Across Europe, we’ve been cooking with iron pans since the 1600s (the Chinese were using them 1,000 years before that), but they fell out of favour after the invention of ‘non-stick’ chemicals.

Now, following studies suggesting some of those chemicals may be bad for our health, iron pans are returning to our stoves. The UK market is currently estimated to be growing at almost 10% year-on-year.

On this week’s The Factory Next Door, we head to Shropshire to meet the team crafting the iron pans that celebrity chefs and Michelin star restaurateurs seek out.

Number 28 on our list of the greatest products we make in Britain is The Prospector Pan by Netherton Foundry.

Founder Neil Currie shows us the beauty of spinning iron, explains his love of industrial design, and reveals why he once called home to ask his family to throw out all their cooking pans.

Also on the show, we celebrate the versatility of flaxseed oil, recognise the power of local provenience, and hear about exporting woks to China.

Please consider buying me a coffee to keep this show on the road:

https://buymeacoffee.com/thefactorynextdoor

(there's no need to register or create an account!)

Say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor

Around 1.5 million umbrellas are reportedly made in the UK every year. We need them. The UK gets around 171 days of rain every year (though that’s across the entire country, thankfully not in one spot!)

On this week’s The Factory Next Door we head to East London to visit one of our last remaining umbrella makers.

Number 27 on our list of the greatest things we make in Britain is The Doorman’s Umbrella by Ince Umbrellas.

Managing Director Richard Ince chats about the pressures of running a 215-year-old family business, the need to move away from plastic components, and reflects on what he believes are his weaknesses as a boss.

Richard also tells us about making umbrellas for Coldplay, why he entered the business as a 17-year-old, and questions the industry stats as his company doesn’t tell anyone how many umbrellas they make!

Please consider buying me a coffee to keep this show on the road

https://buymeacoffee.com/thefactorynextdoor

(you don’t need to register or create an account!)

Say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor

Making sparkling wine is an old craft that’s found a new home. The French (and other European nations) may have been producing it for 300 years, but since the start of the 21st century, the UK has become an increasingly significant player.

On this week’s The Factory Next Door we head to Kent to meet the team making some of our most internationally celebrated wines.

Number 26 on our list of the greatest things we make in Britain is The Sparkling Wine by Gusbourne.

Chief Vineyard Manager Jon Pollard explains why the number of hectares under vine in England and Wales has quadrupled in the past 25 years, talks about managing the changing climate, as well as getting back to traditional farming methods and why sheep are welcome visitors to the estate.

Also on the show, Gusbourne’s head winemaker Mary Bridges chats about the ‘salt’ and ‘pepper’ of winemaking, the joy of harvesting, and reveals she occasionally wants someone else to pick the wine when out with friends.

Please consider buying me a coffee to keep this show on the road

https://buymeacoffee.com/thefactorynextdoor

(you don’t need to register or create an account!)

Say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor