New co-working facility.

We are very excited that we are launching a new co-working facility in 2025. We have undertaken a series of renovations and refurbishments since September 2024 including repairs to the beautiful stained windows, repointing of the right hand side of the building, decoration of the building.

There is still a great deal needing repairs or renovation including renovating leadwork, undertaking similar repairs to the left hand side of the building. We will be launching a fundraising programme later in the year including a community crowdfunding page to help raise funds for these important repairs to a historic building of great significance to Hayle.

Welcoming Two More Shops to the Chapel

We are delighted that with the new year, 2018, comes two fantastic new businesses to the chapel.

Nelly’s Cornwall has a strong reputation for quality food offerings across Cornwall and has decided to set up its first “permanent” Kiosk in Hayle outside the front of the chapel. It fits in extremely well with its vintage styling.. and they have big plans for the chapel and Hayle. Think fabulous foodie feasts. Connor and Katie, who run the show have already given the hut a fab makeover and are currently re-writing the menus. Open from 8am most mornings, its a great place to pick up your morning latte (using Ol Factory coffee – one of Cornwall’s best!) and the yummiest of brownies. They also use recyclable cups and offer a 25p reduction in drink prices if you bring your own cup!

Krog Den Surf shop, also situated on the outside of the chapel, is a new venture from Tristram Blakesley focusing on the surf market but offering pre-loved alternatives to new wetsuits and surf boards. Rain or shine you will find Tristram there from 12-5 with a pleasant smile and can do attitude.

Please come and support these two wonderful new businesses…

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A closer look at Duckies Cafe

For this post we are taking a closer look at Duckies cafe. Michael Watton, known to his regulars as Mike, took over Duckies in 2015. Since then Duckies have received the kind of trip advisor reviews that might cause this modest chap from Wolverhampton to blush with pride. With a wide variety of food on offer including sandwiches, fish and of course a cream tea, even the fussiest customer is guaranteed to leave full and with a smile on their face. (It also won’t break the bank). We sat down with Michael to find out what fires his burners!

How long have you been a chef?
About seven years ago I trained as a chef. I was living in Edinburgh managing the front of house in restaurants, when I decided I wanted to be the other side of the counter. I somehow persuaded a gastro-pub in Leith to take me on for a week’s trial and three years later I left there to start my first business. That business, a gluten free bakery, was a fantastic experience. But the Farmer’s Markets in Edinburgh are a bit chillier than down here, and the wind and rain made selling soggy bread a bit of a challenge! Luckily for me, warmer climates called, and when I moved down to Cornwall I knew it was the kind of place I’d love to have my own café. After a year of working and saving, the opportunity to open Duckies came about. With a lot of hard work, late nights, help from loved ones and the change from down the back of the sofa – we’ve got where we are today.

What is Duckies like?
When I opened Duckies I wanted it to be about two things: great food and great service. We are 18 months in, and I feel that we’re achieving that. I feel part of the
local community, which is wonderful, and a lot of my customers are regulars. We have plenty of tourists visit and this summer have had people returning who came last year. That makes me feel we’re doing good things!
Everything we make is cooked fresh to order, and we use Cornish produce wherever we can. Our brunches and lunches are very popular. The Duckies’ Rarebit is probably
our most ordered dish! We try and have options for all budgets: our soups and sandwiches are under a fiver, but then I like to go to town with Newlyn lobster, or a joint of local beef, and those dishes are a little bit more. I want Duckies to be a place where people can come, feel at home, and enjoy a coffee or freshly cooked food that goes beyond their expectations. It doesn’t come naturally to sing my own praises, my family had a saying about not being a billy-bighead! But the feedback and reviews we get make me think we’re doing something right.

When not at work, what do you enjoy doing?

I try and get to the beach whenever possible, we have an amazing coast on our doorstep, so I go for an hour after work or on my precious Sunday off! I play 5-a-side football and badminton to keep active, and for my sins support Aston Villa, although I’m not sure you can describe watching that as enjoyable. As my regulars know, I do love a quiz, ( we have an impromptu quiz in the cafe!) so I try and get to the local pub quiz every now and then to test the brain matter.

Do you prefer sweet or savoury?
Savoury. I love a good, well made-sandwich. It’s all about the bread to meat to salad to condiment ratio.

What is your favourite thing to make?

If I had to choose – I’d say it’s when I get fresh fish and lobster. It’s been caught that morning and I like the fact that I’m cooking the best fish in the world in my little café. I like the challenge of making a dish that does credit to such amazing ingredients.

What do you like about shopping locally?
We have some of the best food and drink right here in Cornwall. We try and use local companies to supply the café not just to support local businesses but because it’s fantastic stuff! Cornwall has a thriving network of independent shops. I love the variety and personal service. We should all support it, it keeps money in the local economy and means it’ll still be here in ten years time.

Duckies is based in The Old Foundry Chapel in Hayle – an emporium of wonderful local shops – so we really are spoiled for choice right on our doorstep.

Muddy Stiletto Award comes to the Old Foundry Chapel

They say that good things come to those who wait but, my word, we’re chuffed to bits. We’ve hardly waited any time at all (just 10 months in fact) and already the Old Foundry Chapel has been voted as Cornwall’s best Emporium! What a tremendous achievement, how fantastic! AND as if our victory wasn’t enough, we are super pleased that our bestie neighbours, Lucy Kemp Jewellery also came out on top, winning the Muddy Stilettos ‘Best Jewellery Store’ award. We couldn’t be more proud of Lucy and everyone here at the Old Foundry Chapel and we’re so pleased to have had our hard work recognized and rewarded.

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It has been such an exciting year. From the moment we finished splashing the fresh paint and hanging the new signage last May, there has been an ever-growing buzz. We are incredibly lucky to house such a wide selection of shops! With antiques, crafts, food, fashion and beauty, it’s a delicious and fabulous family to be a part of! And there’s still room for a couple more shops to join in on the fun! You have to be happy, positive types with great products and an attitude to match – but do get in touch if you want to be a part of our winning formula. OK so maybe an eccentric type or two would fit in here too!

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So what is Muddy Stilettos all about ? It began in 2011 and is an honest guide of where to find all of the wonderful and hidden gems our British countryside has to offer. It is thanks to Lou (Cornwall’s muddy guru) that our often over-looked Cornish businesses are getting the recognition they deserve. And what a fine selection of talent to be a part of. From bars to books and fitness to flowers Cornwall really does have something to sing about (but don’t worry, we wont) It is truly an honour to be nominated in our first year of revamp and something really special to have won! The awards ceremony was quirky and cute with stiletto shaped biscuits, Prosecco and a backdrop of the Plaza cinema, it felt like we’d really made it. Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners, it was a pleasure to meet so many passionate people at the ceremony and we look forward to ongoing collaborations with as many of you as is feasible.

A huge thanks to Lou, big thanks to all of the nominees and a super duper enormous thanks to all who voted! What’s next for the Old Foundry? Who can say, but if you want to be part of our success please do get in touch via the websites contact page.

Many thanks from all of us at the OFC

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Mrs Christmas comes to Old Foundry Chapel

Well now, my dears, I’ve been asked to write a message to you all, for the lovely people at Foundry Chapel to put on their blog.

They wanted me to tell everyone how much fun we had on Saturday at my storytelling sessions. And we did have a lot of fun, didn’t we!

I had my own little grotto to meet you all in – it was almost like my home at the North Pole, but a lot warmer, and there were fewer of those naughty elves here too. I rather liked it – I’m certain I’ll be back next Saturday, and the Saturday after!

I thought I would explain to the grown ups what we did, to make sure they understand. So, what did we do children?

Well, I told some stories, and we all sang some Christmas songs. It was lovely to sing and play my guitar with such wonderful singers to join in! Then all you children were given a little wooden reindeer to take home specially made for me in Restronguet in Cornwall. All of you were given some delicious chocolate from Chocali, to take home with you, and a little package of magic Oofle Dust. I know some grownups haven’t heard of Oofle Dust, so I should probably explain – it’s shimmery magic dust, to help the reindeer find their way. A bit like sat-nav, but a lot more reliable!

So, all in all, we laughed a lot, and had a lot of fun!

Bookings are being taken for Storytelling with Mrs Christmas on Saturday 12^th & Saturday 19^th December. Sessions run for half an hour from 10am, every half hour until 3.30, and cost £6 per child. Adults and babies under 1 are free. Places are limited to six children per session and some sessions are booked already, so please be flexible. Please book by messaging us on hello@oldfoundrychapel.co.uk or phoning us on 01736 755543

Christmas cards & pinecones workshop by Gaelle – 5th Dec

A wonderful workshop for you to make festive cards and decorations held in the Foyer throughout the afternoon. £5 per person to include materials. Suitable for Children and Adults. Contact us to book for the 2.00/ 2.30 / 3.00/ 3.30pm slots up to 8 people per session or just drop in.

Session 1

cones To me, the magic of the winter is the glistening of the snow. So when I think of Xmas it is only one tiny steps to think about nature covered in a white coat. In this workshop you will be able to decorate pinecones with paint and glitter (all very smart). This is what simple pleasures are, bringing something you remember doing as a child and bringing I home and if your own children have not done it yet, come and join us for this session that last 30 minutes. Some are tiny and still on branches some bigger. All will look wonderful around your home.

Session 2

christmascards Making Xmas cards is much more fun than buying them. Punches, embossing, natural elements, stamps, buttons, come and have a go with us. There will be materials to play with and you can do as many as you can in 30 minutes. From beginners to passionate, come and join us. There will be plenty of examples to get you started and inspiration but you can go free flow if you prefer.

These sessions are all suitable for children but you can also do them as a family. Book a space to avoid disappointment but by any means drop in and join us if we have spaces left. Each session costs £5 per person and will give you access to a lot of materials to create with.

Your Tutor, Gaelle Penhallow is a mixed media artist working with many techniques and materials. When she is not running workshops, she is creating bespoke lampshades but she is never far from a craft group and she loves sharing skills. You can know more by visiting her blog on www.gaellebythesea.wordpress.com

Christmas programme of events

901A8079-2 If you’re a family with diverse interests and likes, The Old Foundry Chapel’s Christmas programme of events may be just the ticket. The beautiful old building is full of historic features, making Christmas shopping a truly interesting as well as festive affair. It will be decorated in plentiful traditional greenery and fairy lights highlighting the natural stained glass windows and decorated masonry. Mince pies and christmas cake in the ever popular Duckies café will be reason enough for a visit but in fact we have so much more to offer !

For the ladies, there are shops full of beautiful things to buy and a retreat in the form of a relaxing beauticians where you can get yourself a pedicure after a shopping. There are jewellery and wreath making workshops where you can customize and personalize beautiful artisan created items. You can write your traditional Christmas wish list in store allowing us to contact your loved ones to ensure you get what you actually want for Christmas or for those more comfortable with social media, take a photo or a selfie with the item you want and tag #ofcwishlist via twitter or instagram. You may be the lucky person to win your item !

For the men, there are interesting second hand book, collectables and antiques shops with tools, manuals and other interesting things and plenty of places – similarly the #ofcwishlist Christmas competition is open to them and a photo tag will relieve the pressures of buying gifts for men. A truly up to date way of organising the gifting season. There will even be an exclusive men only shopping experience on Christmas Eve for certain key shops including a free bacon sandwich and coffee for spends over £50 and free gift wrapping service.

For the kids, From 29th November, your children will be able to post their “letter to Santa” on site and if you include the senders address, you will receive a special reply from father Christmas himself. There are children’s Christmas workshops and a Christmas Grotto with a difference as Mrs Christmas steps up to take the helm this Christmas time. A beautiful Cornish made gift will be included in the experience.

There will be late night shopping on Thursday 26th November and 10th December with musical entertainments, mulled wine and some pop up market stalls featuring special local products.

Pretty Useful and Ula will be offering hospitality on Fizzy Fridays throughout December where we offer a glass of Fizz with shopping between 5-7pm.

Our Mrs Christmas Storytelling experience will be for a 20 minute storytelling experience – 5th / 12th / 19th December Tickets available on 01736 755543 or mail hello@oldfoundrychapel.co.uk

In addition we will be running Children’s Workshops –

5th December 2-4 – Make your Christmas Decorations – Pom Pom Animals and Robins run by Ewe Knit or Make your Christmas Cards run by Gaelle
12th December – 2-4pm Wreath Making workshops run by Twigs and Greens Florist, Jen Simpson & Silver Jewellery Gifts Workshop run by Lucy Kemp
19th December – 2-4pm Make your Christmas Decorations using pine cones recycled materials run by Gaelle & Pom Pom workshop

There may be additional ones added nearer the time

A visit from George Eustice, our local MP

Yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming George Eustice, MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle to The Old Foundry Chapel. George grew up in Hayle so is no stranger to the area and knew the Old Foundry back when it was Pratts Market some years ago. We invited George to come and see the changes that have been made, and to meet the vast collection of over 20 independent businesses calling the Foundry their home; the newest of which being Chocali, whose opening day was only last Saturday.

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George meeting Alison Barlow, owner of Chocali

George hadn’t visited The Old Foundry Chapel for several years and commented on the large improvements that had been made, especially aesthetically. He chatted to everyone about their business, even buying a gift for his wife. He met Bill Martindale from Cornish Bookworm who dug out several old books about MPs in cornwall, there used to be 44! And discussed with Kirsten (owner of The Old Foundry Chapel) the challenges facing new businesses.

We’d like to thank George for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come to visit and meet us all, and hope his wife Katy enjoys her salted caramels!

Charity event 4th July

Everyone will be pulling all the last details together this week for our fabulous Charity event on Saturday 10-5 (as well as making some fairly significant changes to the shops themselves):

The activities will include a day full of workshops, music, good food and pop up shops in aid of CHSW:

Make a pretty flower vase – with Jen,from Twigs & Greens
Make a handmade craft card with Julie from Hobby Crafts Cornwall
Children’s stamping workshop with Lucy Kemp Jewellery
Make a designer notice board with Vicki from too chy chy
Try out Camera-less photography (using different photographic paper) with Paul from Foundry Gallery Art & Antiques, Hayle
Dress up in Vintage and partake in a pop up photo booth with Daisy Potter Vintage Clothes
Entertainments / busking throughout the day including the Whippletree Ceilidh Band.
Duckies Cafe Food, Coffee, Tea and Lunches and a strawberry and cream stand
Local chocolate makers Chocali are joining us for a Pop up shop and we will be selling lovely cupcakes from Rustic Cakes.
A secret auction, guess the number of sweets and win a cuddly toy.

All in all – A fantastic line up – a wonderful day assured. Parking in the car park opposite or 3 hours free at Asda. Please Share, share, share.https://www.facebook.com/events/100252516980918/

New owner & manager

I would like to introduce myself as the new owner and manager of the Old Foundry Chapel. I know that by making this investment I am taking on a huge responsibility to this wonderful historic building, the businesses within and the wider community in Hayle.

As a local girl, brought up in Carnhell Green, Praze and Carbis Bay, I am aware of the challenges facing the community with big businesses moving in and the pressures of housing, but since opening my first shop in the building in 2011, I have always felt that this building offered something very special, but it also needed to move forward and improve as our customers expectations and needs change with time.Continue reading →