Looking for a birthday, hen do, team night or family get-together in South Devon that isn't another round at the pub? At Designs Café, our pottery painting café at the Cider Press Centre in Dartington, a group can spend two relaxed hours painting pottery together, with coffee and cake or their own bottle, and everyone takes home a piece they made. For groups of more than six, email us first at info@designscafe.uk and we'll arrange it with you.
What kind of parties can we have at Designs Café?
The café can be booked for private events: birthday parties for children and adults, team events and family get-togethers. There is no fixed party package. Tell us your date, how many people and the ages of any children, and we'll get back to you. Children are welcome with adult supervision.
Can we bring our own drinks?
Yes, on our walk-in Friday evenings. Every other Friday there are two sessions, 5pm–7pm and 6pm–8pm, and you are welcome to bring your own wine, prosecco or other drinks. We don't charge corkage. The next dates are 13 November, 27 November and 11 December 2026. These evenings are walk-in only, but if you are coming as a group of more than six, get in touch in advance so we can set up seating for you.
Is there an evening workshop with drinks included?
Yes. Our Sip & Paint Bauble Painting Workshop runs on six evenings from 14 November to 18 December 2026: Fridays 6pm–8pm and Saturdays 5pm–7pm. It costs £35 and includes one bauble to paint, glazing and firing, all materials, a glass of bubbly and nibbles, and you can bring your own bottle too. Up to 25 people can join each session, so it suits a Christmas party or a group of friends.
How much does it cost?
On a pottery painting session or a Friday evening, each person pays for what they paint: pottery pieces are between £7 and £50+, plus a £5 studio fee per piece, which covers paints, brushes, glazing and firing. Everyone who paints gets 10% off hot drinks. The Sip & Paint workshop is £35 per person, all included.
Do we need any experience?
No. Painting a piece of pottery is something every age can do, with no experience needed. Choose a piece from our shelves, like a mug, plate or tile, and paint it however you like.
When do we get our pottery back?
After you've painted, we glaze and kiln-fire every piece, and it is ready to collect within two to four weeks. If it's a Christmas present, come early and ask us how long your piece will take.
What is there to eat and drink?
Speciality coffee from Voyager Coffee, roasted in Buckfastleigh on the edge of Dartmoor, and cakes from Exploding Bakery in Exeter. We have gluten-free and vegan cakes, decaf, and oat milk as an alternative to dairy.
Is it accessible, and where do we park?
The café is wheelchair accessible, with a step-free route in. Parking at the Cider Press Centre car park is free for the first two hours and paid after that.
How do we book?
Email info@designscafe.uk or message us on Instagram (@designscafeuk) with your date, the number of people and what you'd like to do. We don't have a phone line, so email or Instagram is the quickest way to reach us. For more, see the Sip & Paint workshop dates, pottery painting and everything on at Christmas.
Where and when are you open?
Designs Café, Unit 3A, Cider Press Centre, Shinner's Bridge, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6TQ. Open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday 9am–4pm, Friday 9am–5pm and Sunday 10am–4pm, and from 1 November we're open seven days a week. The café only stays open late for the evening sessions above.
