An Exclusive Evening With Miele

Miele, the German manufacturer of premium household appliances, is thrilled to announce the opening of its new Miele Experience Centre in the prestigious area of Mayfair, London, directly opposite The Ritz Hotel. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone as Miele celebrates its 125th anniversary and continues its ambitious growth plans across the UK. This is the seventh Experience Centre in the UK after Abingdon, Brent Cross, Oxford Circus, Edinburgh, Bluewater, and Solihull.

Miele Experience Centres are designed to support all Miele customers and provide an immersive, hands-on experience with Miele’s innovative products. Visitors can explore a wide range of appliances in a setting that emphasises Miele’s commitment to quality, performance, and timeless design. The centre features interactive displays and live cooking demonstrations, allowing customers to witness first-hand the exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology that have made Miele a global leader.

“We are incredibly excited to open our newest Miele Experience Centre in Mayfair, a location synonymous with quality, luxury and excellence,” said John Pickering, Managing Director of Miele GB. “This opening is a testament to our commitment to bringing the Miele experience closer to our customers. As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we are proud to continue our tradition of innovation and excellence, setting the standard for quality, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to experience the Miele difference.”

Opening Miele Experience Centres at key premium locations around the country is part of Miele’s Global strategy to create much wider consumer awareness of its brand. This benefits all independent electrical and kitchen retail partners who sell Miele. The Experience Centres are designed to be a resource to help partners sell more Miele as part of a new kitchen project. Miele partners are invited to arrange appointments for their customers to meet with the teams in the Miele Experience Centres. The knowledgeable sales consultants will then help the referred customers to choose the best products suited to their needs, before sending them back to the Miele partner to place the order.

The Mayfair Experience Centre will be managed by Gary Tiernan, who brings a wealth of expertise from his extensive background in luxury furniture brands including Harrods, Linley and Richard Brendon. Under his leadership, the centre aims to provide unparalleled customer service and an exceptional shopping experience.

In addition to showcasing Miele’s latest products, the new Experience Centre will serve as a versatile events space, ideal for collaborations with our customers and complementary brands. This dynamic venue will host cooking classes, product launches, and exclusive events, creating a hub of culinary inspiration and innovation.

Miele’s dedication to excellence is evident in every detail of the new centre. From its sleek design to its interactive features, the Mayfair Experience Centre embodies the brand’s core values of quality, technology, and sustainability. Customers will have the opportunity to experience Miele’s full range of appliances, including ovens, coffee machines, vacuum cleaners, and more, all designed to enhance their lifestyle and home environment.

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When Sarah Griffin and her husband Steve moved into their converted barn in Hampshire 15 years ago, the property came with a kitchen that wasn’t quite right. It was all-white with a disjointed look, yet the couple knew they would have to live with it for a few years as it was brand new, so they bided their time and waited.

The six-bedroom, five-bathroom home has two wings either side of a central atrium with glass windows from the ground up. The couple have four daughters, one of whom still lives at home as the others have all grown up and moved away, and it was only once the existing appliances, which included a range cooker, started slowing down that Sarah and Steve knew the time had come to change.

“I spent a couple of years researching what I wanted,” says Sarah. “I looked at different bespoke kitchen companies, but they were never quite right. I needed something fully custom made for the high ceilings and wanted furniture that was maybe locally made, too.” It was only after searching online that Sarah came across Higham Furniture, with its showroom in Fulham, London. “I loved their handleless Shaker look, as it’s very refined, clean lined and with the right combination of traditional and modern to suit this house.” Sarah then realised that the Higham Furniture workshop was in Denmead, only 15 miles from her house, which sealed the deal.

“I was able to visit the workshop,” explains Sarah, “and I was blown away. Tim Higham showed me their process and what makes them so different is that they manufacture the kitchens on site and then build and assemble them there too, in order to make sure every detail is perfect before installation. Even the appliances are fitted in this pre-build process.” This stress and hassle-free approach was exactly what Sarah and Steve were looking for.

Once she had selected the cabinetry, it was time to pick the appliances. Sarah and Steve have always had Miele for their laundry appliances so when it came to choosing their cooking kit, they knew it had to be Miele. “We went to the Miele Experience Centre in Abingdon, Oxfordshire,” says Sarah, “which was absolutely brilliant. First because it was a real treat to be cooked for by a chef and second because we were shown all the different styles of cooking and the appliances available. It really helped to refine what I wanted. We walked round with a piece of paper and chose everything on that day. I knew I wanted a steam oven but I also wanted it to be a fan oven when needed, so I chose the Miele DGC 7440 XL steam combination oven with the Miele H 7464 BP pyrolytic oven. I never knew that a warming drawer could double as a slow cooker, so that was really interesting to learn and we selected the Miele ESW 6214 gourmet warming drawer. By the end of the day we had a list with all the model numbers and the finishes of the appliances we wanted.”

In the old kitchen, the range cooker was against the back wall so in the new design, Sarah wanted the space to look more like a reception room that happened to be a kitchen. The island was to be the star of the show with Miele’s ovens, warming drawer and KM 7575 FR induction hob with PowerFlex cooking areas for maximum power output.

“The Miele appliances are fantastic,” says Sarah. “They come to temperature so quickly, which I really appreciate as my old range cooker was getting slower and slower. It makes a huge difference. Also, I’d never used an induction hob before and I love it. I love how quick and responsive it is. I can also keep it completely clean if anything does boil over. I cook a roast every Sunday and now, with the new appliances and my boiling water tap, the prep only takes 30 minutes whereas before it used to take hours. It’s also been lovely to see my daughters become more confident with cooking and enjoying it more when they come to visit.”

Having their day out at the Miele Experience Centre really helped Sarah hone in on her appliance choices. “A couple of friends have induction hobs but they were a bit of a mystery to me. Seeing it demonstrated by the chef at Miele made all the difference. It was a lovely way to spend the day with plenty of time to look around.”

The kitchen flows seamlessly into a utility room, which is furnished with cabinetry painted in the same colour palette and finished with a stacked Miele WKB 120 freestanding washing machine and TWH 620 WP tumble dryer, which the couple already owned. “In the last 20 years we’ve only had a few models as they really do last. The Miele appliances are such good value for money and even if they do need servicing, that can be done rather than having to buy new. This space isn’t an embarrassment anymore; it’s a lovely area to work in.”

The overall colour scheme for the kitchen and utility brings a sense of the outside, in. “It helps to connect with the garden,” adds Sarah. “Our windows and central atrium are all in oak and I wanted elements of oak but not completely throughout. The colours reflect the décor in the rest of the house – greys, blues and greens – and as soon as I saw the handleless Shaker design I was so clear that I wanted something that didn’t look like a purely functional kitchen.” The palette features a combination of Little Greene’s Slaked Lime Deep, Pompeian Ash. “Alexander the designer at Higham knew exactly what I wanted. We had our design appointment in London, during which we chose 95% of what we wanted because he absolutely understood what we were saying. It was all a really lovely process from start to finish.”

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How do your products and services enhance interior design projects?

Miele appliances are designed to seamlessly integrate into any interior design project, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Our products, available in a range of colours and finishes, complement both modern and timeless design trends while ensuring superior performance. The sleek, minimalist design of Miele appliances enhances the overall look of kitchens and living spaces, allowing designers to create cohesive and stylish spaces without compromising on quality or technology.

What value does your specialist sector add to the industry?

As a leader in premium home appliances, Miele adds value to the interior design industry by combining cutting-edge technology with timeless design. Our commitment to quality and innovation ensures that designers have access to appliances that not only look elegant but also perform reliably over the long term, giving clients peace of mind. Miele’s sustainability credentials are also a key value proposition; most of our products are tested to perform for 20 years of use, ensuring durability and reducing environmental impact.

How do you work with interior designers?

We collaborate closely with interior designers to ensure our appliances fit seamlessly into their design projects. Through our seven Experience Centres, (Mayfair & Oxford Circus in London, Bluewater, Brentcross, Solihull, Abingdon Edinburgh) designers and their customers can explore our full range of products, receive expert advice, and see first-hand how Miele appliances can be integrated into various design schemes. Additionally, we offer custom solutions and finishes to meet specific project requirements, ensuring that every detail aligns with the designer’s aesthetic and functional goals.

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

Opening our new Experience Centre in Mayfair, directly opposite The Ritz Hotel. It is a fantastic destination for designers to take their customers to see our products first-hand and receive expert advice on individual products. There have also been new product launches and product updates throughout the year in dishwashing and refrigeration.

What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?

Recently, there has been a growing trend for mixing natural materials and dark, matt finishes in interior design. Our products align with these contemporary design trends that emphasise understated, timeless elegance. We have just launched a range of matt black finishes which are proving popular. Clients are also increasingly interested in smart home technologies and energy-efficient solutions, seeking appliances that not only enhance the aesthetics of their homes but also contribute to a more efficient and sustainable lifestyle.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

The interior design industry is likely to see a continued emphasis on sustainability, with a growing focus on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions. Smart home technology will become increasingly integrated into design projects, offering greater convenience and control for homeowners. The demand for personalised and customised design solutions will continue, as clients seek spaces that reflect their individual tastes and lifestyles.

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

At Miele, we are always looking to be ‘Immer Besser’ – forever better in all aspects of our business. There are always new products or enhancements coming out across all our product categories from floorcare and cooking through to dishwashing and laundry. Our upcoming products are likely to feature even more advanced connectivity options and energy-saving technologies, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. Also, look out for specialist training events dedicated to the specific needs of interior designers.

What does being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner mean to you?

Being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is a prestigious recognition of our commitment to excellence in design and quality. It provides us with valuable opportunities to connect with leading interior designers and industry professionals, fostering collaborations that drive innovation and elevate standards within the industry. This partnership underscores our dedication to supporting the design community and contributing to the creation of exceptional and sustainable living spaces.

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