Inside Arighi Bianchi: The landmark Cheshire furnishers and café loved by royals

The luxury Cheshire furnishers famed for illustrious clients and a landmark view from the Manchester to London railway line is celebrating its 170th birthday this year.

Arighi Bianchi, based on the Silk Road in Macclesfield, has become known for its high-end products for the home, as well as selling renowned brands including Cattelan Italia, Ercol and Tetrad. But its origins are far beyond Cheshire - in another region 950 miles away.

Fleeing the Italian civil war in 1854, craftsman Antonio Arighi decided to up sticks and leave the silk-weaving town of Casnate, near Lake Como, in Northern Italy behind. A cabinet maker by trade, Antonio set his sights on finding another silk town where he could refine his skills. He somehow decided on Macclesfield - but his journey there was far from easy.

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“He chose Macclesfield as the place to start the business due to its reputation as a thriving silk hub,” Sarah Bianchi, now CEO of Arighi Bianchi and fourth generation family member, tells the M.E.N. “His route took weeks and saw him trek across the Alps into Switzerland from Italy, crossing the Gotthard Pass on foot and toboggan.”

Having eventually settled down in the Cheshire town, Antonio began making clocks and barometers for local farmers. Having made a success of his business, his brother-in-law, and Sarah’s great-great-granddad, Antonio Bianchi, joined him some twelve years later.

Both master craftsmen, the two Antonios were able to bring their skills together to manufacture and sell handmade furniture using locally-sourced silks and materials. Creating a loyal customer base, they named their business Arighi Bianchi and set their eyes on expansion.

Having built up an esteemed client list, they moved the furniture brand into a former silk mill in the centre of Macclesfield in 1883. A few years later, the mill was renovated to include a brand new four-storey building featuring large Italianate plate glass windows that would show off their wares. Now recorded in the National Heritage List as a designated Grade II-listed building, that renovation still stands today and is what many people will think of when they hear the name Arighi Bianchi.

With royal approval, the brothers’ success would lead them to provide furniture to royal residencies, including Marlborough House and Sandringham House, in the early 20th century.

Since then, Arighi Bianchi has been run by five generations, survived world wars, pandemics and countless recessions. And the furniture brand continues to be well-regarded by members of the Royal family today.

Speaking of the two brothers, Sarah added: “Looking back, I can’t help but reflect on the bravery of our two young founders, who travelled in search of opportunity with nothing but their ambition and faith in their business vision.”

Whilst one renovation would help the business to continue on its thriving success, Arighi Bianchi now hopes a modern day renovation will do the same once again. Alongside a whole new growth strategy, there has been a complete refurbishment to the ground floor of the iconic showroom with new contemporary room sets and a new accessories department selling everything from wall art and candle holders to bath mats and bottle stoppers from brands including Assouline, Paul Smith, and the Los Angeles-based PF Candle Co.

There's also a revamped café. Named Caffè AB, the chic restaurant will serve up seasonal and chef-made cuisine in a relaxed all-day setting. The breakfast and brunch menu features the likes of a full cooked breakfast, cinnamon French toast and eggs florentine, whilst its mains include sandwiches, soups, fish and chips, lamb ragu and a king prawn linguine.

The café will also serve Sunday roasts, coffees, teas and wine, as well as a special menu inspired by Beverly Hills featuring strawberry sunshine toast, a Bianchi Brown Derby cobb salad and a Marilyn Monroe ice cream sundae topped with fluffy candy floss.

As part of the new focus, the retailer’s senior management team, led by Sarah, has worked for the past year and a half to look at how to carry the brand into the future and to continue the two Antonios legacy.

“It's a staggering achievement to think we have been around for 170 years, however now isn’t the time to rest on our laurels,” Sarah explained. “Evolution has always been central to Arighi Bianchi’s success. We spent the last 18 months looking both inside and outside the business to ensure that this amazing legacy continues.

“We’ve been helping people make their house a home for nearly two centuries and our standout product offer has always been central to this and will continue to be. However, what we have learned is that today’s consumers are looking for more from brands than just great products, it’s about inspiration, curation, ease of shop, stand out customer service, value and events that help to build a community they feel part of.”

As part of that community focus, Arighi Bianchi has just launched a series of in-store events, including fashion shows, cookery classes, reflexology sessions and cocktail pop-ups.

Sarah adds: “Today marks the start of an evolution from an iconic homeware’s retailer to a true lifestyle brand, ensuring that Arighi Bianchi will remain in the hearts and minds of customers both in the North-West and now beyond for the next 170 years.”

Arighi Bianchi is on The Silk Road, Macclesfield, SK10 1LH.