Pottery painting parties and group bookings in Dartington, near Totnes
Yes, you can bring a group to Designs Café. Our pottery painting café at the Cider Press Centre in Dartington, near Totnes in South Devon, can be booked for birthday parties, team events and family get-togethers. Everyone chooses a piece of pottery, paints it over coffee and cake, and we glaze and fire it so it's ready to collect within two weeks. For groups of more than six, email us first at info@designscafe.uk and we'll arrange it with you.
Can I have a birthday party at Designs Café?
Yes. Birthday parties for children and adults are welcome. Children are welcome with adult supervision, and painting your own piece of pottery is something every age can do, with no experience needed. Tell us the date, how many people and the ages of any children, and we'll get back to you.
Can we book for a team event or a family get-together?
Yes. A painting session works well for a team day out or a family gathering: two relaxed hours at the table, something to talk about, and a finished piece each to take home. As well as pottery painting, our Art Menu includes jewellery making, acrylic painting, tote bag painting and seasonal projects, so a group can choose the activity that suits it.
How much does a group booking cost?
There is no fixed party package. 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 café food and drink. Get in touch and we'll talk you through the options for your group.
How long does it take, and when do we get our pottery back?
A session is two hours. After you've painted, we glaze and kiln-fire every piece, and it is ready to collect within two weeks.
What food and drink is there?
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 the café 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 I book a party or group?
Email info@designscafe.uk or send us a message on Instagram (@designscafeuk) with your preferred date and time, 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.
Where and when?
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. Closed on Mondays.