Crafty Kate is brushing up for change at Old Stables

The popular coffee house – just off the Market Place – was rightly renowned as one of the best in the county.

That was, of course, before Covid-19 came along and forced many business owners – large and small – to think again.

And, as co-owner Kate Giffen explains, there have been a few changes at the Old Stables.

Kate says: “Everyone is navigating Covid the best that they can.

“I understand that some people have found the changes we have made to the Stables difficult.

“I totally get that people loved coming here and they miss it.

“ We loved it too but times change and new opportunities arise from difficult situations.”

It was Kate who probably brought you a coffee and a delicious snack at some point.

Now, she has a new challenge – the transformation of the business to The Old Stables Studios.

The studios are not currently serving food and drink although Kate says they will be back on the menu.

Instead, the studios are offering local crafters and artisans the shop space to display and sell their quality, eco friendly, upcycled handmade items.

Kate adds: “Since the closure of the retail space at the Joseph Banks Centre – and the cancellation of many craft fairs, including the Horncastle Christmas Market, it became clear to me that many people are clamouring for the opportunity to sell their beautiful products in a high street setting.

“I offer them shelf space and promotion on social media.

“It is deeply rewarding helping support individual artisans who are looking for new markets.”

Kate can often be found busy with a paintbrush, upcycling furniture using the eco friendly furniture paint Frenchic.

She says: “We are lucky enough to have been accepted as stockists.

“More and more people are turning to the idea of upgrading what they already have instead of buying new.

“This makes sense for the planet and your pocket.

“I got hooked on this paint when I painted my horrible uPVC front door. I thought I was going to have to spend £800 on a new door but instead I did it all for the price of a pot of paint. Genius!”

Kate will be offering Frenchic furniture painting workshops online soon, along with a range of handcrafting workshops in the New Year.

The studios also offer private appointments in the evening for anyone wanting to shop out of hours.

Kate adds: “I am extremely grateful to our former staff and customers who made the Stables such a wonderful place.

“I am embracing the future and the new opportunities, stockists and customers.”

• Opening times and future events can be found on the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theoldstableshorncastle