Evie Willow is a bespoke kitchen design and manufacturing business, renowned for its exceptional dedication to creating high-quality, truly bespoke kitchens. Founded 11-years ago by Daniel Allen, the company serves clients across the Cotswolds, Berkshire, Surrey, and beyond. At the heart of its success is Evie Willow's manufacturing workshop, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation, and every piece of furniture is meticulously crafted in-house.
We spoke to Callum Mutch, Operations Manager at Evie Willow, to learn more about the Evie Willow workshop and production processes. Callum has been in the industry himself for over 17-years, having started his career as an apprentice.
The workshop is the beating heart of Evie Willow, where 14-skilled cabinet makers and finishers bring their designs to life. “All of our products are made in-house from sheet material,” Callum explains, a point of pride for the business. From their youngest apprentices, just starting their journey in the trade, to seasoned craftsmen with over 40-years of experience, the team is a diverse blend of expertise and fresh talent.
The workshop is a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, utilising classic machinery such as planers and saws for precision work, they also embrace modern technology like CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. These advanced tools are used primarily for crafting the main carcasses, cutting location holes and ensuring general sizing accuracy, which frees up time for the more intricate, hands-on artisanal work that follows.
"The CNC machine is great for the structural elements, but our real craftsmanship comes into play with the finer details,” says Callum. This balance allows Evie Willow to efficiently handle larger projects while maintaining the handcrafted bespoke quality that sets their kitchens apart.
The company is dedicated to sustainability, carefully selecting the finest FSC-certified materials and plywood carcasses instead of chipboard for structural integrity. "We guarantee our kitchens for 20 years," Callum says, emphasising that longevity is central to their approach. Enhanced hardwood doors are a key feature in Evie Willow’s kitchens, carefully chosen for their quality and resistance to warping and movement, which is particularly important in the heat and moisture-rich environment of a kitchen.
Another standout feature of Evie Willow’s workshop is its commitment to nurturing talent. Apprenticeships play a crucial role in the company’s culture, and their success is evident. Callum shares the story of Harry, the current workshop manager, who joined the team as an apprentice 11-years ago. “We like to focus on teaching in-house,” Callum explains, emphasising the company’s dedication to developing skilled craftsmen from within. The workshop team is more than just a group of colleagues – it’s a community of friends, both inside and outside of work.
As Evie Willow continues to grow, the workshop is expanding for the third time in January. This upcoming development will include significant investments in their paint department, which will allow the team to increase their capacity while enhancing the quality of their finishes even further. “The finishes on our kitchens are the client’s choice, however we work closely with an industry-leading paint supplier,” says Callum, this helps Evie Willow to ensure that every kitchen they produce meets the highest standards in both design, finish and durability.
One of the unique aspects of Evie Willow’s process is their level of client involvement. Callum explains: "As our design and production teams are all under one roof, we can all liaise with each other very easily. This also allows us to easily invite clients inside our workshop." From the initial design consultation to regular updates during production, Evie Willow ensures that customers feel connected to every step of the process.
“Our clients get to look inside our workshop during production,” Callum says. "They can also visit during the planning stages, which allows us to collaborate with them closely, ensuring the final product perfectly matches their vision."
This close relationship between client and staff is key to Evie Willow’s bespoke approach. The team takes great care to work in partnership with our clients to understand each customer’s needs, whether that involves adjusting designs for uneven walls in period properties or creating one-of-a-kind features like built-in dog beds or custom bar installations.
With its growing team, expanding workshop and commitment to quality, Evie Willow shows no signs of slowing down. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in bespoke kitchen design, they remain grounded in the craftsmanship and values that have driven their success for more than a decade.
"We’re always conscious of investing in quality," Callum says. "Expanding our workshop will allow us to keep growing as a company, while continuing to deliver the high standards our customers expect."
Evie Willow’s workshop is more than just a space where kitchens are made, it’s where innovation, craftsmanship and passion come together to create unique spaces that will be cherished for years to come.
Find out more at www.eviewillow.com, or get in contact via:
Tel: 01993 899 115
Email: sales@eviewillow.com
Address: Evie Willow, 120 Brize Norton Rd, Minster Lovell, Witney OX29 0SQ