Pottery, answered
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ASK US A QUESTIONBooking & experiences
What is pottery painting?
You choose a ready-made ceramic piece and decorate it however you like. We glaze it and fire it in our kiln, and it comes back a finished, food-safe keepsake. No wheel involved, the painting is all yours.
How much does pottery painting cost?
You pay for what you paint: the price depends on the piece you choose, and it covers your paints, tools, glazing, firing and VAT. A studio fee reserves your seat on top. Both vary by studio, so the current prices are listed on each studio page and at booking.
How do I pay?
Online or over the phone when you book. Anything you add on the day, an extra piece or an upgrade, you pay by card in the studio.
Where can I do pottery painting in London?
Studio 136 in Kentish Town, White City inside Westfield, and Balham in South London, plus Studio 150 in Milton Keynes. Camden (Studio 221) is a making studio: wheel and hand-building only.
Do I need experience to try the wheel?
None, wheel classes are designed for complete beginners. A 90-minute guided session with a tutor produces two thrown pieces. Available at Camden, Balham & Milton Keynes.
Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, on Sip & Paint and late-night sessions. Adult sessions are 18+, and 13–17 year-olds may attend with a guardian. Drinks must be in cans, maximum two per person.
Is Social Pottery pet-friendly?
Yes, our studios are pet-friendly and your furry friend is welcome. If you are unsure whether a particular session suits them, contact the studio before you book.
How long until I get my pottery back?
Painted pottery is ready in 2–3 weeks, sooner at some studios, and we message you the moment it is. Pieces you made from clay take around 3–4 weeks, since they have to dry right through before they can be fired and glazed. You then have 30 days to collect from the studio where you made it.
Do you offer student, charity or NHS discounts?
Yes: 10% for students and registered charities, 15% for NHS teams, Tuesday to Friday and on painting sessions only. Bring a valid student ID or supporting information when you book or visit. Community organisations and larger groups, contact us directly and we will work out a group rate.
Do I need to book?
Not for pottery painting: Kentish Town, Westfield White City, Balham and Milton Keynes all take walk-ins, though Saturdays fill up, so book ahead then. Wheel and hand-building sessions run with a tutor and are booking-only.
Is this paint your own pottery?
Yes. You choose a ready-made ceramic piece (a mug, a plate, a bowl, a planter), paint it with our underglazes, and we glaze and fire it in the studio kiln. It comes back food-safe and dishwasher-safe in two to three weeks.
Collections & care
Is my pottery microwave, oven and dishwasher safe?
It depends on the clay. Terracotta, the brown pieces, is the tougher, more heat-resistant one, so it is safe. Earthenware, the white pieces, is softer and is not: you can serve hot food in it, but keep it out of the microwave, oven and dishwasher.
Do I need to book a collection slot?
It is not compulsory, but we strongly recommend it. Booked pieces are found and set aside the night before, so yours is waiting for you. The exact time you pick does not matter, any slot that day works. Turn up unbooked and the team may need longer to track your piece down.
How do I reschedule my pottery collection?
Use the Manage Booking link in your confirmation email and pick a new date and time. If the slot you want is not there, contact the studio holding your pieces and they will sort it.
How long does it take to receive pottery made from clay?
Around 3–4 weeks. Clay has to dry right through before it can be fired and glazed, so it takes longer than painted pottery. We message you when it is ready, and we can ship it if you would rather not collect.
Can you post my pottery to me?
We can, though we would rather you collected it: ceramics are fragile and we cannot take responsibility for breakage in transit. Delivery is £10 per parcel to most UK addresses and everything usually fits in one. We invoice you once you confirm the address.
What happens if my pottery is lost or damaged?
We take every care with your pieces, but ceramics are fragile and one can occasionally break in the kiln or go astray. Tell us and we will go through the options with you, usually a refund or the chance to make it again.
How long does a refund take?
Refunds go back to the original payment method and take 3–5 days to process.
Gift cards
How can I use my gift card?
Gift cards go towards any eligible Social Pottery experience. Follow the instructions that came with yours when you book, and if it will not redeem, contact us and we will sort it out.
How long are gift vouchers valid?
All gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, extensions available upon request.
Can I schedule delivery for a specific date?
Yes, choose a future delivery date at checkout and we'll send it that morning.
What if the session costs less than the voucher?
Any remaining balance stays on the voucher for future bookings or pieces.
Is there a physical card?
Vouchers are delivered digitally via email and can be printed at home.
Are vouchers refundable?
Non-refundable but freely transferable, and do get in touch about special circumstances.
Do vouchers cover studio fees?
Yes, vouchers apply to bookings including studio fees; some premium sessions may need a small top-up.
Corporate & private events
How many people can you host?
Team events from 4 to 150 guests in-studio, and up to 1000 off-site. Under 30 guests fits a Sip & Paint format; bespoke packages start at 10 guests from £30 pp for 2.5 hours.
Can you come to our office?
Yes, mobile sessions for groups of 10+, with a £50–£100 travel fee depending on location. We bring the same workshop to any venue: private parties, weddings, festivals and away days as well as offices.
When do we get our pieces?
Painted pottery is ready in 2–3 weeks; clay pieces in around 3–4 weeks. Collection or shipping available.
Do you offer discounts?
10% for charities and students, 15% for NHS teams. Tuesday to Friday, painting sessions only.
Can we get a VAT invoice?
Of course, full VAT invoices for all corporate bookings.
What about food and drinks?
BYOB only. No external catering, but drinks are welcome for 18+ groups.
What if we need to reschedule?
Corporate and private events: a 50% booking fee is due 15 days before the event and is non-refundable; reschedule with 7 days' notice within a 3-month window.
Pause, create & connect.
Walk-ins, beginners and groups all welcome.
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