The Old Stables, Horncastle

There is an oasis of delicious food, warming teas and coffees and comforting homemade cakes just off Horncastle’s bustling Market Place which is sure to restore a smile to every customer’s face.
The Old Stables was opened nineteen months ago by Christopher Wilkinson and Jonathan White and they knew immediately that the cottage and its sheltered courtyard would make an ideal location for their new coffee lounge venture. Cosily decorated, there are tables and chairs downstairs and a choice of comfortable sofas, chairs and tables upstairs. The Old Stables has built its reputation not only as a friendly haven but also for celebrating the best of Lincolnshire produce with ninety-five per cent of their menus made with locally sourced ingredients.

Their Lincolnshire sausages are supplied by Millstream Butchers, while Stokes of Lincoln roast a special Horse Shoe blend for The Old Stables. Chris and Jonathan have spent many hours sourcing and creating unique dishes to add to their seasonal menus and daily specials board. Breakfasts are served from 9am to 11am after which breakfast brunch choices become available. Lite bite choices include filled toasted rustic ciabattas, seasonal salad bowls, oven baked jacket potatoes with a selection of fillings and grazing platters of olives, bread and antipasto. Nearly all of the baking is courtesy of Chris’ mum while special savoury cakes, made without gluten, are from Saintly Cakes Online of Tetford.

Daily specials include smoked haddock and leek tart, while Stables Platters offer more imaginative versions of Ploughman’s Lunches with, of course, local produce. For an afternoon tea, the courtyard suntrap is the perfect location. There are scones with Saints and Sinners Jams or rich Moden’s Plum Bread with Poacher cheese. The Stables High Tea for Two is a very reasonably priced treat which can be even more indulgent with a glass of champagne.

Chris and Jonathan are dog owners and welcome customers and passing walkers to bring their own pets downstairs or into the courtyard. An invitation was given recently to stop for a Pug of Coffee in support of Jerry Green Dog Rescue. Over a dozen dogs, some in fancy dress, and their owners came to the coffee morning and helped to boost the day’s takings of which ten per cent was donated to the charity.

With picnickers and walkers in mind, a new service for this summer is prepared picnic hamper food for special occasions. Made to order, the food will be ready for you to collect, pop into your hamper, share and enjoy.

The Old Stables is open seven days a week so it has been a very hectic time for Chris and Jonathan, but they are loving their mission to help customers relax, refresh and revive.

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