Ever wondered where the mysterious Art B&B is in Blackpool. What lays behind the huge fried egg attached to the rear of said building. The 22nd of July 2022 is your chance to have a lookie at the blooming community garden and maybe grab a cocktail.
The Art B&B is an independent Boutique Hotel designed by 30 contemporary artists. It is a different experience for Blackpool and although once a classic victorian building, the Art B&B’s interior and more recently outside have a refreshing alternative twist that is comparable to what you might find in the city. You can stay here overnight and experience a Showgirl room designed by Marisa Carnesky of Carnesky’s Ghost Train once sited by Blackpool Pleasure Beach or treat yourself to the cinema room where a library of films awaits as you drop off to sleep.
But if you look closely, perhaps even follow their Facebook page you will find a hive of activity open to budding, experienced creatives and the general public to get involved. Perhaps drop in for a top-quality coffee from their vintage barista machine, and gaze at the contemporary textile pieces telling you to collaborate. Then towards the back of the cozy and cool bar, you spot a pink door. It is through this door that you will find a once concrete car park transformed with the help of The Fylde Repair Cafe – Grow Your Own group who since 2021, 12 volunteers have worked hard to transform the space into a green oasis right in the heart of Blackpool Town Centre.
Their story is an interesting one, with “The Grow You Own” project initially supported by The Blackpool Covid Recovery fund meeting through 2021 at distance due to Covid restrictions. Forcing Fylde Repair Cafe to seek out new ways to bring the community together through social distancing and the inability to hold their traditional repurposing sessions. The group’s conversations lead to the cost of living and that growing food is a positive response to rising food costs and offers a further way to live sustainability whilst saving money. Catherine Peters of The Repair Cafe told us that it was also a way for folks to get outside and “dig their hands in the dirt” a proven way to support good mental health and well-being whilst being part of a community.
The garden of The Art B&B is a safe space for volunteers to gather, share conversations, skills and establish friendships. The Repair Cafe told us that 2021 was really a test season to see what they could grow in wind, sand, and rain, that unreliable Blackpool weather that also stops us from looking so California. But in 2022 Fylde Repair Cafe extended its growing areas with support from Eric Wright Construction and Enveco supporting the space with a new raised bed and more veg to be grown. The garden has just welcomed a group of home-educated children & parents to learn gardening skills and encourage them to grow their own food. The space now grows 63 different types of plants covering veg, fruit, and herbs, flora & fauna.
2022 is an exciting year for Fylde Repair Cafe and The Art B&B as they look forward to building more relationships within Blackpool, gathering more volunteers who can share their skills to work towards Blackpool becoming a sustainable destination and place to live. for 2022 The Repair Cafe has also made an application for The Lottery Community Fund which if successful will enable them to deliver a full 12-month Repair Cafe program offering free sessions including sewing, Bike Repair, and Furniture Fix & Repurpose & Grow Your Own. With an ambition to explore additional ways to reuse food scraps, repurpose clothing to challenge the pesky fast fashion fads, as well as vintage craft skills. You can still book in for an overnight stay at The Art B&B but as well as a traditional hotel the community spaces outside and in are currently offering writing, photography, printmaking, and all manner of creative activities as well as being hirable should you wish to host your own event. So keep your eyes peeled on their socials.
Pop in tomorrow between 2-4 pm to catch The Art B&B Garden Party and see all the great work that has been happening.
180 Promenade (Back of Metropole Hotel)
Between Neon and Sea
Blackpool
FY1 1RJ
– who knows you might even get a chance to meet lovely doggy Betty, The Fylde Repair Cafe’s sponsor.
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