Patrick Grant's Anti-Consumerist Shopping Philosophy Unveiled
Patrick Grant, the outspoken advocate for radical change in the fashion industry and author of the bestselling book Less, has revealed his personal shopping habits in an exclusive interview. Known for his role on BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee and his campaigning brand Community Clothing, which supports UK textile manufacturers, Grant emphasises a lifestyle centred on sustainability and mindful consumption.
Daily Essentials and Local Sourcing
Grant's approach to shopping is deeply rooted in supporting local businesses and avoiding mass-market retailers. He sources his food from specific providers in North Yorkshire, including:
- Bread from Ambry Bakery
- Cheese from Courtyard Dairy
- Milk from Lawkland Hall Farm in Austwick
- Other groceries from Booths in Settle
For treats, he recently indulged in a bar of fancy handmade almond nougat from Selfridges, showcasing a balance between luxury and ethical choices.
Favourite Shops and Online Preferences
When it comes to retail, Grant favours niche and traditional stores over mainstream options. His favourite bricks-and-mortar shop is Hatchards on Piccadilly in London, praised for its beautiful ambiance and unbeatable art book department. Online, he exclusively uses Niwaki for garden tools, describing their products as perfection, and avoids platforms like Amazon, opting instead for eBay for second-hand items.
He never gets anything new delivered, reinforcing his anti-consumerist stance. His most-used gadgets include a Bialetti espresso maker for daily coffee and a Niwaki pruning saw, highlighting a preference for durable, functional items over disposable ones.
Thoughtful Purchases and Regrets
Grant is meticulous in his buying decisions, rarely regretting purchases. However, he laments not acquiring a Grayson Perry vase and a Craigie Aitchison oil painting in the early 1990s when he had the opportunity. His best vintage find is a pair of 17th-century wooden pitchforks, now displayed in his hall, reflecting his love for antiques and history.
For gifts, he values personal touches, such as hand-embroidered hankies given to his father, which were cherished until his passing. The best present he received is a handmade yellow glazed vase and bowl from an ex-partner, personalised with his initials and used daily on his desk.
Splurges and Savings
Grant's biggest splurge was a large kilim rug purchased from a dealer in Dorset, while he scrimps on everyday items by preferring to go without rather than buy inferior versions. With spare money, he would spend on luxury items like Old English Hunt marmalade and Royal Blend loose-leaf tea from Fortnum & Mason, rather than unnecessary new products.
He buys Derwent pencils on repeat, made in Keswick in the Lake District, and uses them daily, supporting British manufacturing. His coffee ritual involves Locomotion blend beans from Railtown Coffee in Darlington, ground in a 30-year-old Krups grinder and brewed with a Bialetti stove top espresso maker.
Advocacy for Sustainable Choices
Through his book Less and public appearances, Grant promotes a message of buying less and choosing better. He encourages consumers to make smarter, more sustainable decisions, as echoed in the Guardian's Filter section, which provides independent product reviews and recommendations. His habits serve as a practical guide to reducing waste and supporting local economies in an era of overconsumption.
