The FoodBench Story…

My ‘lightbulb moment’ came whilst holidaying with friends on the south coast, where a visit to an artisan bakery planted the seed of an idea. Sitting around rustic wooden benches with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods, we watched as people tucked into their breakfasts while the staff prepared food all around them. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to recreate this feeling in your own home?” remarked my friend. The convivial atmosphere, blending the joy of eating together with the art of food preparation, stayed with me long after the coffee and croissants were consumed…

With more than three decades as a designer in the kitchen industry, I set out on a mission to craft a freestanding kitchen island that went beyond utility. A piece of furniture that would seamlessly merge the practicality of storing ingredients and meal preparation with the convenience of a dining table, bringing people together to eat.

Recreating that rustic charm of the bakery was paramount, as was bridging the gap between modern aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship. I wanted to fuse the sleek, handle-less design of our contemporary German kitchen furniture with the traditional charm of a freestanding oak island. After much research, the prairies of Kentucky provided the perfect material – reclaimed oak from ranch and railway fencing: strong, sturdy and full of character. And so, Food Bench was born…

We like to think that when you choose one of our Food Benches you’re not just selecting a piece of furniture; you’re inviting a piece of history, craftsmanship and soul into your kitchen, connecting everyone to the heart of your home. Now, what could be better than that?

Ian Cross

Visit Adaptations, our sister kitchen company, here.