If you're anything like us at Nub News, chances are you'll spend more time than you care to admit on your phone, shambling out of doors and bumping into people as we stare at our screens.

Why bring this up? Well, perhaps there's something to be said for taking a break and doing something creative.

Fortunately there's a business in Bramhall which does just that.

Ceramics & Chill, based in Village Square, is a pottery studio and cafe which gives visitors the chance to decompress with a drink, some nice music, good company, and a bit of paint.

Fresh from opening in July 2024, the business has featured in Cheshire Life, hosted a huge range of events and has welcomed countless visitors, helping to begin, rekindle or continue their love of creativity.

Find more information about Ceramics & Chill here.

An evening of painting is a great prelude or alternative to a night of drinking, owner Zoe argues (Image - Ceramics & Chill)

The premise is simple: pick out a piece of blank homeware - plates, cups, decor, and more - and then paint it yourself.

There are a huge range of options, too. Custom paints and glazes made by owner Zoe McVaigh supplement a full colour palette, and there are plenty of pictures and idea books to offer inspiration.

The exciting thing is that anything goes, and you have your entire imagination at your disposal.

Customers have already come up with all kinds of examples; complex patterns and designs through to vibrant solid colour pieces. There's even the option of adding hand, finger or footprints.

Once the items have been painted, they get fired in a special kiln, and are then ready to take home.

You'll finish up with not just an entirely unique item - made by you, no less - but you'll have had a fantastic time along the way. There are also delicious snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to be enjoyed along the way.

Book a session here.

There are a huge range of items you can paint at Ceramics & Chill - this lovely custom bowl is just one example (Image - Ceramics & Chill)

The beauty of Ceramics & Chill is that this wonderful process is open to all, irrespective of prior artistic experience.

Whilst adept potters and painters are very much welcome, nothing about the process is prohibitive. As Zoe maintains, anyone can paint, and can enjoy the process.

Indeed, Ceramics & Chill is proving popular for groups, dates, pre-night out meets, and much more.

"It's as much about nightlife as it is about crafts", Zoe explains. "It's actually a really nice way of getting out.

"Instead of just going between bars, you can have a drink and make something. It's a different social experience."

And it can be enjoyed by everyone. No visitors are more surprised at how much they love painting than husbands and boyfriends, Zoe says.

"It's seen as a girlie thing, but our male customers are often the ones saying 'just five more minutes'."

You won't need to twist the arm of your partner to get them down to Ceramics & Chill.

It's a hit with couples, families, and visitors of all ages (Image - Ceramics & Chill)

It's a testament to how engrossing the experience can be at Ceramics & Chill - there are few things which can make both time and conversation flow as effortlessly as having something creative to do like painting pottery.

Visitors are coming from all over the borough to visit Ceramics & Chill and indeed Bramhall more generally.

"Village square seems to be more like a 'destination', as opposed to somewhere people just pass through", Zoe said.

It all amounts to a remarkable opening period for the business. 

"It's being going so well", Zoe explained. "Everyone has been so lovely - we've never had a bad customer."

Ceramics & Chill is open from 11am- 6.45pm Tuesday to Saturday. It's 11am-4pm on Sundays, and closed on Monday (Image - Ceramics & Chill)

If all this sounds like it could be to your taste, you can visit Ceramics & Chill's website to find out more about booking a session.

Bookings are preferred in general, but walk-ins are sometimes available!

You can also stay up to date on the business' Instagram and Facebook pages.

Ceramics & Chill is a sponsor of Nub News. Support from local businesses such as them helps us keep our local news free and easy-to-read. If you own a local business and would like to sponsor us, get in touch at [email protected].

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