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WOODBENDER X HILL CROSS FURNITURE: A COLLABORATION IN CRAFT AND VISION
commercial spaces are imagined, designed, and realised. Together, Woodbender and Hill Cross Furniture exemplify how globally inspired design can remain rooted in local culture and authenticity.
Clerkenwell Design Week this year spotlighted the flourishing partnership between furniture brand Woodbender and contract furniture specialists Hill Cross Furniture.
More than just an exhibition, their joint stand served as a vibrant celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and a shared design vision. Together, the two family-owned brands presented a thoughtfully curated selection of fixed and loose furniture tailored for the contract sector. Highlights included Woodbender’ s signature Abbey, Alta, Vuti, and Makuti chairs and stools, complemented by bespoke banquette seating and handcrafted tables made in North Yorkshire. and handcrafted character— complementing the restaurant’ s fusion of African culinary heritage and contemporary fine dining.
As Time Out observed,“ Everything, from the waiting staff’ s( currently) on-trend chore jackets, to the lighting, music and furniture is so adeptly realised, it’ s almost a surprise that the food holds up its end of the bargain. But it does.” The design reflects Akara’ s ethos— refined, grounded, and deeply personal— demonstrating how thoughtful furniture choices can elevate and define a space.
A Vision Realised A shared vision has grown into a dynamic partnership, reshaping how
Supporting Your Next Project This considered approach to design extends beyond aesthetics. For those shaping commercial spaces, Hill Cross provides support at every stage of commercial furniture projects— from bespoke CAD modelling and seating optimisation, to material and finish selections that balance visual appeal with operational demands, through to final installation. Meanwhile, Woodbender’ s intuitive 3D configurator allows designers to instantly upload fabric swatches and apply them directly to 3D models, previewing options in real time. A range of wood finishes can also be selected to complete the visualisation. Customisable 3D models streamline the specification process— turning creative vision into reality with confidence and clarity.
In a market that values authenticity and lasting quality, the Woodbender and Hill Cross Furniture partnership offers both— and a look into the future of collaborative design.
Sculptural Elegance at Akara London One striking example of the partnership’ s impact is Akara, the acclaimed Borough Market restaurant from chef Ayo Adeyemi. Designed by London-based A-nrd Studio, the interior pairs exposed brickwork with a refined palette of natural materials, soft textures, and carefully balanced details to create a warm, understated atmosphere. Within this considered design, A-nrd selected Woodbender’ s Makuti stools for their sculptural presence woodbender. com | hillcrossfurniture. co. uk