Lisa – Owner, Catering and Retail
Lisa took over Crates Local in August 2020. She fell in love with the whole concept of Crates Local and saw a fantastic opportunity and wanted to take it even further.
Lisa comes from a corporate world, so this was a major step change to following her heart for local food and drink. She strives to work with the best local suppliers and serve the best food using local ingredients sold in the shop. Lisa will normally be found in the kitchen cooking and trying another recipe idea.
Lisa is an animal lover and has two bonkers spaniels who often work with her at Crates in quality control and security, minus a few sausage rolls!
Favourite Crates Local Produce: Charmer Cheese, Dark Side of the..Schroom. (Cheese and mushroom toastie!), Nutbourne Sussex Wine, Bolney Bubbly and Ditchling Gin!
Megan – Barista, Retail & Catering
Megs started working for Crates 6 years ago after completing an animal management degree.
If you love our cakes and winter soups then you will find Megs has made them! When not at work you will find Megs at a concert and travels far and wide to see her favourites. Last year Megs attended 36 concerts and apparently not all Ed Sheeran or Harry Styles. She has 2 dogs who are the other reason she works so she can fund their diva lifestyles. You will find them on our dining room hall of fame!
Favourite Crates Local Product: Horsham gingerbread and
biscuits and the Ditchling Toffee Vodka.
Mary – Catering, Retail and Barista
Mary has worked at Crates for 7 ½ years and enjoys working in the vibrant and busy place. Mary is a trained chef and has travelled the world with her knives.
Likes: Mary loves gardening and being outside as much as possible.
Favourite Crates Local Produce: Like asking who is my favourite child ! Love workhorse coffee, charmer cheese is amazing and all the bread is very special. Fav gin is dancing Dragontail from gin kitchen…oh and the gingerbread is amazing and its background is steeped in local history.
Ed – Front of House
Ed started working for Crates last September. Ed is currently in his final year of college and enjoys playing Rugby in his spare time.
Favourite Crates Local Product: Chilli Jam Sausage Rolls
Kim – Front of House
Kim is a mature married lady, living in Horsham for 40 years. She has two grown up sons, the eldest one has just brought his first property in Manchester, with his French partner. Kim has always worked in customer service, which has included waitressing at a local restaurant for over 20-years, HSBC bank, a GP Surgery, and more recently local retail stores. Kim enjoys socialising with family and friends, going to live music events, shopping and travelling abroad and here in the UK.
Favourite Crates Local Product:
Norma – Front of House
Norma loves her work and has 30 years experience in the hospitality industry. Kim is always ready to make the customer experience the best and what they would expect and enjoys helping all to choose their favourite dish. Norma loves walking, entertaining friends and family, reading and markets.
Favourite Crates Local Product: Homemade pasta specials
Henry – Shop Assistant
Henry has been working at Crates since April 2023. He is in his first year of College.
In his spare time Henry enjoys going to the Gym and in particular weight lifting.
Favourite Crates Local Product: Ginger bread
Frankie – Accounts
London based Frankie helps deal with Crates ‘behind the scenes’. She jumps at the opportunity to venture down and spend the day in the shop when necessary (any excuse for doggy cuddles). Before accountancy work Frankie worked in retail and customer experience for 8 years. When not working Frankie enjoys socialising with friends and family and going on holidays.
Favourite Crates Local Product: Sausage rolls (especially chilli jam), Nutbourne Sussex Wine, everything that comes out Crates kitchen
Rolo – Head of Quality Control / Catering Advisor for Doggy Menu
Likes: Balls, chasing balls, walks, walks with balls, sausage rolls,
Favourite Crates Local Product: Sausages, bacon, doggy breakfast, doggy biscuits, Puppuccino with lots of toppings, colleague cuddles
Peggy – Head of Security and Princess
Likes: Being a princess, managing head office
Favourite Crates Local Product: Sussex beer bread for my toast!
