Celebrating 200 Years of Gardiner Haskins: A Q&A with Managing Director, Ben Allen

This year marks an incredible milestone for Gardiner Haskins Interiors - 200 years at the heart of Bristol. From humble beginnings as a hardware and ironmongery business to becoming one of the South West’s leading independent home interiors specialists, the journey has been one of evolution, resilience, and a protected legacy.

To celebrate this remarkable anniversary, we sat down with Managing Director, Ben Allen, to reflect on the company’s rich history, how it has adapted over the decades, and what the future holds.

Q: Two hundred years is an incredible achievement. How does it feel to be leading Gardiner Haskins Interiors at such a historic moment?

Ben: It’s a huge honour, and honestly quite humbling. When you stop and think about everything that’s changed since 1825 - in Bristol, in retail, in the way people live - it’s amazing that Gardiner Haskins is still here, still proudly independent and still part of the community. Being part of that story, especially as a family, is something I’m proud of. I see myself as a guardian of something very special.

Q: Gardiner Haskins has seen generations of change. Can you tell us a bit about your family’s connection to the business?

Ben: My father has been involved with Gardiner Haskins for over 50 years, so it’s been part of our family for as long as I can remember. I grew up hearing stories about the company, visiting the store, and seeing how much it meant to both customers and the people who worked here.

When I joined ten years ago, I knew I wanted to build on that legacy - keeping the core values that have always defined Gardiner Haskins, but also bringing in fresh ideas & innovation to help us thrive for the next generation.

Q: The company has evolved massively over two centuries. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen or heard about over the years?

Ben: Oh, where do I start! Gardiner Haskins began as a small ironmongery store in Bristol back in 1825, and over time it grew into one of the city’s best-known department stores, where you could buy everything from a hammer to a sofa under one roof.

In 2019, we evolved into what we are today - Gardiner Haskins Interiors, focusing on kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and furniture. We’ve embraced bespoke design, expert service, and the personal touch that you can’t always get from national chains.

It’s about staying true to our roots but also recognising how people’s homes and shopping habits have changed.

Q: What do you think has kept Gardiner Haskins going for 200 years?

Ben: It really comes down to people. Our customers, our staff, and the relationships we’ve built over generations. Bristol is a city that values independence and community, and we’ve always tried to reflect that.

Also, being adaptable. We’ve never been afraid to evolve - whether that’s changing our product focus, modernising our showrooms, or investing in design expertise. The ability to move with the times while keeping that personal touch is what’s kept us going.

Q: What does the future look like for Gardiner Haskins Interiors?

Ben: We’re really excited about what’s ahead. We’ve got plans to continue improving our showrooms and expanding our design services, making sure we stay at the forefront of interiors in Bristol.

But more than that, it’s about continuing to do what we’ve always done - helping people create homes they love. If we can carry that spirit forward for the next 200 years, I’ll be happy.

Ben recently took part in a Bristol Life Network lunch discussing Gardiner Haskins in our 200th year, 

Q: Finally, how will you be celebrating this milestone year?

Ben: We’re celebrating with our staff and customers throughout the year - sharing stories from our history, looking back at old photos and saying a big thank you to everyone who’s supported us along the way.

It’s not every day you turn 200, so we’re taking the time to reflect and appreciate just how far we’ve come.

A Legacy Built to Last

From hand-forged ironmongery to luxury interiors, Gardiner Haskins Interiors has been part of Bristol’s story for two centuries - a testament to craftsmanship, community, and commitment. Here’s to the next 200 years of helping Bristol create beautiful homes.