Friday 3 June 2011

Marmite - Full of Yeast & Promise

Yorkshire Post Mid-Week Life & Style Section - 1st June 2011

Interiors & Homes

LOVE it or hate it, Marmite products are the latest must-have products in the home. Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall reports.

When it comes to that great British institution, Marmite, I am definitely in the “Love It” camp.

However, as many of you will no doubt be aware, it seems that the Danish government have definitely fallen into the “Loathe It” category following their recent ban on the sticky brown product.

Whether you enjoy eating it or not, the trend in all things retro has seen a plethora of Marmite-inspired interior products come on to the market in the last couple of years.

So why not show support for a great British brand and “fly the flag” by introducing a bit of yeast extract-inspired cheer into your home.

A lot of people have likened Andy Warhol to Marmite, but it is unclear if he was ever actually a fan. However, pop-art-style jars grace a wide variety of products, including coasters, mugs and egg cups, which should ensure that breakfast is a true homage to the product, with a matching set of three teatowels allowing you to complete the look while drying up. Prices from around £6.99 at Totally Funky (www.totallyfunky.com) - see main picture.




The same design also features on a selection of retro Marmite cake tins which come in sets of three in three vibrant colours – blue, teal and pink.

The set costs £21.99 and is available from Funky Olive (www.funkyolive.co.uk – 0118 988 7330).

For those of you with a penchant for the outdoors, there is also a wonderful enamel-coated tin plate and mug featuring a similar rendition of the Marmite jar. Lightweight and durable, this stylish pair have got to be perfect for picnics, festivals, camping and other outdoor pursuits at £6.99 each available from The Contemporary Home (www.tch.net – 02392 469400).


Pop art is all very well, but for those of you who like your representations more traditional, look no further than the Marmite Sandwich Box, to keep your lunch cool, yet contemporary. The yellow lid and black base look reminiscent of a traditional jar, albeit square and flat. (£4.95; www.prezzybox.com – 0844 2495 007).



For a perfect imitation, you could do worse than save your pennies in the oversize replica that is the Marmite Money Jar – ideal to have on the side in the kitchen for capturing your loose change (£14.99; www.gettingpersonal.co.uk – 0845 217 6382).



However, if you simply have to have the original thing, true lovers of the product (or their ardent admirers) may want to indulge their passion with a hall-marked sterling silver Marmite lid to smarten up a 250g jar.



For that extra special touch, it can be engraved with either a name or initials – now that really has to be brand devotion (£58.50 plain, £69.95 engraved; www.thepresentfinder.co.uk – 01935 815 195).

BLACK MARK IN DENMARK

The strongly flavoured dark brown spread made from brewer’s yeast has joined Rice Crispies, Shreddies, Horlicks and Ovaltine as prohibited in Denmark under legislation forbidding the sale of food products with added vitamins as threat to public health.


* Jamie Hempsall, BIID, is an award-winning interior designer. Visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com or call 0800 032 1180.

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