Basildon arts and crafts opens second site at beloved farm

The Craft Shed has been operating out of the unit at 35 East Walk, Basildon since 2018, and has now opened a second venue within the new studio space at Fobbing Farm off Waterworks Lane, Fobbing.

Running alongside the Basildon site, the new Fobbing venue has seen great success since opening on October 1, with children’s parties and a recent sell-out adult evening.

Crafts – Guests come for pottery classes and other workshops. (Image: Clare String)

Clare String, owner of the craft shed, said: “We opened the Fobbing venue at the busiest time of year for us, but we hit the ground running and it’s picked up really quickly. October half-term really launched us.

“Unlike in Basildon with mostly passing trade, Fobbing Farm is a destination venue and has put us on the map with a largely new customer base.”

“The positioning is ideal, as anyone visiting the restaurant will pass us, with regular people coming in. 95 per cent of customers are new from the fobbing area, which is nice to grow a community in another location.”

The venue’s first adults evening on November 27 was a complete sell-out, to be offered on a monthly basis where guests can come and paint pottery, make clay and other crafts.

“We are still buzzing,” said Clare, “the atmosphere was amazing – full of laughter, creativity and community. It was so lovely to welcome so many new faces, as well as a few familiar ones we adore.”

Events – More workshops and events are planned into the new year. (Image: Clare String)

They’ve also hosted children’s parties and team building groups in their overflow space, and offer keepsakes such as handprints in paint of babies, toddlers and puppies.

Clare and her husband Ian have always been into arts and crafts, and found a pottery class so relaxing and therapeutic that they quickly launched The Craft Shed in Basildon to start their own business.

Looking ahead, the couple are keen to offer more at the Fobbing site, including gift experiences and workshops coming from January onwards, such as mosaic, clay building, drawing, acrylic, water colour and more.

Upcoming events include a pottery and Ploughman’s night, bridging crafts and food together, with plans for a second kiln to be introduced next year to meet demand for pottery classes.