inspired by Arighi Bianchi

Unique, undoubtedly. Attractive in a conventional way, certainly not. And yet this store, selling high quality products for the home has inspired a cult following. Established in 1854 by two Italian cabinet makers, the store has managed to maintain its reputation for high quality and customer care, including royalty among its customers.

When, in 1883, the expanding business moved into the old Silk Mill, they employed a local builder to renovate the premises and construct an aditional four storey building. Inspired by Joseph Paxton's famous Crystal palace built for the 1851 Great Exhibition, These Italian enterpeneurs requested an iconic facade featuring large Italianate plate glass windows in ornamental arched cast iron frames.

This unique building is known to thousands who see it as they pass through Macclesfield on the train. Having been saved from a compulsory purchase order in 1970, it now boasts a plaque stating, 'Listed as being of special historic and architectural interest'.

This fourth generation family business has managed to maintain its high ethics and individual trading style. They make a fine cup of coffee too - Italian style!