THE CULT SHOP

bramble corner

Bramble Corner in East Sussex is a toy shop which encapsulates all that is wonderful about childhood. The display of old-fashioned, beautifully made, quality toys immediately feeds the imagination - entering is like stepping into a children's story.

"It was because we couldn't find these types of toys for our children that we started the business," explains Selma Moncrieff (above right). She and her sister Rachael (left) and their two partners, Hamish Blackman (centre) and Giles Twigg, man the shop themselves. Between them they have five children aged from three to 11- perfect product testers.

"We select things that are a pleasure to have around, rather than things which are ugly or noisy. Sadly, few are made in Britain. Most imaginative things come from abroad," says Selma, showing charming long-bodied rabbits, £20 each, from the Danish firm of Maileg. These have not only tiny clothes but also accessories including-ironing boards and prams. "We take enormous care buying," says Rachael. "Our small-sized gardening tools are made for us in the Czech Republic because we couldn't find sturdy, realistic ones here."

The result is what they call "real toys", beautifully crafted objects that can withstand years of play while appealing to children of all ages. "Last Christmas we were amazed By the number of people who came here to buy presents for their entire family, including the grandparents," says Selma. In fact, it's hardly surprising because their toys have enormous aesthetic appeal. And decorative does not necessarily mean expensive: an attractive little sailing boat is just £20; a magnificent wooden fort £70; and a colourful miniature solar­ powered carousel £35. Many items, such as the tiny metal tractors, are very collectable.

A further joy is the shop itself. It was once the village butcher's and although toy farm animals have replaced the original unfortunates, much of the interior has been preserved. The cold room is now storage, the butcher's hooks come in handy to suspend pedal cars, while the old butcher'S block is ideal for setting out miniature cookery sets.

Adults who visit Bramble Corner say that the shop takes them back to their

childhood. You only have to look at the faces of the children, however, to see how well the shop works as a business. Some items that will surely feature in letters to Santa

include classic pedal cars (£125-£500), wooden pirate ships (right, £70), the metal Radio Flyer cart (£140) and

a child-sized tepee (£100), which will bring Christmas all the way into summer. A Magic Toyshop

indeed. PATRICIA CLEVELAND·PECK

Bramble Corner, The Square, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 (01342-826 800).