The Craft Pottery – A Fantastic Experience Whatever The Occasion

We’ve been to The Craft Pottery about four times over the last year, and we keep going back, which says it all. Most recently we took a group of about 15 friends and family, and it was easily the best visit yet.

The vibe

It’s relaxed, chatty and a bit quirky. When we arrived, a few tables had been joined together to fit our group, and a friendly member of staff talked everyone through how it all works. Plenty of our group had never been before, and because we knew how good it is, we couldn’t wait to see their reactions.

It’s also one of those places where you can unwind, put your phone away and just enjoy yourself. The time went so quickly, and there was a really good atmosphere from start to finish.

The experience

First, the practical bit. You pick a pottery item with a price against it, paint it, and pay for it when you leave it to be fired. You’ll be notified when it’s ready about a week or so later, and you collect it from The Craft Pottery itself. There’s a £5.50 per person studio fee, which covers your two-hour session, paint, and the glazing and firing costs.

Once the explanation was done, everyone rushed to the shelves, and there was a lot of excitement because there’s so much to choose from. Prices vary per item, as there are some pretty impressive pieces on offer. I opted for a cupcake storage item and it was really fun to paint. Others went for cups, coasters, dishes and more.

It’s BYOB, so we brought snacks and the drinks were flowing. We went for pre-mixed gin cans and others brought beers. The two-hour slot is there for a reason, as your item needs a few coats of paint to turn out well. For larger groups like ours, the paints are put out on your table and you pour them onto your cardboard palette and get going straight away. If you’re visiting as a couple or in a smaller group, you can self-serve from their paint bar. I’ve popped an image of it below.

We were seated inside, but there’s also an outside area. You can request either when booking.

It’s ideal for lots of occasions, and it works well as a daytime activity before heading into the city centre for something else. We had a drink at the pub beforehand, then took a taxi, which only took a couple of minutes. The studio is on Washington Street, so it’s a little out of the way if you don’t fancy walking from Central.

Glasgow IRL Pro-Tip: Check the weather for the day you’re visiting. I’d recommend sitting inside unless it’s set to be a lovely sunny day.

The verdict

We’d recommend this one to everyone. It’s good fun, a bit different, and everyone we’ve taken has loved it. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is great, and you leave with something you made yourself.

Ideal for: couples, small groups, large groups, stag and hen parties
Maybe not for: anyone who doesn’t like painting, or anyone who wants to stay right in the city centre

Have you been to The Craft Pottery before? What did you make? Let us know in the comments.

The details