SLIDESHOW: New Horsham cafe and deli launches in town centre

PJ Aldred and Marion Carter, who run Horsham Markets every Thursday and Saturday, launched Crates Local Produce in the Carfax last August to offer Horsham a wide selection of local food and drink.

Following this success they have expanded the store to the next unit in North Street and will celebrate the cafe’s official launch today (Friday July 11) by offering a free cup of coffee to the first 250 people with a reward card, subject to availability.

PJ said: “It’s lovely to have a growing business in our hometown. Horsham is still a lovely town and it’s nice to have a growing business here.”

Their coffee is provided by Horsham Coffee Roaster, based in Plummers Plain, the tea by Joe’s Tea and Tea Huggers, and the hot chocolate by William Curley.

Meanwhile the sandwiches will be made freshly each day using local bread, butter, and ingredients. Crates is also offering a range of Sussex cheeses and pastries.

Fruit and vegetables will be seasonal and they hope to sell fresh juices.

Asked why they launched their latest venture Marion explained: “We had lots of customers asking do we sell coffee, or do we sell sandwiches.”

The pair credited their fitter Tony Stone for the sympathetic design in the new shop, by uncovering the fireplace and timber beams.

PJ said: “Nobody has to buy anything, come in and have a look at the building.

“We love its character and we think anybody who has been here before will be amazed because we have taken it back to what we think it should look like.”

She added: “We could not do it without the team. There’s no way we could do this without the people we have on board.”

Opening hours are 7.30am-4pm Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm on Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday.