Plenty of nice laminate choices out there. Perhaps look at the butcher block designs to go with the floor. There always a grey neutral too.

I'd go for a wood effect laminate, it will compliment the cashmere nicely.

My suggestion is birch ply formica. Real formica is amazing stuff. I got a sample and tested curry paste, red wine etc and all came off without staining. I also kept putting a really hot pan on the sample for about a month and it didn't affect it. It's pretty pricey for formica but you do get the lovely stripey edge and crisp square profile. It used it in my utilty room (pictured). I ordered it from Baldwin Plastic Laminates, much cheaper than going to a kitchen company.

http://www.baldwin-plas-lam.co.uk/

Fab, thanks for your suggestions. I'll check out that link. I just wish there was somewhere I could compare all the laminates in one place. Love the look of Eggers worktops but no one seems to stock it around Cardiff and the samples are quite pricey.

Actually, there is a shop in Cardiff where they stock lots of worktops, including Egger. It's http://llandafflaminates.co.uk, out on Wentloog Ave. Their prices are quite reasonable (I went there with my joiner a few times to choose materials for my house).

Most worktop suppliers will provide customers with a free sample of worktop providing you don't ask for lots. You can get their information on their websites to request this.
In our workshop we have samples of Axiom, Prima, Odyssey, Duropal, Egger and own brands. We are Staffordshire based.
Out of all of the above Duropal and Egger are the most boring. There is nothing eye catching in any of their worktops.
Prima and Axiom have added some new designs to their ranges but it all depends on whether you want to play safe or dare to be different.

@Daisy England we are based in Staffordshire and looking for worktop inspiration. Could I ask where your workshop is as we have been looking at egger and axiom (which is how I stumbled upon this thread)

Sharon, I typed a reply and it got lost. 😡

We are in Tamworth. We have lots of sample blocks on display beside Axiom. Both Axiom and Egger have had a relaunch with new worktops. We also do Solid Surface.

Email me: info@riversidejoinery.biz and I will look at it to see what you’re interested in.

@Daisy England thanks so much, will do :)