The impending closure on April 4 of Ironmongers Extraordinary – a High Street shop in Rye that became famous for its cookware, was a favourite of TV cook and writer Delia Smith, and often featured in magazines – will dismay residents and visitors to the town alike.
For many years a family run specialist cookware shop, its future has been in doubt since founder Mindi Gill died a year ago.
Her daughter, Tasha, has been exploring different alternatives, including splitting the premises in two and selling off residential accommodation above the shop, but has evidently failed to find a buyer for the existing shop.
Nigel Bourne, who worked for Mindi for many years and became shop manager, is looking for premises in the town and hoping to strike out on his own, using his considerable skill and knowledge of the business.
Photos: Tasha Mottram (portrait of Mindi) and Rye News library