The Background

Located on Beckenham High Street, Cántaro occupies a former sushi restaurant that has been completely transformed by new owners into a contemporary Mexican dining destination. Designed to stand out in a busy, competitive high street, the vision for Cántaro was to create an aesthetically pleasing, go-to restaurant that could effortlessly transition from serving relaxed daytime lunches to lively evening dining experiences. The brief called for a warm, intimate atmosphere with soft lighting and a cosy feel, while still being flexible enough to host larger group gatherings. To bring this vision to life, the owners appointed London-based commercial interior designer Delphine Bouvet.

Cantaro Mexican Restaurant

The Task

At the outset, Delphine Bouvet Interiors approached Contract Furniture Group to support the project, seeking a partner who could work collaboratively under a tight timescale and deliver both design expertise and practical solutions. The aim was to create an authentic, immersive interior inspired by rural Mexico, offering diners a sense of escapism through a layered palette of neutral tones, tactile materials, and subtle ethnic influences. With a strong concept already in place, our role was to help translate this vision into furniture and finishes that would work both aesthetically and operationally within the space.

The designer had identified a specific chair style online that set the tone for the scheme, and from there we worked closely to select complementary loose furniture and finishes. Our team advised on proportions, layouts, durability, and lead times, ensuring that each piece would perform in a high-traffic restaurant environment while contributing to the overall design narrative. Natural materials were key, allowing the vibrant food offering to take centre stage while the interior provided a calm, textural backdrop that would appeal to a style-conscious audience.

The Work

Given the tight deadline for the restaurant opening, speed and coordination were critical. We supplied a full loose furniture package, beginning with the Benet Side Chair. Chosen in solid beech with cane backrests and ivory faux leather seat pads, these chairs introduced warmth and texture while maintaining a clean, contemporary profile. Finished in a light white ash stain, they aligned perfectly with the neutral palette of the space. Manufactured in one of our European factories, these items were carefully processed and scheduled to meet the project’s demanding timeline.

Alongside the seating, Contract Furniture Group also supplied table tops and bases. The table tops were manufactured in our UK workshop with a light natural Casella Oak laminate with a matching edge, selected to closely complement the ash seating. A combination of round, square, and rectangular tops was specified to support different dining experiences throughout the venue. These were paired with our Profile table bases in black — a classic, cost-effective, and high-quality solution that we hold in stock. Sizes ranged from small round bases through to XL and twin and refectory configurations, including a bespoke 1600mm diameter table for the private dining area, supported by an XL Profile base. This mix of table formats helped create a dynamic layout, with square tables positioned along the fixed seating and smaller round tables distributed throughout the more open areas of the restaurant.

Fixed seating played a crucial role in maximising covers while maintaining good flow through the space. Our team manufactured bespoke seat pads and backrests for this feature seating, designed with a contemporary black rail system and discreet Velcro fixings for a clean, considered finish. Upholstered in Seattle by ILIV, the fabric choice added further depth and texture. This woven boucle, selected in the Canvas colourway, complemented the macramé wall hangings, terracotta wall panels, and statement cacti throughout the interior. As well as its visual appeal, the fabric offered practical performance benefits, being waterproof, stain resistant, and antibacterial — ideal for a busy hospitality setting.

The Result

The completed interior at Cántaro is a confident expression of the original design vision. Working closely with a designer who had a clear creative direction allowed our furniture and manufacturing expertise to amplify the concept rather than compete with it. By combining bespoke seating, in-house table top manufacturing, and upholstery services, Contract Furniture Group was able to support a new restaurant opening under tight deadlines and deliver a cohesive, design-led result. The outcome is a distinctive dining space that feels warm, contemporary, and inviting — perfectly positioned as a standout destination on Beckenham High Street.

 

Images courtesy of Delphine Bouvet Interiors