Fittings of Distinction: The English Tapware Company in Armadale

On the stylish High Street in Armadale, The English Tapware Company has established itself as Melbourne’s premier destination for those who refuse to compromise on quality, craftsmanship and timeless design. Specialising in premium kitchen, bathroom and architectural hardware fittings imported from the finest British and European makers, this family-owned business brings an unmistakable sense of English refinement to Australian homes.

Step inside the showroom at 751 High Street and the difference is immediately apparent. Soaring white wooden window frames reach four metres to the ceiling, washed oak floors guide the eye through carefully considered displays, and six domed skylights flood the space with natural light. Designed in collaboration with Hecker Guthrie and inspired by an “English Modern” aesthetic, the interior features Carrara marble benchtops, custom joinery finished with Perrin & Rowe handles, tongue-and-groove panelling in soft Napa grey, and elegant furniture pieces by Russell Pinch. The result is a calm, residential atmosphere that allows the products themselves to take centre stage.

The English Tapware Company was founded from a genuine love of beautifully crafted fittings. Director Stephan Marshall and his team are personally involved in selecting every product they stock. Their guiding principle is simple and uncompromising: if they would not put it in their own homes, they will not sell it. The business promotes honesty, integrity and old-fashioned service values, working closely with architects, interior designers and homeowners to ensure the right fittings enhance each project.

The curated collection centres on brands renowned for exceptional materials and workmanship. Flagship ranges include:

• Perrin & Rowe – the gold standard in traditional and contemporary brass tapware, showers and kitchen mixers, hand-finished in England.
• The Water Monopoly – including the playful yet refined Rockwell collection of baths, basins and sanitaryware available in striking colours.
• Hawthorn Hill – elegant basin stands, towel warmers and bathroom accessories.
• Joseph Giles and Armac Martin – exquisite cabinet hardware, door furniture and architectural details.
• Acquello and Oxford Grilles – complementary fireclay sinks and decorative grilles.

Many pieces combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, resulting in products designed to last generations. A 15-year warranty against manufacturing defects on tapware underscores the confidence the company has in its offerings. All products are selected to meet Australian plumbing regulations and standards.

Beyond the beautiful showroom displays, The English Tapware Company offers a dedicated Hardware Studio at the rear of the Armadale premises. Here, customers can see, feel and test decorative door hardware, locks and latches in realistic residential settings. An operational shower over a York bath further allows visitors to experience the products in use. Knowledgeable staff, including members of the retail and projects specification teams, are on hand to discuss plans, advise on finishes and proportions, and help turn design dreams into reality. Customisation is readily available for projects that require variations on standard models.

Customer feedback consistently highlights the combination of exceptional product quality and attentive, knowledgeable service. Whether specifying an entire bathroom suite, selecting a single statement kitchen mixer, or sourcing replacement parts for older installations, the team is praised for professionalism and genuine care.

Visit The English Tapware Company

Address: 751 High Street, Armadale, VIC 3143 Telephone: 03 9818 1403 Email: melbourne@englishtapware.com.au Website: www.englishtapware.com.au

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Sunday Closed

Appointments are recommended (and welcomed), although walk-ins are also received during opening hours. A virtual tour of the showroom is available on the company website for those unable to visit in person.

In an era of mass-produced fittings, The English Tapware Company stands apart. Here, quality is not a marketing slogan but a lived philosophy. For homeowners, architects and designers seeking fittings that are both beautiful and enduring, a visit to the Armadale showroom is essential. Discover brassware with proper weight and engineering, sanitaryware with character, and hardware that elevates everyday touchpoints into moments of quiet luxury.

There is, as the company so rightly states, no substitute for quality.