Katy Meets... The Stove Yard

By Katy O'Regan

“When is the best time to install a log burner?” I asked Russell, the knowledgeable manager of The Stove Yard, nestled off Manor Lane in Holmes Chapel. Without hesitation, his reply was: “Now.”

With spring unfolding and summer on the horizon, the chilly evenings of autumn and winter might feel like a distant memory. Yet, according to Russell, this is precisely the time to start planning and preparing. Russell’s journey to The Stove Yard began after a demanding 16 year career as a chef, where the long hours began to impact his family life. This led him to switch careers, and he has since become a fixture at The Stove Yard, mastering all aspects of the showroom’s offerings, not just the wood-burning stoves.

The showroom itself, one of the largest in the UK, is located in Cheshire. It features an extensive array of stoves, each actively displaying the cozy allure of dancing flames through a variety of designs and brands. Russell informed me that the stoves cater to a range of needs and preferences, from purely aesthetic enhancements to essential heating solutions, particularly vital in rural areas where gas may not be accessible.

Modern wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, celebrated for their low carbon emissions and the utilization of renewable, sustainable fuel, also address the recent concerns about smoke emissions. It’s crucial in Smoke Control Areas, as designated by DEFRA, where regulations require that any wood burner installed must emit less than 3 grams of smoke per hour. Although Holmes Chapel and its surrounding villages are not within such a control zone, opting for an eco friendly stove is a proactive choice for environmental stewardship.

The Stove Industry Alliance highlights the sector’s significant advancements, noting that criticisms often stem from outdated comparisons to open fires, older stoves, and the use of poor quality wood. The Stove Yard team, adept in industry regulations and the latest innovations, provides top notch advice and supports the DEFRA ‘Burn Better’ campaign, which promotes methods that enhance air quality and protect health.

Upon choosing your stove, Russell’s team facilitates connections with trusted Hetas registered installers. Additionally, The Stove Yard offers a comprehensive range of fire related accessories, including innovative storage solutions for logs, specialized cleaning products, and a variety of fuels. They can also modernize your space with stylish fire surrounds, hearths, mantels, and everything needed for a media wall with mood enhancing lighting. For those who might not be able to install a traditional wood burner, electric stoves are available that mimic the aesthetic and provide easy, effective heating.

Furthermore, I explored the gas stove options with Russell. These are ideal for those who appreciate the rustic charm of a wood burner but prefer the convenience of a touch button start. These stoves provide efficient heating and realistic wood-burning effects without the need for log storage, and contemporary gas fires are designed to fit almost any space, even those without a chimney.

As our conversation concluded, Russell excitedly showed me to another section of the showroom, dedicated to outdoor cooking, a personal passion of mine, regardless of the season. The display included the prestigious Big Green Egg, known for its versatility and recognised as a BBC Gardeners’ World Best Buy for its performance and build quality. Other notable products were the Alfa Forni pizza ovens and the ground breaking Gozney, touted as the world’s first portable, lightweight stone bake oven.

Russell revealed plans for upcoming special cooking weekends at The Stove Yard, where he’ll showcase these outdoor culinary tools using his chef skills. Anticipation for these events is high, and I’m keen to experience them first hand, assuredly from the front of the line! For updates on these events, check The Stove Yard’s Facebook page or inquire in-store.

Russell and The Stove Yard team have been part of the Holmes Chapel community for 19 years, starting out at another location on the industrial estate before moving to where they are now in a larger space. They have big plans for the future, including turning the front part of the showroom into a kitchen to demonstrate their range of log-burning cookers. For now, though, the range they have on display is vast, covering all bases for both indoor heating and outdoor cooking, and I plan to return to check out the changes in a few months.

All information correct as of July 2024.