Ombersley Road

P.S. Kitchens looked the part on a pleasant road of Victorian red brick villas.
The exterior was painted cream with dark green woodwork and cast iron pillars supporting a veranda. Val joined me when I entered the shop and immediately apologised for gaps in the displays. "We're in the process of putting in some new kitchens but Paul is so busy with customers at the moment we haven't quite finished." A traditional cream painted design and a newly installed contemporary kitchen with coffee coloured quartz worktop looked good and there were some nice props and warm lighting that gave the showroom a cosy feel.

Val showed me brochure pictures and door samples and suggested Paul should pay me a visit. "We always recommend a home visit as Paul can look at the room and pick up on the little details you might miss. Then we can put all the details into the computer and come up with a design."

 

SERVICE: 4 SHOWROOM: 3    TOTAL: 7/10

 Comfortable, friendly, warm and welcoming

Winchmore Kitchens, Upper Tything

With its smart blue and gold exterior and classy displays Winchmore aimed squarely at Worcester's more affluent customers.
Richard explained that the company manufactured its own framed timber kitchens that were painted on site. He pointed out the exposed hinges and opened doors and drawers to show the well-finished interiors. I was drawn to a cream painted kitchen with walnut island unit and Richard conjured up a light oak door to illustrate alternative options.
"In terms of price we range from £15,000 upwards. On average a hand-painted kitchen with granite worktop and fitting would be £25,000. We're not cheap, but for this quality of kitchen, we are excellent value for money. If you prefer something more modern, we also sell these kitchens," explained Richard, indicating a gloss Nolte display. "When you are ready I can come out to see the room."

Richard has a quiet, attentive manner. He listened carefully to my questions and confidently addressed any concerns.

 

SERVICE: 4 SHOWROOM: 4    TOTAL: 8/10

Richard's attentive, softly-softly approach worked for me

In-toto, Barbourne Road

The dusty, peeling blue paint on the outside, gaps in displays and old carpet inside didn't make a good first impression.
In fairness In-toto Worcester was selling off all its displays in preparation for a major refurbishment, but I only found this out when I asked a lady at the back of the shop, after I had been wandering around with very little to look at for about 10 minutes.

"After 27 years, the whole showroom needs doing, we had hoped to sell off the displays by now but we haven't," she said. I walked round the showroom again and noted a framed KBSA certificate and children's play area. However, the overall gloom of this place was not helped by a half-drunk cup of coffee left in one display, nor by the smell of cigarette smoke and a heavy silence. The glum lady suggested I look on the website to see what the new kitchen designs looked like.

 

SERVICE: 2 SHOWROOM: 2    TOTAL: 4/10

Could learn a few lessons from P.S Kitchens

Orillo, Foundry Street

The Orillo showroom was in an old brick foundry on a trading estate on the edge of town.
A lady sitting at a desk by the door looked up and smiled and then joined me as I walked round the displays. I explained that I wasn't sure what I could fit into my bathroom and she suggested a site visit. "Nicole will come and measure up and work things out for you. We can then recommend three different plumbers, Nicole has stuck with them because she knows the quality of their work. You pay them direct but if there are any problems you can come back to us." She suggested that I take a look round upstairs. "I'll leave you to browse but give me a shout if you need anything."

On the stairs a series of framed photos showed before-and-after bathrooms. But upstairs the large space felt cold and lacked atmosphere and there were a few gaps in the displays. A few limp towels draped haphazardly over basins did not enhance the Duravit, Utopia or Heritage groups.

 

SERVICE: 3 SHOWROOM: 3    TOTAL: 6/10

Greater attention to detail needed

Kitchen World, Henwick Road

To brighten a dull exterior Kitchen World had hung a red and white banner outside. It made the showroom easy to find, but did little to improve the austere-looking industrial unit.
Inside I was pleasantly surprised to find some decent displays, including a curved Metris kitchen. Part of the space had been set aside for bathrooms, but these displays were not as well executed as the kitchens. I noticed a missing bath panel and a bathroom cabinet without a door. Another part of this showroom was a tile gallery, but again slapdash presentation spoilt it.
I asked three guys behind a counter, more interested in their tea than in me, about bringing in plans. Mark said: "We prefer to come out to you as it gives us a better idea of the room so we can make more informed suggestions." Mark didn't hand me his card, but indicated a pile for me to help myself.

SERVICE: 2 SHOWROOM: 3    TOTAL: 5/10
Bit blokey, would benefit from the female touch

Sarah Ireland Bathrooms, Broad Street

Many of the bathroom showrooms I visit are glorified plumbers merchants, with a trade counter at their heart and a few uninspiring displays to keep the consumers happy.
So what a welcome surprise to find Sarah Ireland's eclectic shop in the heart of Worcester, bursting with inspirational ideas.
It was evident that there was a strong female influence at play, with the stylish grey and pink exterior, dramatic granite bath in the window beneath an outsize chandelier helped. Inside the shop smelt of cinnamon and imaginative displays crowded together, such as a walk in shower area with curving wall clad in aqua glass mosaics.
There is a reception area with brightly-coloured bar stools for customers, a well-stocked fish tank, two lively miniature chihuahuas and a wall covered in framed press cuttings, photographs of bathroom projects and award certificates. I met Lindsay who said: "We are designers first rather than bathroom sellers." She showed me hand-drawn plans for a current project and explained:  "We charge £100 for the design service, all hand- drawn as it gives a stronger feel of the finished room. We offer a very personal service, we will keep working until you are completely happy."

SERVICE: 4  SHOWROOM: 4    TOTAL: 8/10
Hurrah for Sarah Ireland!

WINNER'S PROFILE: Sarah Ireland

Sarah Ireland worked in interior design followed by a stint with a bathroom company, where she met Lindsay Merchant.
Four years ago, Sarah felt ready to go it alone taking Lindsay with her. She says: "We can't help but be over the top and girlie, we love big mirrors and all the decorative bits." Sarah sells bathrooms from regular suppliers, but will also spend time hunting down unusual items on the internet.
"We are designers first and foremost, constantly looking for inspiration," she says. "We also give a very reliable service and employ good fitters."
The formula seems to be working and business is good. Sarah says: "We are starting to get repeat business and customers are recommending us to their friends and relatives. There are also those who just pop in socially to see the dogs and have a chat. We are very, very relaxed. No hard sell."