The Background

The Old Town Bistro in Beaconsfield is a British neighbourhood restaurant built around the idea of relaxed, everyday dining. With a clear focus on traditional, locally inspired food, the venue was designed to feel as welcoming for a casual breakfast as it is for an evening drink.

This latest venture comes from the team behind The Greyhound, an award-winning restaurant we previously partnered with, so we were delighted to be invited back to support its next project.

The Task

The client’s vision was to create a space that felt inviting, flexible, and effortlessly comfortable. The bistro needed to accommodate a wide variety of guests throughout the day, from early morning coffees and brunches to lunch, dinner, and a lively bar atmosphere in the evening.

This meant designing an environment that could easily adapt - from intimate dining for couples to larger group gatherings, while maintaining a cohesive and relaxed aesthetic.

The overall look and feel needed to be warm, understated, and quietly confident, with thoughtful choices in materials, lighting, and layout. Above all, the space had to encourage people to settle in, unwind, and enjoy their time, no matter the occasion.

Having worked with the client before, we brought both familiarity and expertise to the project. The Old Town Bistro was a full refurbishment, and we were tasked with upgrading existing fixed seating, supplying new made-to-measure seating, and providing loose furniture throughout the venue.

Our Sales Executive, Mark, visited the site to collaborate directly with the client and contractors. This hands-on approach allowed us to fully understand the existing space, assess current fixtures, and accurately measure the seating areas. Mark also brought a curated selection of fabric samples from leading UK commercial suppliers, helping the client visualise finishes that aligned with the design vision.

The Work

Spread across two floors, the restaurant features a variety of seating zones designed to suit different guest experiences.

Reimagining Existing Seating

One of the key aspects of the project was breathing new life into the existing fixed seating. On the ground floor, an L-shaped deep button-back bench was transformed entirely. Previously finished in brown leather, it was reupholstered into a more contemporary fluted-back design.

They client selected Allure Emerald velvet by Panaz for the backrest, bringing richness and depth to the space, while the seat was upholstered in Canyon Wexford faux leather by Sunbury, a durable, antibacterial material ideal for high-traffic hospitality settings.

New Fixed Seating Installations

Beyond refurbishment, we manufactured and installed new fixed seating throughout the venue. These included:

• Straight bench runs
• Booth seating integrated into existing brickwork
• A bespoke U-shaped booth for group dining

Each piece was finished to match the updated aesthetic, combining fluted velvet backs with practical faux leather seats. The variety of shapes and layouts allows the space to feel dynamic and flexible, supporting the client’s goal of accommodating different group sizes and dining styles.

A Standout Feature: The Bay Window Seating

A particularly unique element of the project was the seating created around the bay windows. By utilising the existing window sills at dining height, we designed comfortable seat pads in Canyon Wexford faux leather and paired them with custom, scaled-down fluted backrests.

This area has become a bright, relaxed spot, perfect for morning coffee or evening cocktails, which captures the essence of a classic bistro setting.

Tables and Finishing Touches

To complement the seating, we supplied laminate table tops in a Natural Hickory by Egger finish, chosen for its warm, natural appearance. A mix of standard and bespoke sizes, manufactured in our Nottingham workshop, ensured a precise fit for every part of the layout.

We paired these with Crewe and Dome table bases, offering a balance of simplicity, durability, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining a clean and cohesive look.

Seamless Service Delivery

A key part of this project was efficiency and minimising disruption for the client. Our on-site reupholstery service allowed us to revitalise existing seating without removing it from the premises, this saved the client both time and cost.

In addition, our team provided a full table assembly service, ensuring everything was ready for use from day one. This hands-on approach reflects the strength and versatility of our in-house team, from upholstery specialists to installation experts.

The Result

The Old Town Bistro is now a warm and welcoming space that blends traditional character with a fresh, contemporary finish. By carefully updating existing features and introducing new elements, we helped create a cohesive environment that feels both modern and inviting.

The fixed seating plays a central role in defining the atmosphere, adding comfort, structure, and visual interest, while practical material choices ensure the space performs as well as it looks.

This project is a great example of how Contract Furniture Group can adapt to the specific needs of each client, whether through full installations or targeted refurbishments. It also highlights the exceptional quality and flexibility of our upholstery team, who consistently deliver high-end results both in our workshop and on site.

We’re proud to have supported The Old Town Bistro in bringing its vision to life and look forward to seeing it become a go-to dining destination in Beaconsfield.