A unique creative space above the seafront

Time to highlight yet another fantastic independent business here in Felixstowe.

Tucked away above the Regal Fish Bar and Restaurant, on the corner of Sea Road and Manwick Road, Felixstowe, overlooking the seafront, you will find The Ark — a unique creative space combining crafts, workshops, a café, local artists and somewhere to simply relax and enjoy the amazing sea views.

When I arrived, I was immediately welcomed by two cheerful members of staff who offered me a cup of tea from the café and suggested I sit by one of the large windows overlooking the promenade.

It really is an amazing location — halfway between Beach Street and Bent Hill, with views stretching along the coast.

Inside The Ark

Inside, I found shelves packed with everything from colourful yarn and pottery supplies to handmade gifts, artwork and crafts from local makers.

Then I met the owner, Michelle Last, who was clearly very much at home surrounded by the business she has created.

From lockdown idea to seaside destination

Michelle opened The Ark in July 2024, but the story behind it began during the Covid lockdown.

After 27 years working in a freight forwarding office, Michelle suddenly found herself at home with more time on her hands. She had always enjoyed crochet, and when someone asked her to make a baby blanket, she was shocked by the cost of buying yarn.

That sparked an idea.

“It was during that time that I had the idea of buying yarn wholesale to use for myself and also sell online,” Michelle explained.

With many people discovering crafts during lockdown, the idea quickly grew. Before long, her spare room was overflowing with yarn!

Growing into a bigger space

When life returned to normal, Michelle realised she didn’t want to go back to office life. Instead, she expanded her little business, first converting her home cart lodge into a shop, before moving into a unit in Beach Station Road, Felixstowe.

But she knew she needed a bigger space.

When the opportunity came up to move into the building above the Regal Fish Bar, she jumped at the chance.

The move happened incredibly quickly — with just two weeks to relocate and reopen in time for the Felixstowe Carnival weekend.

More than just a craft shop

Over the last two years, Michelle has turned The Ark into much more than somewhere to buy craft supplies.

The shop now employs four people, with friends and family also helping to keep things running.

“I do tend to pretty much live here,” Michelle joked. “A lot of my friends and family know if they want to see me, they stand a better chance of finding me at The Ark rather than at home!”

And it is easy to see why.

As well as the craft shop, there is a café serving drinks, cakes and treats, plus regular Crafternoon Teas, where people can enjoy food while painting and creating together.

There are also over 30 local artists showcasing their work, renting display space within The Ark and helping bring even more creativity into the building.

Bringing people together

One of the things that really stands out about The Ark is that it is about people as much as products.

Throughout the year Michelle organises a wide range of workshops and events, from pottery painting and craft sessions to regular meet-ups.

There are weekly groups including Craftybuggers on Tuesday afternoons and evening pottery painting on Wednesdays, alongside monthly groups such as Empowered Women and Breast Friends.

The aim is simple — making crafts a social activity where people can meet, learn something new and enjoy time together.

A wall full of memories

And perhaps the best evidence of the impact The Ark has had on people is found just around the corner — a whole wall covered with handwritten messages from hundreds of customers.

You can read some of them in the photographs above.

From simple thank-yous to colourful drawings and personal messages, the wall is a wonderful collection of memories and shows just how much this space means to the people who visit.

Michelle has also noticed more younger people discovering crafts and the benefits they can bring, proving that traditional hobbies continue to find new audiences.

Why The Ark?

I had to ask about the name.

“My son’s name is Noah, we love animals, and my husband has an affinity with wood — so The Ark felt like a natural choice,” Michelle explained.

The previous business name, Crafty Lasty, is now incorporated within The Ark, bringing everything together under one roof.

Looking ahead

So what does the future hold?

Michelle’s biggest wish is something many visitors would probably appreciate — a lift.

Being on the first floor means some disabled visitors find access difficult, and Michelle would love to make the space accessible for everyone.

At the moment the cost makes it challenging, but she hopes that one day it will become possible.

A creative hub for Felixstowe

As I left The Ark, several people were already busy painting pottery and enjoying the space.

It is clear that Michelle has created more than just a shop.

The Ark is a creative hub, a meeting place and another great example of the independent businesses that make Felixstowe such an interesting place to visit.

Visit The Ark

Corner of Sea Road & Manwick Road

Felixstowe, United Kingdom, IP11 2DH

Join the conversation on Facebook

This spotlight was originally shared on the This Is Felixstowe Facebook page, where local residents shared their thoughts, comments and experiences of The Ark.