Frequent Questions
Frequent Questions
Belle Epoque welcomed our first customer on 6th August 2005 and we've been trading in East Molesey ever since. Below are some of the questions you may have about what we do and how the shop and website work, but if there’s anything else you’d like to know please feel free to email us at enquiries@belleepoque.me.uk or give us a call on 020 8941 9269.
We’re very nice, friendly folk so please don’t feel nervous about giving us a ring!
Where is the shop?
We are in the heart of East Molesey village, only 5 minutes away from Hampton Court Palace and Bushey Park. There is cheap and convenient parking directly behind the shop.
Do you have everything that’s in the shop online?
It would be near impossible to include everything that we have in-store on the website, but we do try very hard to pick the pieces that we think would be most popular and interesting for our online customers. If you are looking for something particular, please contact us and we will endeavour to help.
Is everything online in the shop?
Most of our online site resides in the shop, however if you are travelling to look at a specific piece we strongly suggest that you email or call first as it may be stored off-site.
What do you mean by Antique and Vintage?
We adhere to the commonly accepted definition of antique being 100 years or more old and vintage being at least 20 years old.
Where possible we have given approximate dates for the pieces on our website however these are a guide only.
We clearly state whether a piece has genuine age or is a new/reproduction piece.
What condition are the old pieces in?
We have been restoring and repainting furniture, mirrors and decorative pieces for a long time and take a great deal of pride in the quality of our work. The furniture and mirrors that we buy often need work to bring them back to life.
All the work we do on our stock restores them to being functional and fit for purpose – drawers will run, wardrobes are deep enough for modern hangers and chairs are definitely for sitting on! However we do not try and make these pieces look new – the finish on all our furniture will bear testament to its age and will have both genuine or deliberate aging and knocks, bumps and other general wear should be expected.
If you are unsure please contact us beforehand and we will be happy to talk you through the piece and provide you with extensive pictures to clarify the condition. However, if you like brand new, we’re probably not for you!
Ordering bespoke restoration jobs
If you are looking for a particular piece please contact us as we may already have what you are looking for. You are then invited to specify how you would like the piece including any structural amendments, the paint colour and finish. Bespoke pieces cannot be returned unless they are faulty or damaged and must be paid for in advance.
Chandeliers
We can source from a huge selection of vintage and antique chandeliers and would love to find the perfect lighting for you. Please telephone (020 8941 9269) or email us (enquiries@belleepoque.me.uk) to discuss what you’re looking for.
Can I place my order by telephone?
Of course! Please call the shop on 020 8941 9269 during our opening hours and we will be happy to take your order and payment over the phone. This is a good idea if you are placing an order for an antique or vintage piece and would like a condition report first and/or would like to discuss delivery.
Can I add to an existing order?
If you’d like to add to an existing order please phone us at the shop and we can advise you on whether your order has been dispatched yet.
Who does the work?
Belle Epoque is run by a husband and wife team, Tammy & Matt. Tammy is responsible for obsessively sourcing and buying stock whilst Matt rebuilds, restores, repaints and does pretty much everything else. All work is carried out in our workshop in-house.
Interior design projects
We have extensive experience in working with interior designers on residential and commercial projects. Please contact us for an appointment to discuss your requirements.