Holloways of Ludlow – a new design destination in the heart of Bath

[AD – this post is based on a PR event]

The beautiful city of Bath has been developing an increasingly strong interiors and design scene in recent years, with various galleries, studios and boutiques opening their doors. I’m lucky that it’s only a short hop by train from my home in neighbouring Bristol, and I often head there for a bit of shopping or to pick up some inspiration. And now there’s another reason to visit in the form of British retailer Holloways of Ludlow‘s new showroom, whose official launch I attended earlier this month.

Taking over a former bank that used to house the HAY Store, the Bath showroom is Holloways of Ludlow’s fifth and its largest yet. Spread over two floors and styled beautifully throughout, it’s home to a wide selection of European brands, with a particular focus on pared-back Scandinavian design. It’s the kind of place that you can happily browse for hours, and it’s a joy to be able to experience design in person again. Online shopping may have become the norm over the past two years, but there’s something special about being able to touch materials, view shapes and test things out for comfort – especially when it comes to larger purchases such as sofas and dining tables.

It’s also refreshing to see a UK retailer recognising that there’s life – and interest in design – outside the capital, and I was impressed by Holloways of Ludlow’s determination not to be London-centric. In fact they’re already expanding into more areas of the country, with a Winchester showroom opening later this year, a Liverpool pop-up on the horizon and plans to build new premises in the Shropshire market town of Ludlow, where the company was first founded back in 1985.

“One thing that we’ve increasingly noticed among customers is the desire to shop locally,” says CEO Mark Holloway. “Most of the UK has been underserved with high-end design furniture; our approach is about bringing great design closer to home. With our Bath store opening, we see the opportunity to connect with a growing customer base in the area and around Bristol, the South West and the Cotswolds.”

There’s certainly a great range to discover. Wandering around, I spied pieces by the likes of New Works, &Tradition, B&B Italia, Nuura, Finn Juhl, Gubi and Menu, as well as a whole section showcasing new launches from Norwegian brand Northern. I was also struck by the beauty of the Georgian Bath-stone building, whose high ceilings, shuttered windows and original plasterwork perfectly offset the clean lines of the mid-century and contemporary design on display.

The lighting selection is particularly impressive – perhaps unsurprising, given Holloways originally started life as a lighting specialist. Indeed an entire area of the ground floor is dedicated to it, with lamps by Flos, Louis Poulsen, Tala and more sitting alongside industrial-style designs from in-house label Old School Electric, which was inspired by Mark’s parents’ architectural salvage business.

There are also a few exclusives, including a black-stained version of Hans J. Wegner’s iconic CH24 ‘Wishbone’ chair, created in collaboration with Carl Hansen & Søn and only available here. And until the end May, the showroom is hosting the first UK exhibition of works by Danish artist Carsten Beck, whose stunning oil paintings are characterised by bold geometric shapes.

But the showroom isn’t just about high-end investment pieces, as there are lots of smaller items – Frama toiletries, Skandinavisk candles, HAY stationery – on offer too. What’s more, the atmosphere is relaxed and the staff super friendly, with none of the haughtiness that you often find in design showrooms. Whether you leave with a £10 cup, a £1000 chair or just a bit of inspiration, you’ll be treated to a great visit.

Find Holloways of Ludlow at 37 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DN or shop online at hollowaysofludlow.com.

Images three, five, six and 11-13 by Abi Dare; all other photography by Jim Holland