My new Peugeot

I moved into this little flat without utensils or condiments. To begin with I bought coarse salt and whole-grain pepper in those little glass containers that incorporate a plastic grinding mechanism. It had been my intention to refill them rather than replace them, but I have learned that the mechanisms do not stand up to the punishment of daily pepper-grinding. The first breakage could have been unlucky, but the second suggested to me that they are definitely not built to last and therefore not the best use of the Earth's resources. So I decided to invest in a proper one.

I have had wooden pepper grinders with metal mechanisms in the past and am aware that they are not all equal in quality. Had the world been normal I would first have popped into TK Maxx to see if they had something that appealed, but the world is not normal and Poundland is no substitute for TK Maxx when seeking anything built to last.

So I did a little research and discovered that the top of the range pepper-grinding mechanisms are made by Peugeot. Only 11 months ago the Telegraph had this to say;
“Why we like them: a beautifully made design classic that will stand the test of time.
The mechanism has been treated to protect the steel from corrosion while maintaining sharpness and resistance to wear and tear: it promises to last for years and years.
Oh, and it comes with a lifetime limited guarantee. Sorted.”

Of course they don't come cheap, which is why I opted for a short one. They are also less expensive in “chocolate” colour than any other. Initially I was put off by the idea of “chocolate colour”, but once I had convinced myself that that is simply a silly description of pepper-corn colour I had been won over.

Finally, I discovered that it is cheaper direct from Peugeot themselves than it is from The Conran Shop. It arrived today and so here it is, complete with peppercorns.