Welcome to The Crafty Cuppa!
My name is Jen and I have always been super crafty (in an arty kind of a way!)
Over the years I have done many things and tried most crafts out there but my passion has always been drawing and illustrating.
I started Jennysis Crafts back in 2014 and over that time I’ve helped many small businesses by designing logos, printing stationery and merchandise etc. I’ve taught various crafts to others, illustrate and written books and drawn hundreds of portraits. It’s been an extremely varied business and I’ve loved it all. But the thing I wanted to do since leaving university is to set up a gallery or shop to help showcase other peoples work, to help them get their work seen.
So fast forward a couple of decades and I’m eventually putting that long ago dream into action!
So I have the premises but my word it needed sooooo much work! We started work on it in July 2023 and since then we have had so many obstacles to overcome. Woodworm, many layers of flooring to remove, scary electrics meaning it all had to be replaced, rotten façade, falling masonry and loose plasterboard… well that’s just some of the hurdles we are overcoming! But it’s getting there. I kept having to push back the opening as drama after drama kept unfolding but we eventually managed to open the doors on 25th May 2024!
The grand opening was wonderful, lots of familiar and new faces arrived to welcome the opening of the café. The Town Major came and read a speech and the Town Crier even created a cry just for us and cried it outside before the opening.
We have lots of lovely volunteers who help in the café and one of these is our lovely Katy who is also our baker. She bakes so many wonderful cakes that are all gluten free (you really wouldn’t know it though)
What’s so special about this café?
Well The Crafty Cuppa is a Community Interest Company, meaning all profits go back into the business and community. So it’s really all about supporting local!
The café offers:
- Shelf space for local artisans to sell their creations.
- Showcases music by talented local performers.
- Serve cakes and hot drinks sourced from local bakers and suppliers.
- Has a variety of gluten free and vegan options
- Stocks Middlemarsh Ice Cream, we even stock vegan, diabetic and doggy ice cream too!
- Provide a venue for diverse workshops led by local instructors, covering everything from hobbies to mental well-being.
- Create volunteer (hopefully paid employment eventually) opportunities for those facing barriers to traditional workplaces.
- Combat loneliness by fostering a welcoming environment for crafting and socializing.
- Serve as a gathering place for small groups and events.
- Space rental for meetings, workshops, parties and gatherings.
- Tourist information point with maps and local information to help plan your day.
- Parking reimbursement as part of the BID Parking Scheme. Get up to £1.50 back with a parking ticket when you spend over £10
- Community projects like puzzles, crafts and art installations.
- Taster workshops and low cost classes using items donated to the café to support the community.
- Lovely enclosed garden to relax in the sun away from the noise of traffic.
And that’s just the beginning! We’re constantly brainstorming new ideas to enrich our community.
To view a full mission statement then click here.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Not able to come to the café but still want to be part of the community? then why not join our online community group on Facebook the Crafty Cuppa Community.