THE GUARD ROOM CAFE TURNCHAPEL
A Rustic Coastal Café Designed To Stand The Test Of Time
Back in 2016, we had the pleasure of working on the interiors for The Guard Room Café in Turnchapel, near Plymouth — a project centred around character, authenticity, and creating a relaxed coastal atmosphere using reclaimed and restored materials.
Located within a historic waterside setting, the café already had an incredible sense of place. Our role was to help enhance that identity through carefully sourced furniture and styling that felt sympathetic to both the building and its maritime surroundings.
Nearly a decade later, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the interiors still working beautifully today — proof that thoughtful, well-made design truly stands the test of time.
Celebrating Coastal Heritage & Character
From the beginning, the vision for The Guard Room Café was clear: create a welcoming, informal space full of warmth, texture, and personality.
We wanted the interiors to feel honest and unpolished in the best possible way — somewhere that reflected the history of Turnchapel and the surrounding waterfront without feeling overly themed or contrived. Using a mix of reclaimed timber, antique pieces, industrial-style seating, and rustic finishes, we created a relaxed café environment that felt collected over time rather than newly installed.
The result was a space with genuine soul and character — somewhere equally suited to morning coffee, long lunches, or watching the boats from the nearby harbour.
Reclaimed Furniture Restored In-House
A huge part of this project centred around sourcing and restoring original pieces that would bring authenticity and individuality to the interiors.
Many of the tables and furniture pieces were reclaimed and carefully restored in-house by us before being installed within the café. Rather than opting for mass-produced furnishings, we wanted every piece to contribute to the layered, lived-in atmosphere of the space.
The aged timber textures, worn finishes, and industrial metal details all helped create an interior that felt relaxed, durable, and perfectly suited to a busy coastal café environment. Importantly, these pieces were selected not only for aesthetics, but for longevity too — something that has certainly proven itself over the years.
Designed For Everyday Use
Hospitality spaces need to work hard, especially in busy cafés and waterfront locations where interiors see constant daily use.
Durability was therefore just as important as visual appeal throughout this project. By using reclaimed solid wood furniture and timeless materials, the café was able to develop even more character with age rather than looking worn out over time.
Nearly ten years on, the interiors continue to feel relevant, welcoming, and full of charm — a reminder that sustainable, timeless design will always outlast short-lived trends.
Relaxed, Informal & Full Of Atmosphere
One of our favourite aspects of The Guard Room Café is how effortless the finished interiors feel.
The combination of stripped-back textures, natural timber tones, vintage-inspired furniture, and soft coastal light creates an atmosphere that feels comfortable and approachable from the moment you walk in.
Nothing feels overdesigned. Instead, the space invites people to settle in, slow down, and enjoy the surroundings — exactly what a great café interior should do.
Timeless Hospitality Interiors
Projects like this perfectly reflect our love for interiors that feel authentic, layered, and built to last.
By combining reclaimed materials, restored furniture, and practical hospitality design, we were able to create a café space that still feels as relevant and welcoming today as it did back in 2016.
Looking To Create A Hospitality Space With Character?
Whether it’s a café, restaurant, boutique accommodation, or coastal hospitality venue, we design interiors that balance durability, comfort, and timeless style.
If you’re planning a hospitality project and would like to discuss your furniture needs, please do get in touch
