The Crafty Cuppa opens at former Orford Craft Centre

Originally a stable and hayloft for The King's Head Inn in Orford, the site was turned into Orford Craft Shop by Stuart Bacon in the 1960s who used it to sell a vast array of basket and show his Underwater Studies Exhibition. 

When Mr Bacon left in 2018 the pub refurbished the building and reopened it as Orford Craft Centre which had a small upstairs gallery and focused on showcasing Suffolk made products.

The craft centre closed due to the Covid pandemic but the building has been given new life and reopened as The Crafty Cuppa on Thursday, April 4.

The coffee shop sells a range of homemade cakes (Image: Crafty Cuppa)

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Suzanne Ballantine, landlady of the King's Head Inn, said: "The interior has undergone a major fit out over the past months with a plan to keep the original heritage of the building and to focus on upcycling materials to create an accessible and welcoming environment.

"Through the talented craftmanship of Shane Jones leftover materials have skilfully been turned into flooring, cabinets, shelving and even tables and chairs. 

"A beautiful piece of English Elm has been handcrafted to make the new signage and old school desks reused as stair treads.

"The interior of the building has been transformed beyond recognition from its former lift but maintained the heritage of the original use."

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The handcrafted English Elm sign (Image: Crafty Cuppa)

The Crafty Cuppa sells tea, coffee, soft drinks and homemade cakes which are made locally

Future plans for the business include selling locally produces craft products and to open the hayloft as a small gallery or meeting room for hire. 

The Crafty Cuppa can also be used for small private functions alongside the pub which can cater for a wider variety of larger events.