Our Story
In 2021
Our esteemed Leader, Mark Temple, embarked on a noble quest.
Inspired by the sleek interiors of Suits (because nothing says “life goals” like a fictional lawyer’s living room), Mark decided he needed a ribbon-effect gas fire like Harvey’s. Not for heat, of course—heaven forbid—but for the aesthetic. The dream? Flames that danced gracefully in the background while sipping whisky in a three-piece suit.
The reality? Less Harvey Specter, more DIY SOS.
Six months later . . .
After enough research to qualify as a part-time arsonist, he found it: The One. A £4,000 beauty, shipped on a crate like it was the Ark of the Covenant. And so began what can only be described as a money-burning pilgrimage to oblivion.
But wait, there’s more!
The flue — at a majestic six metres high — was structurally similar to that of a small oil refinery. When the wind picked up, it rattled like an angry ghost and threatened to launch itself into orbit. Rainwater casually trickled down it, because apparently the fire wanted to be a water feature, too. Then as a final insult it rusted the fire tray.
Return of the Ribbon Fire: The Gasless Sequel Nobody Saw Coming
Leap forward a year. It's Christmas 2024. The turkey was dry, the in-laws were overbearing, but then—like a festive epiphany wrapped in wrapping paper—Mark saw it. A fire. Not just any fire, but a glorious coal fire on TV. It crackled, it glowed, it radiated warmth (visually at least). And in that moment, our MD's fiery senses awoke. Spiritually. Emotionally. Thermally.
The effect? Mesmerising. This was no longer about heat—this was about vibe. A vibe with orange hues and flickering shadows that whispered, you could be cozy too… if only.
There were, however, two small catches: Firstly it was a coal fire on TV, and Mark wasn’t in the business of choosing between watching the fire OR watching Suits or Emmerdale. Selfishly perhaps he wanted both simultaneously.
However, a TV underneath a TV? Come on. What is this, a Dixons showroom in 1998? Besides, TVs are wide and short. Fires are short and wide. It would look frankly ridiculous one above the other.
Unbelievably though, the illusion of heat was so convincing that all three of Mark’s dogs—reasonable creatures, one would think—jostled for front-row seats in front of the fake fireplace. Each one battling for prime snooze territory as if central heating had just been outlawed.
They literally thought it was real.
And so, re-energised by faux-flickers and canine subterfuge, Mark reignited (pun very much intended) his obsession with the elusive ribbon-effect gas fire. The look was non-negotiable. He had tasted greatness. Briefly before. Too briefly. But how, could he have it without the chaos, the Corgi-fitter lottery, or needing structural steel support for a flue that doubled as a wind chime.
Naturally, as one does when one has exhausted all domestic fire-related options, Mark headed out to the Far East.
And lo, after much looking and some design wizardry, a touch of East-Meets-West engineering, and probably a few noodle-based brainstorming sessions, it happened. The Gasless Ribbon Fire was born.
Yes. Gasless. Not a whiff.
No flue. Not a drop of water.
No builders. Not a cup of tea!