Both natives of Lincolnshire, Jonathan comes from a farming background and has a real appreciation for the provenance of food, whilst Chris has over seven years experience running his own café on the East Coast.

The two realised that there was a real need for a bistro that went a little further than most to champion local ingredients and suppliers. After selling their previous business, Johnathan and Chris set about creating The Old Stables
in Horncastle’s Market Place.

“We saw the place in April 2011 and decided it was perfect for what we wanted to create.” says Jonathan. “A high quality bistro offering everything from freshly made coffee and home made cake to breakfasts, brunches and lunches.”

A homely venue with pine furniture, amethyst & eau de nil colour scheme and a clean, contemporary look, it’s a pretty special looking bistro. Thankfully, the food can maintain the high standards of the environment itself, thanks to both the skill of Chris in the kitchen and the wealth of local suppliers he enjoys working with.

Sausages are from Mountains, AKA Boston Sausage, whilst bread is locally sourced and freshly baked. Dairy products are from the East Coast’s Rich Pastures dairy, and a huge number of other local suppliers are used from Skidbrooke Cider and Batemans to F W Read’s Poacher Cheese. Naturally, locally sourced beef for the bistro’s ciabattas & sandwiches, and its
vegetables are produced locally too.

Just one menu offers all-day dining with hot and cold sandwiches, oven baked potatoes and salad bowls for the Spring months. The Old Stables’s grazing plates and anti-pasto supplement Lincolnshire platters with mouthwatering local
produce including stuffed chine and haslet.

“On our menus we’ve used the phrase ‘relax, refresh, revive,’ and that’s the character of the place we wanted to create.” says Jonathan. “We wanted The Old Stables to be somewhere comfortable, somewhere to escape to, a sociable, friendly, warm place.”

“We really do believe the atmosphere of somewhere you dine is just as important as the food itself.”

“We’ve been trading for around four months now and I have to say we’re delighted with the feedback we have received! Our customers all appreciate the fact that we go the extra mile to provide quality food and good customer service, which is lovely!”

There are few venues across the county that manage to strike such a successful balance between providing somewhere high quality, but maintaining a relaxed environment. The Old Stables, however, manages it brilliantly.

Additionally, its food is well-produced, generous in portion and beautiful in presentation, making a visit in the near future a must.