Fox & Barrel Tarporley

When the Fox & Barrel in Tarporley approached us about their dining furniture issues in July 2022, it was clear they needed someone who could bring their well-loved pieces back to life. The two main dining tables had become wobbly and unstable—not ideal for a busy restaurant—and were desperately in need of stripping down and re-varnishing. One table base was beyond repair and needed a complete replacement, which meant sourcing a pedestal-style base of precisely the right dimensions to support the substantial table top.

Both table tops underwent a complete restoration process. We stripped them back to the original wood, thoroughly cleaned them with white spirit and a vinegar solution, and applied three coats of oak varnish to protect them for years of future service. The bases received the same meticulous treatment, ensuring the entire piece was restored to its former glory.

The project didn’t stop at just the main tables. In total, we’ve repaired or restored 26 dining chairs for indoor use at the Fox & Barrel. These weren’t simple fixes—many required complete disassembly and rebuilding from the ground up. Each chair presented its own challenges, but bringing these pieces back to serviceable condition was tremendously satisfying.

In February 2023, we returned to tackle all the external furniture—a whopping 65 items including both tables and chairs. For this phase of the project, the brief was different; the outdoor furniture required thorough sanding by hand using various sanding machines, but no re-varnishing was requested. We set up a temporary workshop at the rear of the restaurant, creating a space where we could work efficiently without disrupting the day-to-day operations.

The outdoor furniture restoration was a substantial undertaking, requiring two full weeks of dedicated work. While somewhat exposed to the elements in our workshop, the careful attention to detail paid off in the final result. Each piece was meticulously sanded to create a smooth, splinter-free surface that would be comfortable and safe for patrons.

Throughout both phases of restoration work, the Fox & Barrel remained open for business, which required careful coordination and minimal disruption. The transformation of these dining pieces has helped maintain the restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere while ensuring their furniture is sturdy, attractive and fit for purpose. The before-and-after contrast is quite remarkable, as the accompanying photos demonstrate.