All But The Kitchen Sink, June 2026
Alright! Hope everyone's keeping well? Welcome to June's All But The Kitchen Sink!
It's another belter of a newsletter this month. We're sharing probably the most special piece of content we've ever made, looking ahead to the Summer Solstice and thinking about picnics quite a lot plus, it's Father's Day next Sunday and we've got some nifty little gift ideas to share too!
WATCH
Running a small indie business is honestly the best thing George and I have ever done together - we love every bloody thing about it. From meeting amazingly talented blacksmiths in Japan, to honing our knife knowledge and sharpening skills, to learning how to grow a retail business and getting to know our incredible customers - and we are so buzzed to keep building and grafting and creating something people genuinely have a connection with.
After starting out as a home-based sharpening service in 2019 and getting our start in retail during lockdown by turning our back yard into a socially-distanced knife shop, we opened the shop on Leeds Road, Ilkley, five years ago next month - and to be honest, we've been sprinting ever since. When things are 200 miles an hour every day, it's easy to forget how we got here and even easier not to do anything to celebrate it!
So, earlier this year, we welcomed the exceptionally talented North Waves Creative to the shop for the day to help us create something that would give us a retrospective. It was an opportunity to take a few hours out and chat about those markers in the sand that have shaped how we've grown.
North Waves creative have created a video that captures this five year trip so beautifully and we wanted you guys to be the first to see it. Go give it some love on YouTube if you get a chance :)
SHOP
Two dates for your diary next Sunday - it's the Summer Solstice (George is off for a 3am swim at our local lido to celebrate!) AND it's Father's Day!
Over the years, we've loved watching couples and families pop in for a mooch and seeing EVERYONE find some treasures. Dads always enjoy a good chin wag about knives - it's ace to see their faces light up when we offer them a test run!
So without tooting our own trumpet too much, we feel fairly well equipped to meet your Father's Day gifting needs! From small tokens to grand gestures, we've pulled together some of our favourites to spark some ideas.
Quick note about shipping - to ensure your gift arrives by Saturday 20th, make sure you place your order no later than Wednesday 17th.
GO
On the theme of long summer days, we've been thinking about picnics quite a bit lately. With two pups in tow, a big old walk and a pack-up is right up our street. We've been known to hit up a fair few decent picnic spots in our time (because we're wild like that 🤪) so we thought we'd share a few here in case you're after a picturesque pit-stop too!
Ilkley Moor
Now, it might seem odd to take your Tupperware somewhere so close to home but for us, the moor above our hometown of Ilkley is worth visiting even if you're not from round 'ere. If you're looking for wide-open spaces and classic Yorkshire scenery, Ilkley Moor is honestly hard to beat. You get miles of paths, dramatic rock formations and panoramic views across Wharfedale and then the famous Cow and Calf Rocks offers a great picnic backdrop. It's completely free to visit and ideal for families, dog walkers and anyone wanting a breath of fresh moorland air.
Llanddwyn Beach, Anglesey
Sarnies by the sea? Lovely stuff. If you've been following us for some time, you'll know we flipping love North Wales and Llanddwyn Beach is such a gem. Backed by dunes and overlooking Snowdonia across the water, it's perfect for spreading out a blanket and spending the day outdoors. Loads of wildlife spotting look-outs too!
Roundhay Park, Leeds
Another local one for us, this, and did you know, it's one of the largest city parks in Europe? Oof. You'll find lakeside views, woodland walks, open lawns and playgrounds plus plenty of space to find a quiet picnic spot.
LISTEN
Need some tunes to eat your Scotch Eggs to? Step this way. I mean, I've made this playlist with picnic plans in mind but it's really just a collection of gorgeous summer sounds for all occasions. Would work well at a Solstice soiree or summer wedding too, IMO!
RENOVATE
Reyt! It's the third instalment and we're making progress, we've seen damp-proofers, electricians, plasterers and plumbers, but no kitchen fitters just yet, although that day is closing in.
Have a watch of week 3 for the full lowdown