Clay Clay Pottery (North Bridge Rd)

Clay Clay Pottery on North Bridge Road is a pottery painting studio rather than a throwing one — you pick a ready-made ceramic piece and decorate it.

The shelves hold unpainted cups, plates, bowls and vases at a range of prices, and you pay a studio fee on top for the session, which runs about an hour and a half. Paints, brushes and guidance are provided. Because there is no wheel to master, it works for a much wider range of ages and abilities than a throwing class — small children can do this properly, not just be kept busy.

The catch is the wait: fired and glazed pieces take roughly two to three months to be ready for collection. If you want something for a birthday next week, this is not the way to get it. For a relaxed session where everyone leaves with something they made, and can be patient about it, it is one of the easier creative afternoons in town.

Sessions cost less booked through the pink button on this page than at the counter.