ALTHOUGH the weather conditions were difficult when Pam Sinclair and her husband Robert set out for Slater's Craft Village last weekend, it wasn't enough to deter them from their visit.

Besides, as an indoor venue, Pam says it offers the perfect winter's refuge.

Located in Baldwins Gate, the village has a selection of shops selling art, antiques and crafts, ladies' fashions and furniture.

"Slater's is set in a lovely part of the Staffordshire countryside which even on such a cold wintry day was lovely, with snow on the hillside behind and on the trees," says Pam, aged 75, of Vanity Close, Oulton.

"It is not too far from the Potteries or Newcastle and it is also a nice run out from South Cheshire.

"Robert and I have visited and shopped at Slater's before and it's a recommended experience. Entry is free and there is plenty of parking too."

"Around the little indoor alleyways you can find everything from a rusty old mangle, to a panama hat, secondhand books, antique furniture, candles, unusual picture frames, beautiful bridal gowns and many more items and gifts which captured my imagination," she continues.

Pam and Robert also discovered a photographer's studio and a hairdressing and beauty salon.

"There is also antique furniture from Timeless Treasures and many interesting objects on display in Oriental Interiors," she says.

"Shoppers can buy soft toys and children's picture frames at HoneyB and there is a gift shop selling sweet smelling candles and soft furnishings.

"Eddie's absorbing secondhand book shop offers a great variety of titles."

In fact Pam picked up a cheap secondhand book to keep her entertained while she enjoyed lunch at the Curio Coffee Shop and Deli.

"As it was such a cold day, I bought a cheap book from the secondhand bookshop to read while eating my lunch," she says.

"The cafe looks out on to the surrounding countryside and there are comfortable settees surrounding a warming wood-burning stove."

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 5pm, the coffee shop has a selection of soups, hot meals and light snacks.

"The homemade soups have a good reputation," says Pam, who settled down with a bowl of butternut squash soup served with a crusty roll and butter.

"Robert tucked into a generous platter of the full English breakfast, which is served until 11.45am. He fully recommended his choice as it also came with either fried bread or toast and tea or coffee for only £4.95.

"When customers leave they are given a loyalty card which is stamped and has space for 10 stamps on the back. Once it is full, any choice from the menu may be taken free of charge."

""It is a good place for a quick run out at any time of day to go shopping.

"However, I would advise people to wrap up if they are planning to spend time walking around the cool indoor alleyways of the craft village.

"Still, you can always warm up in the cafe and in summer I am sure that sitting outdoors will be delightful too."