The Pottery Experience: A Creative Escape in Jesmond
Find out how to spend a calm and creative morning in the heart of Jesmond.
Pottery painting has been on my to-do list for forever. The only challenge has been actually setting aside the time to make it happen. It’s easy to fill days with plans that feel productive or familiar (especially at the weekend) but making space for something slower and relaxed is often the thing you need for a creative reset.
That’s why I finally decided to book a session at The Pottery Experience. Nestled within the leafy streets of Jesmond, just off Osbourne Road, this lovely little studio is a great getaway for anyone looking to unwind and get a bit creative.
I visited with a friend and it provided the perfect setting for a well-needed catch-up. Paints, pottery, and plenty of chatter – an ideal recipe for a sunny Saturday morning in Jesmond.
The Pottery Experience, Jesmond
Located just a few miles outside Newcastle city centre, Jesmond is a lively and stylish suburb. It’s known for its buzzing bar scene, great restaurants, independent shops, and cosy cafés – all set along leafy streets that feel like a bit of an escape from the busyness of the city.
Tucked away in this lovely neighbourhood is The Pottery Experience, a family-run studio and café that feels like a little pocket of creativity. Here, visitors can choose to paint ready-made pieces of pottery or take part in classes where they can try their hand at crafting their own creations on the potter’s wheel.
Whatever you choose to do, the studio ensures that creativity feels accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re a pottery pro or a complete novice, the team makes it easy to relax, experiment, and enjoy the process at your own pace. It’s the perfect environment to take some time to slow down, grab a cuppa, and leave with something that is uniquely yours.
The Pottery Experience is nestled in the heart of Jesmond.
The process is simple – pick, paint, collect!
How it works
My friend and I booked a painting-only session, where you can choose a piece of pottery to paint any design that you like. The session lasts two hours, giving you plenty of time to get creative without feeling rushed. The process is as follows:
Step 1: Pick Your Ceramic
Step 2: Pick Your Design
Step 3: Start Painting
Step 4: Glaze and Fire
Choosing your ceramic
At the start of your session, you have time to browse the wide selection of pottery pieces. From everyday mugs and plates to decorative ornaments like piggy banks and unicorns, there is no shortage of pieces to choose from. Session prices vary depending on the piece you choose, which makes it very reasonably priced – I went for a medium-sized plate and it cost £17 for the whole session.
There is a wide array of ceramics to choose – from mugs and plates to decorative ornaments.
Designing and Painting
After choosing your piece, it’s time for the fun part – the painting! First, you sand and dampen your ceramic, then sketch your design in pencil if you wish (don’t worry, it wipes away in the kiln.) There are plenty of books and ideas around for inspiration, or you can take total creative freedom and paint whatever your heart desires.
I went straight to Pinterest and picked a cute design featuring a Mediterranean-esque lemon pattern. It reminded me of the ceramics I saw in Santorini last year, and it felt like the perfect way to bring another slice of Greece back home with me.
With over twenty colours to choose from, you can mix, layer, and experiment to create a design that’s completely your own. I made sure to use lots of layers to ensure the colour came out nice and vibrant, focusing on that gorgeous lemon-y yellow. They also have paint dotting bottles that are great for adding small details - these small touches really helped to pull my design together!
There are over twenty non-toxic, water-based colours to choose from.
A colourful collection of creations on the windowsill.
Our final designs.
I painted a Mediterranean-style lemon design, ready to pop into the kiln.
Once you’ve finished painting, the studio takes care of the glazing and firing. After 3–5 weeks, you can go and collect your lovely finished piece.
What I liked most about the experience is how relaxed and stress-free it feels. You can ask for help if you need it, or just get on with it and enjoy losing yourself in the process of painting. I could have easily spent much more time in here – just chatting, sipping, and painting away.
I’d highly recommend a visit to this little gem. Whether you’re looking for a calm morning to get creative, a fun catch-up with a friend, or a unique way to celebrate a special occasion, The Pottery Experience in Jesmond is the perfect place to relax, paint, and leave with a homemade keepsake.
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The final glazed piece!
