The UK's best pottery painting cafés

Looking for something different to do? Next time you’re meeting up with a friend, instead of going for coffee, why not pop into your local pottery painting café?

A creative catch-up is a fun way to spend time together while having a chance to relax and make a handmade craft you can keep. Pottery painting classes take place at cafés and studios all over the country and are a popular activity for birthdays, hen parties and even work away days, but they can also be enjoyed on a smaller scale with just one or two friends.

If you haven’t got time to attend a regular class or craft course then a session of pottery painting is a perfect way to get your creative fix. Whatever your experience with art, everyone can try pottery painting, even if you’re a beginner with no painting experience, you’ll still leave with a hand-painted masterpiece.

What is pottery painting?

At a pottery painting session you start by choosing a plain ceramic object (known as bisque) to paint with your own designs using special glaze paints. When you’re finished you leave it behind so the café can fire it in a kiln and then you go back and collect it. Your item can then be used and washed as normal.

There are typically two costs involved in pottery painting, firstly a flat rate fee for the session – this is a few pounds, followed by the cost of the ceramic that you choose to paint. Ceramics vary in price according to their size and could include ornaments, mugs and plates. If you’re not sure how to get started with your design there are pottery painting assistants to help and they’ll also demonstrate techniques to inspire you.

If you’re wondering 'is there a pottery painting café near me?' We’ve got you covered! There are now more pottery cafés than ever up and down the country, so you won’t be far from one. Check out our recommendations for some of our favourite pottery painting cafés and workshops in the UK.

Happy painting!

South East

Kent - This Art of Mine
Located in a beautiful part of the Kent countryside, this is a pottery painting studio that feels like a retreat. The space is open at set times during the week and every school holiday so that you can keep the kids entertained and busy.
www.thisartofmine.co.uk