Looking for something fun to do over the summer, or wanting to try out a new hobby? Whether you’d like to create something special, hang out with friends, or design a heartfelt gift, pottery painting is a great activity to put down your phone and have fun. We have discovered 13 of London’s best spots across the city, so be sure to check them out!
Social Pottery
At Social Pottery, you can find several classes, from painting pre-made ceramics to making your very own on the pottery wheel. You do not need to have experience; everyone is welcome to take part! Social Pottery is a well-loved option, with 5 studios across London and Milton Keynes to explore.
In-studio, they have over 300 pieces to paint, with a professional kiln to seal in your hard work. They even provide stencils, stamps and inspo books to get your creative juices flowing! With a £5 studio fee, you’ll get 120 minutes per session, giving you plenty of time to hang out and design something beautiful. But remember, you must also buy the pottery itself, which can range from £16 to £80. Once you’ve finished your piece, do not worry if you aren’t around; your pottery is available to collect for 30 days, or can be delivered to you.
What we love about Social Pottery in particular is their social events! From special collabs to limited-edition pottery nights, make the most of your experience. For example, their recent summer event was the ‘Serata DJ night,’ with live music, drinks and pottery.
Pottery Café
With a studio in Fulham and Battersea, Pottery Café is one of the more accessible options on this list. Pottery Café also recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, making it one of the oldest studios we’ve found! Their reputation ensures a great experience.
Both studios have experts to help you get creative, who are also trained baristas, to help you get your caffeine fix. Their cafe’s menu serves a range of delicious treats to fuel your painting, from cocktails to gelato to loaf cakes. The studio is open all week, and sessions cost just £8.95. Whilst they might have fewer pottery options available than other studios, their pieces are affordable and perfect for getting creative. Our favs are the star bowl and tulip vase!
Pottery Studio at The Find Store
At The Find Store, the pottery studio is the perfect place to get creative and wind down after a long day of lectures. Their cosy space also includes a coffee bar so you can get a caffeine kick while you paint, or enjoy a sweet treat. As well as pottery painting, there are ‘Pinch Pot Sessions‘ and several other beginner sessions on the wheel, if you’d like to get a taste of making something by hand.
What’s more, they sell lots of other gorgeous pieces if you’d like to do some window shopping whilst you’re there! There is everything from unique candles to quirky pins to artisan hand creams. Their regular pottery painting session starts at £6, with lots of items to choose from, which are priced individually. Pieces usually take up to 3 weeks to be ready, and can be held for 4 weeks. However, The Find Store are incredibly flexible, with fast-tracking and home delivery.
The Find Store is a favourite of ours because they have lots of fun sessions to take part in. Not just pottery painting, there are lots of exciting events on, including a Mamma Mia-themed evening, and a bottomless pizza night. Count us in!
Pitter Potter
Another affordable option on this list is Pitter Potter. The studio fee is £5.95, and they have a variety of classic pottery items to choose from, starting from just £8.95. Pitter Potter has studios in Putney and Wimbledon, and the inside is just as beautiful as the shop front! The interior is bright and vibrant, each wall lined with art and finished pottery to look at. Not only is it totally Pinterest-worthy, but it’s also the perfect place for your next birthday or a hangout with your mates. You can walk in on the day if you’d like a spontaneous outing, but we’d recommend booking in advance on their website, as it can get quite busy!
As well as their studio, you can find lots of nearby cafes and restaurants in Wimbledon, perfect for refreshments after painting. We’d recommend Served. or Pho Wimbledon, whose pho is to die for. In Putnam, you could also carry on your crafty vibe at Studio Art Café, or thrift some handmade pieces at Oxfam.
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Bonbon Pottery Café
Enjoy a sweet escape at Bonbon Pottery Café. With several locations across London, you’re bound to find the right place for you. Bonbon is even opening up a new location in Wembley soon — a great add-on to a concert experience! Better yet, you can also purchase an apron as a quirky souvenir for your trip.
With no fixed session fee, you can just walk in on quiet days and calm your mind. Bonbon’s sessions are popular because they’re very beginner-friendly, and they have lots of unique ceramics to choose from! They even provide a guide for getting started. If you’re unsure of where to start, take part in one of their DIY taster-sessions. Once you’re finished, you can even track your pottery online to pick it up.
Zebra Ceramics
Zebra Ceramics prides itself on being a unique and creative spot for people to paint. The zebra-themed décor definitely lives up to its name. With a relaxing interior, helpful staff, and plenty of snacks available, we can see why Zebra Ceramics calls it ‘paint therapy.’
On quiet days, you are welcome to stay longer than your allotted session, which is great for perfectionists or those who like to take their time. Their studio sessions start at just £5, though there’s lots on to get your bang for your buck. This studio boasts adults-only nights and take-away kits, if you’d rather paint in the comfort of your own home.
SammyDuder
Get creative at SammyDuder, a family-run studio in Battersea. They are one of the longest-running studios on this list, providing a friendly and homely place for painting. SammyDuder offers a wide range of items to choose from, and even has seasonal stock, which would be ideal for a thoughtful Christmas gift! They also sell handmade cards in store, which would go perfectly with a handmade mug. A session is just £6, and their pottery is very student-budget-friendly, starting at £9.
However, their website does not offer bookings like others on this list. If you want to secure your spot beforehand, be sure to give them a call! You could even check out their Instagram beforehand for some inspiration.
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Clay Time
Looking for something low effort but maximum enjoyment? Look no further than Clay Time! A non-profit organisation located in Islington, with a second studio in Highgate. Clay Time has affordable bisqueware to paint, or you can make your own in a relaxed pottery session.
They have experienced staff on hand to support you in getting creative. In addition to this, they have several other activities to get involved with! You could try out making ceramic jewellery or designing your own plant pot.
Skandihus
At Skandihus, take part in their monthly pottery painting sessions to create your own beautiful ceramic piece. They host events on the first Saturday of every month at their Walthamstow studio. As a bonus, you’re welcome to bring any purchases from the East of Eden café next door with you inside!
Although not an everyday activity, it is something to look forward to each month. There is no booking fee, you can just turn up and pay for your ceramic piece. You also get 2 hours to paint, which is plenty of time to scroll online and find the perfect design!
Plus, in the summer months, Skandihus hold an additional session every Wednesday morning. So, if you’re looking for something to do this summer season, why not check out one of these? Or, you could take part in one of the many other classes they have on offer, such as plate making and clay taster-sessions.
M.Y.O
At Make Your Own (or M.Y.O for short), the focus is on you getting your hands messy, and your creativity flowing. Located in Central London, it is ideal for those making a day-trip to the city, or students nearby. M.Y.O have a variety of ceramics to choose from in their pottery painting sessions, which are great for personalising your dorm room.
As well as this, they offer many other fun workshops, such as M.Y.O Terracotta Planter, flower pounding, embroidery or even designing your own Vision Board. These sessions are amazing for combatting stress during exam season, having fun or simply trying something new.
As M.Y.O says, get crafty and unleash your creative beast!
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Emma’s Pottery Parlour
Emma’s Pottery Parlour is a hidden gem nestled inside the high streets of London. It provides a nostalgic vibe with its painted front and charming decorations, perfect for unleashing your inner child. Whilst you cannot bring your own snacks, the parlour has a variety of drinks and bites to enjoy whilst painting. Moreover, there is a large variety of ceramics to choose from depending on your mood.
On quiet weekdays, you can just walk in. Though you might have to book on school holidays, as it can get busier! The Parlour also hosts frequent Adult Nights. The studio fee is £10, though this is deducted from your total at the end of your session. These nights are a great way to let loose and do something fun without bringing a hangover to your 9am lecture.
Pottery Studio Ldn
Located in London’s Design District in Greenwich, Pottery Studio Ldn is the perfect place to get your craft on! They have two floors of pottery greatness, with a wheel if you’d like to get your hands dirty, and a studio to paint your wonderful creations. The studio opened after the success of their first studio at The Find Store, which is also on this list! Both spaces promise inspiration, great service, and a cosy spot to create.
Additionally, the first floor is now home to its very own Coffee Bar. Described as ‘bright’ and ‘welcoming,’ this space is ideal for enjoying a tasty drink whilst designing your piece. Whilst they do have several pottery courses for dedicated crafters, they also have a variety of more casual painting sessions. Pottery Studio Ldn is perfect for every vibe, whether that’s an afternoon with friends, a low-key date, or just relaxing on your own!
Token Studio
Get back to the basics with Token Studio. They have everything you need for a chill craft session: a rustic interior, indie music and a variety of tools to create with. Each session is £32, which covers the studio fee and your ceramic piece! This means that you do not need to pay extra for your first pottery painting session. Plus, you can make it even more fun with their BYOB sessions. Grab some cocktails from Aldi and enjoy a weekend out!
Alongside pottery painting, Token Studio have lots of other classes to take part in. With rows of pottery wheels, you can make something to be proud of. You could be trendy and make a matcha bowl or design a beautiful gift with their stained glass workshop, as well as lots more!
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Still looking for more to do? Check out our guides for pottery painting in other cities, or explore some other fun activities in London!
Hi! I’m Emmie, and I’m currently studying English Literature and Classical Literature & Civilisations at the University of Birmingham. This means I’m a huge fan of anything historical and literary, so you can usually find me diving into research rabbit holes for a new blog post or engrossed in a good book. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy activities like karaoke, travelling, or spending the day in a museum!
