I don't know the details of the fixings for the granite. We had a granite table previously (see picture) for 16 years but it was so well fixed and stable, they were unable to remove the granite to move it for the current garden renovation, so sadly it had to be destroyed! So we're having to get a new piece of granite! I love the fact it needs absolutely no maintenance whatsoever, other than a scrub and wipe before use! As far as the banquette, we don't really have a choice. We've removed a higher level garden to create a new patio area and intend to have a firepit table that needs a minimum 3 metre footprint. If we have the fixed table away from the house wall and far enough away to be able to pull out chairs all the way around, it will be in the way of the chairs of the firepit table and make the whole area look/feel cluttered. I'm hoping that with a 12" gap between the seating and the table top that slim adults won't find it impossible, even if it isn't ideal. We'll have the five folding chairs for regular use, so it will only be when we have "extras" that the banquette will come into play. Does that reassure..?

We need the dimensions of the space and depth of the proposed benches to give you an exact answer. Can you please provide them? Typically you want the table to overhang the seat 2" which should give you the width of the table. As for the length that will depend on the space between the wall and counter top. You want to make sure you leave enough space between the counter and table edge so that it's comfortable to get seated. Also, do you prefer the table to be floating in the space or up against the wall?

You have lots of things to think about that only you can answer: How formal do you want to dine? A banquette is an informal eating space, compared to the more formal set up you have now. Does your home have a dining room, in addition to this space? If so, you could sacrifice this duplicate formal dining space, downgrading it to a more informal eating space. If not, you may want to reconsider, to keep the option for formal Thanksgiving Dinner, etc. Think about how you want to use and care for the eating space: How many people do you envision seating at a banquette table? The larger the number, the harder it is to get in and out of it on the bench side. The way it is now would be easiest to clean. Also, think about your sight lines: It looks like the table is currently centered on an opening to a living room. When looking at the kitchen from that room, do you want to see a formal dining table that can be decorated seasonally, or view kitchen bar stools? Think about your traffic patterns and lighting: Changing to bar stools & banquette would open a wide space in the middle of that room -- where you would bonk your head on the chandelier. How do you envision your lighting plan changing to accommodate that? Recessed cans? Moving the big chandelier over the banquette would likely make the room feel unbalanced. All of these issues are solvable. They just require forethought and an understanding of the trade-offs. At my house, we got rid of the eat-in kitchen table & chandelier altogether and extended the countertop for bar stools. We needed the floor space for a clear pathway to the new family room addition beyond. We also have a formal dining room elsewhere in the house, so, functionally, keeping the eat-in kitchen table was not necessary for us.

Butler's table? Is that like a sideboard? Because of the windows, I think I'd rather the table /sideboard be placed against the back wall. If you place it on one of the sides, the two windows at the back will be partially blocked, and I don't think that'd look right. I think I'd look for a small table that'd (mostly) fit between the windows. Then I'd flank it with drapes on the outsides only. Do add lighting above this table while you're moving the chandy.