The Stable

Cafe and Community Space

A Christchurch initiative and Circuit facility at
65 High Street, Newmarket, CB8 8NA

Cafe opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 2.30 pm
Cafe closed on Sundays and Mondays

Community Space:
Open for hire 7 days a week

The Manager is Abigail Armitage
01638 662311        Click here for email
www.facebook.com/thestablenewmarket

Christmas at The Stable 2025

Each year we have a couple of days given over to providing traditional Christmas lunches for the community.  This year we had 50 booked in on the first day and 30 on the second day – a festive social occasion.  It was particularly lovely to have again this year 21 of the Community Art group who meet at the Stable each Thursday afternoon.  Stable manager, Abby Armitage, along with her staff and volunteers made sure everyone was well fed and added festive cheer with crackers, quizzes, live music led by Ciprian Cadar from Newmarket and a cuppa to finish the meal.   Its success depends on the support of a great team of volunteers alongside the staff, and like many other charities we are always looking for more volunteers!

Christmas Quiz

One of Stable Café’s fundraising events is the Christmas quiz.  It brought together six competitive teams who were able to enjoy, not just the quiz, but a tasty hot meal as well.  A lovely hamper was offered as first prize to the lucky winner. 

‘Heavenly Realms’ - Christmas theatre

This was a great opportunity for residents of Newmarket and the local area to enjoy a performance from LAMPS Collective, a group of professional actors, who are dedicated to sharing the Christmas Story (and Easter story) in an innovative and evocative way.  Heavenly Realms was set in an OAPs (Old Angel Pensioners) home where the retired angels are cared for by a young ‘human’ carer.  There were lots of jokes, clever dialogue, songs, slapstick and involvement of the audience with the opportunity for children to be part of the action on stage.  The theatre group were able to put ‘Christ and humanity’ back into the Christmas story in an alternative way.  The event was generously funded by Churches Together in Newmarket, Newmarket Interfaith Forum (chaired by Alan Shand) and The Stable Café and Community Space (part of Christchurch Methodist and URC in Newmarket).

Who we are

‘The Stable’ opened as a café and community space in 1996.  Its founding principle is to offer a place where everyone in the community feels included; a meeting place where people can relax and enjoy refreshments as well as take part in a variety of community activities.  Occasional Table Top Sales and craft sessions take place during café hours.  If you would like to have a small stall/activity in the café please ask.  There is a safe play space in the smaller café area which is very popular with parents and children.

Prior to 1996 the building was a place of worship for the United Reformed Church (URC).  Originally a large Victorian structure, built 1864, it was replaced in 1968 with the building you see today.  The URC joined with Christchurch Methodist in St Mary’s Square, Newmarket, in 1994 and the Stable became a community hub, run by Christchurch, for the community. 

It is self financing so depends on the help of volunteers, donations and grants.  The contribution of those who work and volunteer is invaluable but we are always looking for more people to assist.  If you are interested in offering your time or financial support please do contact the manager.

The name ‘The Stable’ is apt for a horse racing town such as Newmarket, but it is not related to the racing industry.  The name stems from the idea of offering shelter and a place to rest that feels secure, reflecting the story of the Holy Family finding refuge in a stable.

The Cafe 

The Café provides light refreshments and a range of home cooked meals.  Where possible we aim to use Fairtrade/sustainably sourced teas, coffees and ingredients.  There are gluten free and vegetarian options.  The menu is developing as we try to reflect customer requests and suggestions.  Payment by card or cash is available.  We attempt to keep prices competitive. 

Menu at a glance
Cooked breakfast available all day.

Scampi, sausage, pie and chips ….
Quiche, lasagne, cottage pie, lamb shank ….
Sandwiches, paninis, sausage rolls ….
Homemade Cakes, cookies, scones ....

For full Menu Click here

Community Rooms for Hire

The Stable has offered accommodation to many groups over the years.  If you are looking for an affordable space to hire do get in touch.  Available 7 days a week. 

Kitchen and Café  -  available to hire  Sunday and Monday and the rest of the week outside café hours
Large Hall (with stage) 
3 Offices  - two small offices suitable for hot-desking/one person office and one larger office suitable for small group meetings.

Audio/visual facilities are currently not available at the Stable but are available at Christchurch Methodist & URC, St Mary’s Square, Exning Road CB8 0HZ.  A good sized space suitable for conferences.  There are  kitchen facilities and accessible toilet.  Please enquire 01638 666456 and leave a message.

Mobility Aids Loan Service

Mobility Aids Loan Service,  is another part of the community service run by Christchurch.  When the Red Cross closed its doors in Newmarket volunteers from Christchurch continued the much needed service.  It loans out wheelchairs, zimmers and much, much more and is happy to offer assistance.  Equipment is available from Christchurch, St Mary’s Square, CB8  0HZ. Opening hours:  Tuesdays and Fridays 10.30 am to 12.30pm
Contact:  01638 666456

Community Groups

Examples of some of those currently hiring the Stable are:

Cinema  -  meets every third Monday at 7.30pm.  Refreshments served 30 mins before.
Breast feeding group  -  meets every Wednesday 10 am to 12 noon offering young mums much needed support
Art group  -  every Thursday 1 to 4 pm (Summer break in August)
Bridge Club  -  every Thursday 7 to 10 pm
Jogging Club  -  monthly on a Tuesday evening
Dance/music Group  -  every Wednesday 5.45pm
Parkinsons Group  -  third Thursday each month, 10 am to 12 noon
Board games club -  twice a month on Sunday.  Family friendly event.

If you are interested in any of the groups please contact us.  Dates and times of Groups can change so please check before attending.