In Conversation with Justin Kowbel, Founder of Borough Kitchen

Meet Borough Kitchen — a brilliant London-born brand with a true passion for cooking, entertaining, and sourcing the very best tools for the job. From everyday prep to joyful gatherings around the table, their philosophy is all about quality, function, and longevity.

We’re so proud to be part of their expertly curated edit and stocked in all five of their beautiful London stores. Keep reading for a chat with founder Justin Kowbel on what makes Borough Kitchen tick.

Q - How did Borough Kitchen get started, and what do you think has been the key to its success? Tell us the story of how it all came to life and what helped it grow into what it is today!

A - It started from a genuine love of both entertaining and retail. I grew up in Canada, working at my parents’ supermarket business – which fed into my passion for home cooking as well. We lived out on the lakes, where friends and family often stayed with us, cementing this love for cooking with and for others. Our co-founder David’s family is Italian, where food is similarly gathered around in a joyful way. We were neighbours for ten years, and both very much enjoyed entertaining. 

The key to our success is our genuine passion for seeking out the best tools for our customers, testing them to ensure they will make cooking not just smooth but enjoyable.

Q - Borough Kitchen really stands out to us as a trusted source for quality cookware and tableware items, what do you think makes you different from other stores?

A  - Our focus on how a product functions – over its trendiness or aesthetic – as well as how well it is made, and how long it lasts, is what sets us apart. Our range is heavily edited, so we can provide the right solutions for customers who feel like their cookware and tableware can work better for them. We want them to know that if it’s in our shop, then they can trust the quality will be good. A big part of this is working with brands we know produce consistently excellent products that are thoughtfully designed, like Richard Brendon.

The Classic Coupe Glass

Q - The Richard Brendon tagline is Finer Dining, Every Day —  what does that mean to you in the context of Borough Kitchen’s philosophy?

A - In the context of Borough Kitchen, it means our tableware range needs to be functional enough to work seamlessly everyday, but special enough that our customers are delighted to use it when entertaining guests.

Q - Can you tell us about a particular collection of Richard Brendon’s assortment that you’re especially proud of selling?

A - The Richard Brendon x Jancis Robinson glasses are exceptional, just a great universal glass that both wine experts and regular wine drinkers love. They make you appreciate the wine more, and have a tactile quality that extends to Richard Brendon’s other glassware ranges, like the Fluted and Diamond. Entertaining is a big part of the BK philosophy, so having nice wine glasses and barware is key to that.

Q - Finally, we just have to ask, what's your number one tip for the perfect dinner party? What makes it a memorable evening in your eyes?

A - Without a doubt, it is to be relaxed when your guests arrive. So prepare as much as you can in advance, including the table setting, and make sure to take a breath before the event begins. This sets the tone for the rest of the evening.

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