A NEW café has opened in Ross-on-Wye, but it’s no ordinary coffee shop as it has a retail space and supports a growing platform for independent creatives.

The Inkpot Emporium is an independent café in Gloucester Road with retail space and tattoo studio, created by artist and owner Kelsey Pickett, built from a passion for art and creating spaces that bring people together.

Designed to be more than just a shop or café, The Inkpot is filled with carefully curated vintage pieces, independent clothing, artwork and ever-changing curiosities.

Every detail has been considered to create a space that feels inspiring, comfortable, and a little unexpected; somewhere you can slow down, explore, and always find something new.

Kelsey said: “At the heart of The Inkpot is that we support independent talent while the shop is constantly evolving as new work and new makers are introduced.

“We work closely with local and UK-based artists, makers and designers, giving them a space to showcase and sell their work; from handmade garments and prints to one-off pieces and small-batch collections.

“Our café offers a carefully selected range of drinks, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible and we proudly serve milk from Trewen Milk Shed.

Alongside the café and retail space, The Inkpot is also home to a private tattoo studio, offering custom work in a calm, one-to-one environment.

The Inkpot is looking to introduce a weekly repair café; a relaxed, hands-on session centred around repairing instead of replacing textiles.

Guests are invited to bring along their own clothing and learn how to repair it themselves, with guidance on small alterations, hems and seams, giving well-loved pieces a second life.

Weekly mother’s mornings is another suggestion that is being taken forward to enable local mums to connect over coffee, while little ones enjoy soft play mats, toys and simple crafts in a calm, friendly environment.