Ilkley-based duo launching craft caf in Skipton town centre

Craft Social will launch at 24a Newmarket Street in Skipton on March 28.

Founded by Ilkley-based creatives Sophie and Becky, the café aims to encourage slow living, creativity, and screen-free connection through hands-on activities.

The pair said: “After seeing the joy our mobile workshops brought to people over the past year, opening Craft Social as a permanent space felt like the natural next step.

Craft Social, a new craft café founded by Ilkley-based creatives Sophie and Becky, will open on March 28 at 24a Newmarket Street in Skipton, North Yorkshire. (Image: Supplied)

“We wanted to create a calm, welcoming space where people can step away from busy life, get creative and leave feeling proud of what they’ve made.”

With backgrounds in illustration and design, the founders first launched Craft Social as a mobile craft workshop in 2024, running private creative events across Yorkshire.

Buoyed by a successful first year, they decided to create a permanent, community-focused venue.

The café will be screen-free, encouraging visitors to unplug and engage fully with hands-on creative activities.

Standard bookings and walk-ins are welcome, with visitors able to take part in crafts such as painting, beading, and spray painting.

Craft Social will also host regular in-house workshops, starting at £10 per person, and is available for private hire for special occasions from £15 per person.

Guests can also purchase pre-prepared craft kits from £5, designed for use at home and ideal for gifting.

The space will showcase work by local artists and offer them the opportunity to hire the venue and host their own events.

The founders hope the café will become a creative hub for the community.

Visitors will be able to enjoy baked treats and drinks from nearby suppliers as part of the café’s commitment to supporting local businesses.

A launch event will take place on March 28 from 1pm to 4pm, inviting the community to explore the refurbished space, enjoy complimentary drinks, and take part in creative activities.

The café will officially open on April 1 and will operate Wednesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm.

Bookings and enquiries can be made via email at craftsocialyorkshire@gmail.com. More information is available at www.craftsocialyorkshire.com.

The café’s social media handle is @craftsocialyorkshire.