THE LOCATION

Established back in January 2024, The Pottery Room became bricks and mortar after spreading years of artsy cheer at festivals and events and then landed on a shop in Faversham. Its’ popularity quickly outgrew the space, and you will now find The Pottery Room at the picturesque Standard Quay in Faversham in a converted warehouse building.

Standard Quay is a destination that should be on your radar anyhow as once you are done with potting, you can linger longer to admire the barges, browse the eclectic range of antiques before settling down at local favourite, Papa Bianco for a slice of fresh pizza whilst the sun goes down.

THE LOWDOWN

If you have any crafty children in your house, they will love the treasure trove of pottery that awaits them at The Pottery Room just requiring their little fingers to bring it all to life with vibrant acrylics or glaze paints.

Or there is Be my Bear (a little like Build a Bear), foam clay, crystal glazes and even silkscreen workshops, plus canvas painting or creating your own necklaces plus they host pottery throwing classes with a pottery wheel if you want to get really hands-on.

The Pottery Room is all about keeping things fresh, constantly updating the collection of things to do and luring those customers back with craft workshops frequently hosted too. And with the ever-looming magnetism of screens, we say Hallejuah to any hands-on activity that requires no PIN codes or passwords to get in.

It’s a family business and there is a very cosy atmosphere as you almost feel that you have stepped into someone’s sitting room as you can order cups of tea or glasses of squash with a slice of cakes whilst your hands get busy whilst admiring the pink and gold balloon displays.

THE EXPERIENCE

I visited with my nine-year-old daughter and two of her pals as these kinds of crafty places are a big hit as a bonding exercise and rather conveniently for me limits the creative chaos happening at home.

But it’s not just this age-group as we bumped into a friend with her three-year old daughter who was having an arty play date with her mother so a three-generation activity. Plus, another person we know who had teenagers at her table who were making eye-watering creations so don’t feel it is just for the teeny ones.

The girls were asked to choose a pottery item ranging from cute little toadstools and butterflies to more substantial vases, cookie jars, and jugs so it is not just catering for the kiddie crowd. You are given the choice about whether you would like to take the item home on the same day or test your patience skills and wait a couple of weeks for the finished product once it has gone in the kiln.

My lot wanted the professional feel so opted for the glaze paints, and there was a HUGE choice of colours to go for with a palette and brush for each artist, plus a glass of squash each to keep them extra happy. Sabrina Carpenter and Bruno Mars tunes were on in the background, and it was a very happy hour watching them chat and get creative.

It helps that the team are very friendly so were on standby to guide the girls every step of the way helping suggest other colours and bringing fresh palettes if needed. It was lovely to see the girls chatting as they worked, complementing each other on each other’s work and be supportive when inevitable painting mishaps happened.

For this reason, I thought it would be beneficial to bring my older son another time with his sister as a team-bonding exercise. Or maybe I am just looking for an excuse to get loose with a paint brush as I was only an observer this time round.

SCOFF & QUAFF

It’s worth knowing that if you are in the mood for a cup of tea or a refreshing iced latte, the on-site café has got you covered. There are also fabulous grazing boards which are perfect for sharing with friends and family, packed full of cheeses, fruits, and charcuterie so good for a more adult occasion and for those with a sweet tooth, there’s a tasty selection of cakes and treats.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Keep an ear out for their clay hand building sessions plus The Pottery Room often hosts events like ladies’ nights, tarot evenings, and family fun nights so you can see why it is local favourite in Faversham.

If you are looking for a new birthday location, The Pottery Room can help you host a fantastic kids’ party. We hear it is also a popular spot for hen dos too and baby showers especially when this typically includes a mixed group of friends who don’t know each other so they can bond over the pottery. They’ll even bring the pottery party to you with their mobile services – care homes, schools, pubs so bear that in mind too.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR? Beginners or seasoned artisans – the team are super friendly and helpful so will help guide those in need of confidence

NOT FOR? A rowdy group – there is a lot of pottery on display so your heart would be in your mouth every time someone made any big moves anywhere near it.

THE DAMAGE

You pay for the price of the pottery you create, and the materials come with the piece. The girls painted a toadstool each and a LOVE ornament and they ranged from £15 to £25.

Standard Quay, Faversham ME13 7BS, thepotteryroom.co.uk, info@thepotteryroom.co.uk