Reclaimed Wood Café Counter | Bath

Project Scope

Complete design, manufacture and installation of a bespoke integrated café service counter for Picnic in the Park, an independent coffee shop in Bath. The project included a front-facing service counter constructed from reclaimed materials, rear preparation workspace, integrated storage solutions and wall-mounted shelving, all designed to maximise functionality within the café's compact footprint while maintaining budget efficiency.

Design Elements & Materials

The counter system comprises multiple components: a customer-facing service counter featuring reclaimed tea chests and vintage wine crates as decorative cladding, solid FSC-certified timber worktops providing durable food preparation surfaces, integrated equipment zones for coffee machines and till systems and custom wall-mounted shelving fabricated to match the reclaimed aesthetic. Each element was handcrafted to create visual cohesion while meeting commercial café operational standards.

Design Concept

Create rustic, characterful café furniture that reflects Bath's heritage aesthetic and Picnic in the Park's independent ethos. The brief called for genuine warmth and personality - authentic reclaimed materials rather than minimalist contemporary styling. The design needed to balance visual charm with practical café operations, accommodating staff workflow, customer interaction and equipment requirements within a small space while establishing a memorable identity for the business.

The Solution

Understanding Café Workflow & Space Planning. The small café footprint demanded precise planning: we mapped out staff workflow behind the counter, customer queue positioning and service interaction points. This research informed every design decision, ensuring the bespoke counter optimized limited space while supporting efficient café operations during busy periods.

Handcrafted Counter Construction. We sourced authentic reclaimed materials throughout Bath and the surrounding area: vintage tea chests with original typography and patina, weathered wine crates bearing branded marks and solid FSC-certified timber for structural elements and work surfaces. Each piece was carefully selected for character, then handcrafted in our workshop. The tea chest and wine crate panels form the counter's customer-facing facade, creating visual interest and conversation starters.

Creating Functional Character for Bath's Independent Café Scene. The completed counter balances rustic authenticity with practical café functionality. The design provides Picnic in the Park's team with organized workspace, integrated storage and efficient equipment placement, while presenting customers with a characterful service point that reflects Bath's appreciation for craftsmanship and sustainable design. The reclaimed materials approach delivered both environmental benefits and distinctive visual identity, helping this independent café stand out in Bath's competitive coffee shop market while maintaining the budget-conscious approach essential for small businesses.