My Yorkshire: Toni Anne Sanderson, Nest.co.uk
Toni Anne Sanderson is the managing director at Nest.co.uk – the Yorkshire-based furniture, homeware and lighting e-commerce retailer.
1.Where do you live/where are you from?
I currently live in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, but I was born in Sheffield. I lived there until the age of 7 when my family decided to move. Chesterfield is such a great and thriving town, also in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Sheffield-city life.
2.What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
I adore wandering ‘Division St’ in Sheffield, there are so many quaint independent shops and eateries in that area of the city. Being close to the Pennines and the Dales makes me smile, I don’t know any other town in the country so close to such natural beauty! York is also a firm family favourite, the medieval history of the city is so evident with the wall still intact and the Viking Centre. Oh and Whitby of course, I love the smell of the sea
3.What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
I have ticked off so much of ‘My Yorkshire’ bucket list, yet there is still plenty left for me to discover in the region. It’s like the Mary Poppins region – the gift that keeps on giving.
4.What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
Fine dining and food isn’t really my bag, but my boss recently took me to new Joro restaurant in the Krynkl building and it was lovely – I will definitely visit again. Plus I’ve always had lovely afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols in Leeds.
5.What is your most Yorkshire trait?
Increasingly having a lack of a filter and over-sharing, a habit which I can’t seem to curb! Flip it on its head and I suppose it’s just called being friendly
6.Favourite piece of trivia about the region.
There is so much that has happened in the region, but if I have to pinpoint it would be that This is England was filmed in and around Sheffield, I love the series and the film equally. Also that Jarvis Cocker was born and bred in Sheffield, plus we have been known to eat Yorkshire Puddings with our Sunday lunch and after for dessert with jam.
7.What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
It may be Marmite or Henderson’s Relish, but there’s something about Park Hill in Sheffield that holds a part of my heart. Maybe it’s the fact that my Papa was part of the build team or that my Nana and Grandad opened one of their first hair salons there – who knows. But it’s a place I love to visit.
8.Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
It’s so hard to decide on this, because I haven’t had many bad experiences and can’t think of any bad things about Yorkshire as such. I suppose it’s a more general trait, but a pet peeve of mine is negativity – a bright and cheery outlook can get you through the darkest of days.
9.What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
Ooh I’ve never thought about it before, but maybe Staffordshire oatcakes (not quite the same as Derbyshire ones) and my husband’s favourite quick meal. I read on the BBC website the other day that they are even being eaten in Arizona, as expats carry on the tradition over there!
10.What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
Nowt!
