Make a Visit. Make it Safe. Make it Local. Make it Count.  

This August, we’d love for you to ‘make a visit’ when we re-open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays in August, 11am to 5pm, so you can show your support for independent Makers and small businesses during these challenging times.  

If you’re looking for something to brighten up your home office or treat your loved ones, then you can make your purchases count by buying local and buying better, safe in the knowledge that everything we offer is crafted on site – and, what’s better, you can meet the Makers (at a safe distance, of course) and find out about the skills and inspiration that has gone into each piece. No surer guarantee of a local and ethical supply chain. 

Closed during lockdown, we are reopening in a phased way to ensure the maximum safety of our visitors, staff and Makers. As you’d expect from those used to the finer details of handmade craft, our staff team and Makers really have thought of everything in preparation for your return; starting with increased daily professional cleaning and friendly welcome staff to help guide your visit. On arrival you’ll be able to sanitise your hands before following a one-way system around the building to have a mooch in the studios and enjoy our light and airy Victorian market building. We’ll be limiting visitor numbers at the front door, as will each studio, to make sure you’re never feeling overcrowded, and there’ll be a place outside to queue just in case you have to wait.  

Click here for a full guide of what to expect from your visit in August. 

Our Director, Kate Day, speaking on behalf of the whole Centre about reopening:

‘We’re really looking forward to serving our local community again, with a great place to visit to be inspired and buy handmade gifts. Our Makers have faced challenging times this year but have carried on making and selling online, finding creative ways to keep themselves going.  We hope you’ll be able to show them your support by visiting, as there’s nothing quite like seeing handmade work in the flesh and meeting the talented individuals that have created it.’  

Oak St Café is now open for pre-orders and collection of their fresh and healthy homemade fare, and will be open for takeaway on Fridays and Saturdays in August, too.  

Outside of our public opening hours in August, our Makers are happy to arrange customer appointments and continue to sell online – just some of the other ways you can make your custom count.  

We’re all really looking forward to welcoming you back.

Everyone at MCDC.