Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705 and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which attracts almost one million visitors annually.
The stunning palace is set in over 2,000 acres of gardens and parkland and holds regular events throughout the year, making it a destination for tourists from around the world. And these guests need refreshments, which is why Blenheim Palace offers five distinct dining experiences across the Estate. From sophisticated afternoon tea in the Orangery Restaurant to a bite to eat in the Walled Garden Pizzeria.
The Stables Café is a favourite with visitors, providing a relaxed setting in which they can enjoy food and drink that’s sourced from suppliers within 20 miles of the Estate.
The Project
Located in the West Courtyard, the café - as the name suggests - sits within a charming old stable block, crafted from classic Cotswold stone and accented with heritage-green woodwork. Inside, this signature green continues, framing a light, airy space with clean walls that showcase local artwork.
When the existing furniture began to show its age, Jack Butler, Head of Catering Operations at Blenheim Palace, knew the Stables Café was due for a refresh. Luckily, Eclipse Furniture got in touch at just the right time.
The Challenges and Requirements
Income generated across Blenheim Palace's cafés and restaurants directly fuels essential conservation across the Estate, such as the major £12 million roof restoration currently underway.
With revenue directly supporting the preservation of the Estate's heritage, getting the café furniture right was vital. Jack’s goal for the Stables Café was to complement the classic architecture of the West Courtyard with a smart, comfortable, and modern dining environment.
To break up the expansive, open-plan layout, the café required a thoughtful mix of seating styles and table configurations. Given that furniture quality directly reflects the high standards of the Blenheim Palace brand, Jack visited Eclipse’s Gloucester showroom to experience the craftsmanship and comfort before specifying.
The Products
With help from Eclipse’s expert team, Jack selected a curated collection of natural oak and contract-grade faux leather. The Marcelo Side Chairs and Armchairs - with their subtle Scandinavian silhouette – blend classic and contemporary styling, while Solid Character Oak Table Tops introduce rich natural texture and warmth to the venue.
Warm cognac Aztec Side Chairs introduce rich colour accents and plush comfort, enhancing comfort for visitors. Finally, a deliberate mix of table shapes and proportions breaks up the open floor plan, offering versatile seating arrangements tailored for everything from solo coffee breaks to larger family gatherings.
Clockwise from top left: Marcelo Side Chair, Marcelo Armchair, Aztec Side Chair, Solid Character Oak Table Tops, Moderno Table Bases
The Result
Jack is delighted with the transformation of the Stables Café and praised the tailored product guidance provided by the Eclipse team. Visiting the Gloucester showroom proved invaluable - streamlining the decision-making and ordering process for an otherwise demanding schedule.
The delivery and installation were smooth and fuss-free, laying the foundation for a strong, ongoing partnership on future Estate projects.
Most importantly, customer feedback has been extremely positive, with guests consistently gravitating toward the welcoming comfort of the upholstered Aztec Chairs.
“Great service from start to finish, welcomed at the showroom for a personal experience and expert advice. Good communication throughout and a great end result, have already put in a second order and look forward to using Eclipse for future projects.”
Jack Butler – Head of Catering Operations at Blenheim Palace
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