Collaborating with designers is an exciting journey that combines creativity and functionality. We work closely with our partners in the interior, architectural and hospitality industries to create the perfect Woodbender pieces for a specific environment. We have had the pleasure of creating furniture for stunning projects both locally and across borders. Our bentwood chairs and bar stools are ideally suited for the hospitality industry because of their exceptional quality and these restaurant installations highlight the versatility of our products.  
 

Ōku Eatery, Franschhoek 

You’ll find Ōku, which is also the Japanese word for oak, on the main road in Franschhoek. It’s an Asian eatery that offers a fine dining experience in a Zen-like setting. Inside you’ll be greeted by minimalist furniture, abstract art and a lively bonsai collection that symbolises harmony and balance and contributes to the tranquil atmosphere of the restaurant. 
 
Ōku’s inspiration comes from a long love for Asian cuisine by chef and restauranteur duo Ryan Shell and Darren Badenhorst. After a joint trip to Indonesia in 2013, the two chefs started shaping their ideas to make them a reality. The design concept of Ōku emphasises the calm, refined side of Asia and the minimalist interior allows the heavenly menu to shine. The large, light-filled space is accentuated with ash wood furniture and lighting that creates an environment that enhances the dining experience. Our Makuti chairs look elegant and comfortable in the space and are perfect for a leisurely “kaiseki”.  
 

Mont Blois Wine Estate, Robertson Wine Valley 

We would never have imagined visiting an old feeding silo dating back to 1947, to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. But walking into the transformed Mont Blois tasting room feels like pure luxury. The brief from the owners, Ernst and Nina-Mari Bruwer, was to renovate the silos into a tasting room while respecting the heritage of the site. With this in mind, interior designer Gera de Wet left the original walls unpainted and kept the original ceiling with its wooden beams intact. Two existing feeding cribs were converted into a bench and washing bay. 
 
The tasting room colour palette is symbolic of the grapes grown on the estate – sage green to symbolise the white grapes, violet to represent the red varietals, and touches of polished brass to portray the colour of Muscadel. As seating is one of the most important elements of a tasting room, it needed to be both functional and beautiful, padded, sturdy and with armrests. Gera chose Woodbender’s Kariba and Riga chairs for the room and they were finished in a dark brown stain and upholstered in a bold violet fabric. 
 

Jeru Bakery, Restaurant and Bar, London 

There’s a sense of old-world grandeur when you visit Jeru, a high-end restaurant in Mayfair, London. The restaurant specialises in Middle Eastern cuisine and there is a clear passion for sharing good food and good company.   
 
The space is moody, extravagant and sophisticated, but always relaxed and welcoming. Designed to transport guests to another time and place, the interior is inspired by architectural forms and textures found throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. These influences are infused with contemporary touches such as curved arched forms, terracotta hues and a warm palette reminiscent of the region. 
 
Featured in different dining spaces throughout the restaurant, our Kariba chairs and bar stools were styled in a white and walnut timber finish, and upholstered in Brandy and Chocolate coloured leather. It’s all in the details, and the designers opted to add brass foot rails to the bar stools and an upholstered backrest insert on the Kariba chairs to customise the furniture for the distinct style of the space. 
 

We’d love to hear about your next project. Get in touch to chat about your seating requirements.