The Mini-Pantry

We’ve been making kitchen pantries for many years now in all shapes and sizes, but in recent years they have become an almost essential component of the kitchens we design. The word “Pantry” has an interesting history because it comes from the old French word “paneterie” which is from “pain” – the french word for bread.

I recently read “At Home: A Short History of Private Life” by Bill Bryson and that contains a really interesting chapter all about pantries. In fact, if you’re interested in the history of the different rooms in the home I would really recommend it. It is absolutely fascinating learning the history behind everyday sayings like “room & board” and “above board”… (*if you want to know the answers scroll down).

This is our Mini Pantry – a counter top cupboard which has been designed with pantry shelving combined with racks for condiments and spices. It’s also the perfect size for all kitchens – big or small. 

A great space saver for compact kitchens, the Mini Pantry means dry goods can still be stored in one central place, as well as integrating appliances such as microwaves or food mixers. When you’re rushing to throw together a quick mid-week meal it’s really handy to have all the dry ingredients in one easy-to-reach place. 

They are also super versatile so rather than be classified as a general dry goods pantry, it could be a breakfast pantry with the toaster and kettle tucked away out of sight. Today we all seem to love nothing more than putting things away and reducing visual clutter as much as possible, so pantries – despite being such an old-fashioned concept – are actually perfect for modern living.

The Mini Pantry by Humphrey Munson H1290mm x W 1048mm x D450mm, £1,695.

Available painted in any Farrow & Ball or Little Greene paint colour, please give us a call on 01371 821300 or email us at info@humphreymunson.co.uk.

*”Room & Board” comes from the practice of using a wooden board as a table. People would sit on wooden benches facing each other and then place the board over their knees as a table. The first recorded practice of using a board as a table dates back to the 13th century, and the practice continued until as late as the mid 1800s. This is also where the phrase “above board” came from – if you were eating at the board, and your hands were below it – you were most likely pick-pocketing your neighbour. Hence the phrase.