From Rest Express to Restorate

Formally Rest Express, Restorate is a family run online shop for Trade and DIY.

We strive to provide enthusiasts, DIYers and professionals with the best products and expert advice.

Weston Mitchell started his journey at the age of 16 as an apprentice. Over 40 years, he learned and mastered three centuries of craftsmanship. Within a few years his bespoke pieces were featured in one of London’s most prestigious shops, Harrods.

Over the decades he became renowned throughout the antiques industry, specialising in the restoration of priceless historic clocks, including original pieces by Thomas Tompion and Joseph Knibb, and preparing items for sale at Christies and Masterpiece.

Known to his loyal customers as Westie, he was well known for his skills with the fine art of cabinet making and restoration. In 2010 Westie had the honour of being commissioned by Linley of Pimlico, London, to meticulously design and craft an exquisite table clock as a gift to a head of state.

2005 was the year where Restoration Express was established. Based in the heart of the Cotswolds, with the mission to provide specialised products to those who needed them, without minimum order.

In 2008, Rest Express utilised the then new e-commerce platform allowing the business to grow and become an official distributer for the industry’s most respected brands.

The family business, rebranded to Restorate in September 2021 has been operated by Westie's son, Sam, since March 2020.

Sam grew up using the products we sell, and often helped in various areas of Rest Express after school, becoming a salesperson for the business in his early 20s.

Restorate is investing into its future to ensure the existence of specialist knowledge, product and skills for years to come. We intend to create a bright future for the industry, so the historic craftsmanship that will live on.

We want to pass these precious skills to the next generation and be a reliable source of information for all our customers.