At Furniture & Joinery Production, we’re well aware that Lawcris Panel Products have a reputation for doing things a little … differently. So, when they told us they’d enlisted a “food critic” to review the brand-new range of Pfleiderer MFC that they now stock, we were equal parts sceptical and intrigued. Naturally, we pulled up a chair …
I’ll be honest, when I was invited to review the latest “offering” from Pfleiderer, I sharpened my knives before I’d even taken my seat. Sixty-five options. Just sixty-five? I’ve seen wine lists longer!
Call me sentimental, but there’s a certain romance to a menu that goes on forever. Page after page of options, a little something for everyone. In the world of interior surfaces, many of the industry’s biggest names have perfected this model. And rightly so. These ranges are the grand hotels of our world: versatile, accommodating, and brilliantly equipped for scale. However, Pfleiderer have gone against the grain. They have pulled up a very different chair, offering an experience that takes the trimmings away to leave only what truly deserves to be on the plate.
A Michelin-Starred Approach
I tend to make my judgement early, usually the moment I sit down and glance at the menu. It’s the little things. A quiet detail, a mark you almost overlook. In this case, it’s a small stamp, Ecovadis Platinum, tucked in without ceremony. Easy to miss, easier to underestimate. But for those who know, it speaks volumes. Pfleiderer has recently achieved Platinum Ecovadis status, a staggering accolade that places them in the top 1% of companies worldwide for their sustainability approach. In the world of manufacturing, this is the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award from the Michelin guide. This isn’t just a marketing garnish; it is the very base of the entire menu. It’s the difference between buying off the shelf and knowing the farm, the supplier, the process, right through to the plate. It’s a level of involvement and responsibility that goes far beyond presentation and you can taste it in every dish.
The 65 Course Tasting Menu
Within minutes of scanning the taster menu, the intention reveals itself. The 65 decors on offer have been curated like a specialist’s wine list; each one has earned its place through sheer versatility, character and market relevance. There is no “filler” here, no outdated oaks or muddy solids.
What’s most striking is the clarity of the menu. You’re presented with a selection that feels easy to order from. There’s a quiet confidence in knowing that whatever you choose, it’s going to land well. It doesn’t feel restrictive; it feels decisive.
What’s particularly refreshing is the introduction of flavours and textures that feel unfamiliar in the best possible way. These aren’t dishes lifted from the usual circuit, they bring something new to the UK table, adding depth and variety without losing cohesion.
There are subtle notes that catch you off guard, in the same way a wellbalanced dish introduces something you didn’t quite expect but instantly appreciate. Hints of warm, spiced tones, cooler shadowed hues, and fresh, natural greens all play their part, while the textures add another layer entirely.
The Service: Kitchen to Table
Of course, even the finest kitchens rely on service that can match what’s coming out of them. That’s where Lawcris steps in, the maître d’. They are consistently making sure that what’s been so carefully prepared arrives exactly as intended. Because at this level, it’s not just about what’s on offer, it’s the certainty that it’s always on the menu, ready when you want it.
The Verdict: Quality Over Quantity
The “Shock” here isn’t that the range is smaller; it’s how much more efficient and enjoyable it makes the design process. We have spent years assuming that more choice equals more freedom, but Pfleiderer has proven that curation is the ultimate luxury.
While massive, 300-decor libraries will always have their place for highly niche or bespoke requirements, Pfleiderer has carved out a vital space for the designer who values speed, cohesion, and sustainability. By trimming the fat, they’ve created a streamlined workflow where there are no “wrong” choices.
Final Thoughts
Pfleiderer’s new range is a masterclass in restraint and responsibility. It is a refined, 65 course experience that leaves the creative feeling satisfied rather than stuffed. If you’re looking for a surface menu that prioritises worldclass sustainability, effortless curation, and high-end aesthetics, this is the reservation you need to make today.
Rating: ***** A triumph of curation that respects the design process and the planet.
Speak to your Lawcris representative to see how the new 65-decor range can support your next project. www.lawcris.co.uk
