Ben Fogle's Shopping Secrets: From Vintage Treasures to Portable Espresso
Ever wondered what everyday items celebrities purchase, where they source their food, and what basics they might skimp on? In an exclusive interview, renowned adventurer, broadcaster, and bestselling author Ben Fogle opens up about his personal shopping habits, offering a glimpse into his world of vintage finds, cherished possessions, and the occasional regret.
A Life of Adventure and Retail
Ben Fogle is no stranger to extreme exploits, having climbed Everest, rowed the Atlantic, and crossed deserts and Antarctic ice. Beyond his adventures, he has become co-owner of the Sheffield-based outdoor clothing brand Buffalo Systems, blending his passion for conservation and storytelling. His shopping preferences reflect a unique blend of practicality, nostalgia, and a love for quality.
Favourite Shops and Treasures
When it comes to treats for himself, Fogle recently purchased vintage wood cladding from an old barn at English Salvage, a reclamation yard he frequents for salvage pieces. For food, while his wife handles the big online shop, they top up with fresh produce from local producers like Bosley Patch in Henley, praising its amazing bread and locally grown fruit and veg.
His favourite online store is Marrkt, which sells secondhand clothing, particularly outdoor jackets that he collects. For bricks-and-mortar shopping, he loves Baileys in Wales, an interior shop filled with vintage and new items, describing it as "a dangerous shop to visit" due to its tempting array.
Gadgets, Regrets, and Splurges
The gadget Fogle uses most often is a portable espresso machine called OutIn, which he takes everywhere for a strong morning coffee. However, not all purchases have been successful; he regrets employing a gardener for a London flat garden makeover that turned into a costly disaster, ruining the grass for his late labrador, Inca.
His biggest splurge is on antiques, especially folk art and model boats, influenced by his parents' collection. For everyday items, he admits he doesn't scrimp, leaving that to his wife, whom he calls the world's best scrimper for household buying.
Personal Touches and Repeat Buys
Fogle cherishes a painting of Inca by artists Olly and Suzi, a treasured gift from his wife. He also gave his children water from melted Everest snow in vintage perfume bottles. On repeat, he buys Marvis toothpaste for its taste, despite it being harder to find and pricier.
For coffee at home, he swears by an AeroPress and a Bialetti moka pot, though he finds the former messy for travel. With £20, he'd buy a Portuguese vinho verde, and with £200, a vintage jacket from Jojo's General Store in Sheffield.
Vintage Finds and Saved Searches
His greatest vintage find is an old shop counter from a French grocer, now in his home office. On eBay and Vinted, he saves searches for old Grenfell woodworks mats from Canada, alerting him to these rare and expensive items.
Ben Fogle's shopping habits reveal a man who values history, quality, and personal meaning in his purchases, from antiques to simple pleasures like a good cup of coffee.
