Planet Pot is a quirky little ceramic café in the quiet Sheffield suburb of Nethergreen. Since it opened in 2007, Planet Pot has become a hub of creativity.
On the dull December day of my visit, the warm glow from the decorated windows and the hum of chatter inside was enough to make me want to stay for an entire afternoon. The room was filled with tables, occupied by people of all ages painting a selection of ceramic items, from plates and mugs to tea cups and tea pots.
As well as painting, you can also book yourself into one of their pottery throwing classes, where you can try your hand on a pottery wheel. A truly family business, Planet Pot is not just a place to paint pottery; it’s also a great meeting point to catch up with a friend over a coffee, and a perfect location for children’s birthday parties.
Kate Jones runs Planet Pot with her husband Jon. After both working for a solicitors firm for a number of years, they decided to make a change.
“We were desperate to get away from office work and the 9 to 5 routine”, says Kate.
“Jon had always wanted to set up his own business, and although we don’t have a background in art, we both loved the idea of a ceramic café at the heart of the local community.”
Kate and Jon regularly visit local schools and children’s hospitals, taking the pottery painting equipment to them.
“When we go to a hospital, we give the patients a voucher, so that if they’ve enjoyed it they can stop by Planet Pot when they’re feeling better…”
“The great thing about Planet Pot is that we get such a variety of people through the door… Local parents bring in their newborn babies to have their hand and foot prints done. Last week Jon visited a dementia group, and we hosted a disabled adults group here at the café the next day.”
Planet Pot has a relaxed, creative feel about the place, and I thoroughly enjoyed painting my white mug, which now has an intricate pattern of swirls and stripes doodled in vibrant red.
“I like to think we provide a bit of inspiration”, smiles Kate as she surveys the room. “Along with the chance to create something really unique and personal.”
Planet Pot Ceramic Café can be found on Hangingwater Road in Nethergreen, Sheffield. You can see more about this arty venue on their website www.planetpot.co.uk.
This post was written by Ellie Storey, one of the latest Ohh Deer bloggers. Ellie works as a Copywriter for a Sheffield-based digital marketing agency, Seven Creative. Their website can be found at www.sevencreative.co.uk.