For more than four decades the Jinney Ring Craft Centre in Hanbury has been one of Worcestershire’s most cherished destinations, a place where visitors can watch craftspeople at work, wander through gardens, browse gifts, and gather for a meal or special occasion.
But with owners Amanda and Malcolm Sunter announcing their retirement next year, the question now hangs in the air: can a buyer be found to secure the future of this regional treasure?
From early 2026, the Farmhouse Restaurant, Gift Shop and gardens will close to the public, though some craft units may continue to trade. Until then, it’s business as usual – with the restaurant, shop, gardens and all planned events running throughout 2025. Anyone holding Jinney Ring gift vouchers can redeem them right up until 31 December 2025.
The Jinney Ring’s story began in 1980, when Richard and Jenny Greatwood transformed the former farm buildings into a centre for local crafts. In 2005, the baton was passed to Amanda and Malcolm, who have guided it through nearly 20 years of immense change.
“Over the last 20 years, with so many challenges, including the internet revolution, we’ve had to adapt and change,” Amanda explained. “We’ve extended our activities to include concerts, outdoor sculpture trails, parties, wakes, wedding ceremonies and receptions. Managing the site, together with running the restaurant and gift shop, makes for a busy life and we are looking forward to a change of pace next year.”
Yet retirement, particularly for Malcolm, still hands-on at almost 78 years old, is bittersweet.
Amanda said:
“It has been a wonderful experience but the time has come to retire. Running the restaurant and gift shop are big jobs and neither of us is getting any younger. It will certainly be a wrench though as this has been such a huge part of our lives. We have worked with so many wonderful artists and crafts people over the years, some of whom have been here longer than we have. Not to mention all the thousands of customers who’ve visited – we will certainly miss it!”
She added that ideally the Jinney Ring would remain whole, under new ownership:
“We would have much preferred to sell on the Jinney Ring in its entirety to someone younger, with new ideas and energy. Indeed, we had the business on the market prior to COVID, but without success.”
The announcement has left many locals wondering if a buyer could yet step in to safeguard the Jinney Ring’s legacy. For Worcestershire, it’s more than just a craft centre, it’s a meeting place, a showcase for creativity, and a piece of living history.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, one thing is certain: the Jinney Ring remains a jewel in the county’s cultural crown, and there’s still hope that its story has another chapter to come.
