Ashton & Coleman × The Canal Inn at Bullbridge

A New Chapter of Collaboration:

Ashton & Coleman × The Canal Inn at Bullbridge

We’re delighted to announce our latest partnership – a meaningful collaboration between Ashton & Coleman and the family-run Canal Inn at Bullbridge, a welcoming pub-hotel nestled in the heart of Derbyshire. Together, we’ve created a bespoke furniture collection that reflects the warmth, heritage and craftsmanship of this much-loved local venue.

Why This Collaboration Matters

The Canal Inn is more than a place to eat or stay; it’s a celebration of community and character. Likewise, Ashton & Coleman stands for honest materials, timeless design and British craftsmanship. When our teams came together, the goal was simple — to furnish the Inn with pieces that feel authentic, comfortable and enduring.

The Project Scope

Our collaboration covered three key areas:

• Guest Bedrooms
  Each bedroom has been fitted with hand-crafted solid wood furniture — beds, bedside tables, wardrobes and dressers — all designed and made by Ashton & Coleman in our Derbyshire workshop.
  To ensure every guest enjoys a truly restorative night’s sleep, each bed has been paired with a luxury natural mattress from The Smeaton Brothers – our trusted British supplier known for handcrafted mattresses made from natural fillings such as wool, cotton and horsehair. These mattresses perfectly complement our solid wood frames, providing a sleep experience that is as sustainable as it is indulgent.

  To complete the rooms, we commissioned upholstered bedroom chairs from a third-generation family upholstery business in Long Eaton, Derbyshire – a region celebrated for its heritage in fine furniture-making. Each chair was made to our specification, combining traditional upholstery techniques with premium fabrics to add warmth, texture and luxury to the rooms.

• Pub & Dining Area
  The Canal Inn’s dining space has been fitted with bespoke solid wood pub tables, designed for both durability and character. Each table is finished to highlight the natural grain and texture of the timber, creating a welcoming environment where guests can gather for a drink, a meal, or conversation.

Craftsmanship Meets Character

Every element of this project has been guided by a shared belief in quality and authenticity:

• Natural Materials: Oak and pine finishes reveal the true beauty of the timber, while Smeaton Brothers mattresses and Long Eaton upholstery add layers of natural comfort.

• Built to Last: Joinery, finishes and upholstery were all selected for longevity — ensuring the furniture looks and feels exceptional for years to come.

• Complementary Style: The pieces were designed to harmonise with the Canal Inn’s existing character — traditional yet contemporary, warm yet refined.

• Locally Crafted: Every contributor, from Ashton & Coleman’s workshop to our Long Eaton upholsterers and Smeaton Brothers mattress-makers, is based in the UK, keeping craftsmanship and value close to home.

Guest Experience Enhanced

For guests, the results are immediately tangible:

• Bedrooms that feel bespoke, with handcrafted furniture and naturally luxurious mattresses.

• Upholstered seating that invites you to unwind and enjoy the moment.

• Dining tables that balance elegance with the durability needed for lively pub gatherings.
  Together, these details elevate the experience — creating rooms and social spaces that feel honest, comfortable and unmistakably Derbyshire.

Behind the Scenes

• Each bedroom was measured individually to ensure a perfect fit around original beams and alcoves.

• Pub tables were designed slightly above standard height for relaxed, conversational dining.

• Upholstery colours and fabrics were chosen to complement both the natural wood tones and the inn’s heritage palette.

• Our close working relationship with the Canal Inn’s owners meant every detail — from delivery to installation — was managed smoothly and on schedule.

A Local Success Story

This partnership represents the best of local collaboration: a Derbyshire hospitality icon furnished by Derbyshire craftspeople. By sourcing everything from local and family-owned businesses — Ashton & Coleman, The Smeaton Brothers, and Long Eaton’s upholstery artisans — the project supports regional talent while delivering quality and authenticity that guests can feel.

Looking Ahead

We’re proud to have played a part in shaping the Canal Inn’s next chapter, and we hope every visitor experiences the comfort, craftsmanship and care that went into every room.

If you’re planning a hotel, pub or guesthouse and want to furnish it with handcrafted solid wood furniture, natural mattresses and locally made upholstery, we’d love to collaborate.

Ashton & Coleman – Made in Britain. Built to last. Crafted for life.