Sense

This isn’t a huge shop but it somehow always gives the sense (geddit?) of being far bigger because of the hoards of really cool items it stocks. I have variously bought slate photo frames, a gorgeous vase, soy candles, amazing cooking utensils and almost a giant tea cup and saucer when I’ve been here. I quite regret not buying the huge cup and saucer but I was told at the time it was a frivolous purchase and was duly admonished for my frippery. Sense specialises in chic and unusual household items which range from the inexpensive to the exorbitant. And the staff don’t seem to mind that many customers just bumble about picking up every single item, looking at it and then putting it down. They have some really lovely cookware, including a fantastic knife block with a little man with five knives skewering his middle which I have been eyeing up for ages. Then there’s decadent items like holey cheese knives, stilton spoons and olive forks and silicone pastry brushes. All OTT but all great in their own right. Who doesn’t secretly hanker after a top hat champagne bucket or a brown leather scottie dog doorstop? They also stock really unique gift items and upstairs are rarer furniture bits that would turn any home into an art-​house. Why oh why cannot I not just buy its entire stock?

If I had a thousand pounds to decorate my room, I would come to Sense.
Very contemporary, very chic, very nice! I couldn’t help but feel a little in awe wandering round this shop, they have thought of just about everything from furniture, to decoration, lighting of every kind even garden accessories. At the moment they have some huge, and I do mean huge, cups and sauces outside which I assume you would plant a pretty plant in, though they looked way to good to put soil in if you ask me!
As well as quite extravagant things they do have a good selection of affordable bits and pieces ideal from presents or to brighten up your room, like picture frames, fairy lights, and statement cushions!
Not everything in here is to my taste, I think you will either love or hate some pieces but it’s definitely work popping in on your way past.

«DO NOT ENTER if you have a dreary, grey, misty, Autumn outlook, as you may be distressed by the contents of this shop and might have convulsions».
This sensory warning should be displayed prominently at the door of the excellent shop — ‘Sense Clifton’ — all bright and glittering, colourful pinks, blues and shiny metals.
On the other hand, if you have a sparkling magpie persona, fine. Or if you just want to be shocked out of your November torpor, come to Sense for a quick fix. You dont have to buy anything, just browse and you’ll fell much better.
Though of course, the owners would also feel much better if you did buy something, so why disappoint — they will have done you a good turn.
According to some blurb, Sense «…offers a smart mix of design-​led products with a contemporary edge…». Apparently, the owners’ frequent trips to Holland have given them a new perspective on design. They wanted to attack all the senses and create a complete home environment, everything from comfortable leather seating, exciting lighting and soft furnishings to unusual gifts.
Pay a visit yourself, check it out, but take heed of the sensory warnings — highly recommended.