Bespoke café bar for Fyvie Castle
A bespoke café bar fit for a castle
This truly bespoke café bar was designed and handcrafted for Fyvie Castle, Garden & Estate, a much-loved National Trust for Scotland property in the heart of Aberdeenshire. The project was undertaken in collaboration with Stewart Wilson Joinery, who approached us to design and build a servery and bar for the castle tearoom. Crafted from native oak and poplar the finished piece brings warmth, texture, and character to the café space, sitting comfortably within the historic surroundings of the castle. Thoughtfully detailed and built to withstand a high-footfall public environment, the café bar enhances the visitor experience while remaining sympathetic to the heritage of its setting.
Designing a stylish and practical centrepiece
From the outset, the project needed to balance practicality with sensitivity to its historic environment. The café bar was required to accommodate equipment, storage, and generous worktop space, while remaining visually appropriate within a busy tearoom setting.
The core structure was formed using solid poplar H-frames, providing strength and stability while supporting a solid oak worktop. This construction also allowed for the integration of a continuous lower shelf at a reduced height, adding both functionality and visual balance to the design.
Careful consideration was given to proportions and layout, ensuring the bar would maximise usability without overwhelming the space. A custom-made template was produced to create the curved corner, with the shaped panel formed in our vacuum press to achieve a smooth, flowing profile that complements the architecture of the café.
Material choice and crafted detail
Material selection played a key role in the success of the project. Native oak was chosen for its durability, timeless appeal, and ability to age gracefully in a high-traffic environment. The V-grooved front panels were made using locally sourced oak, veneered onto poplar plywood to provide stability while maintaining the look and character of solid timber.
The V-grooving itself was carried out in our workshop using our CNC router, fitted with a specially designed grooving cutter. This allowed for consistency, precision, and a refined finish across all front panels, adding depth and texture while highlighting the natural grain of the oak.
Craftsmanship with purpose
This project demonstrates the value of bespoke cabinetry, where thoughtful design, quality materials, and skilled craftsmanship come together to create a solution that is both functional and distinctive.
Handcrafted in our Oldmeldrum workshop, the café bar reflects our commitment to creating pieces that are tailored to their environment, built to last, and finished with care and attention to detail.
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