Pottery Painting & Creative Café in Barnard Castle
A place where creativity meets chill vibes, good coffee and homemade scran!
Step inside and you'll find shelves full of blank ceramics just waiting for your magic.
Whether you're here for a solo painting session, a cosy catch-up with friends or a full-on creative escape, we've got you covered.
No experience? No problem! Come on in, grab a brush (or a brownie) and make yourself at home.
Creative Wellbeing Hub
All-Inclusive Family Space
No Hidden Costs
Why Choose Picniks?
We're more than just a pottery painting café. We're a family-run space where creativity, food and connection come together.
Born from 50 years of hospitality experience and a passion for crafting, this isn't just a place to paint pottery. It's somewhere to relax, express yourself and feel part of something special.
Everyone is welcome here, all ages, abilities and walks of life. You'll find a supportive, inclusive environment where you can be yourself. Our founder Nicola created this colourful, judgement-free zone so others could feel the therapeutic benefits that creativity brings.
It's cheaper than therapy and way more fun!
How Pottery Painting Works
Choose from our huge selection of blank ceramics, get creative for 2 hours, and we'll handle the rest. We fire your piece in our kiln at almost 1000 degrees, and you'll have a professional, food-safe creation ready to collect in 10-14 days.
The price you see on each ceramic covers everything - paints, glazes, tools, firing and packaging. No studio fees, no hidden extras.
Never painted before? Don't worry, we'll give you all the tips and tools you need to create something you're proud of.
Our Ceramic Collection
From fun figurines to functional kitchenware, money banks to garden ornaments - we have ceramics for every taste and occasion. Browse our shelves for inspiration or check our social media for ideas.
All prices shown include paints, glazes, tools, firing and packaging. No hidden fees or studio charges! Your finished pieces will be food-safe, microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe.
Our Café Menu
Painting is thirsty (and hungry) work! We offer hot and cold drinks, breakfast and brunch items, homemade cakes and seasonal specials.
Our family's been in hospitality for over 50 years, so you know the food's going to be good.
Remember, there's no obligation to paint when you visit. You're more than welcome to pop in just for a drink or bite to eat. We offer eat-in, takeaway and pre-order options.
Top tip: If you're planning to paint and eat, we recommend eating first. It stops greasy marks getting on your ceramic.
Workshops, Events & Private Parties
We run regular workshops and events outside our usual opening hours. Think ceramic painting, needle felting, crochet and aromatherapy sessions.
Our adult-only Sip and Paint nights happen on the first Thursday of each month. BYOB, 7pm-9pm, and we can sort grazing platters if you pre-order.
We also host seasonal events for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
Mobile Events
We even bring the pottery painting experience to you. Perfect for schools, care homes, workplaces or anywhere our studio isn't easily accessible.
Give the Gift of Creativity
Looking for the perfect present? Our gift vouchers are ideal for birthdays, thank yous or just because.
We now offer the convenience of buying gift vouchers online.
Simply complete the web form and select the amount, you can even add a personalised message to the recipient.
If you prefer to give a physical voucher, these are available to buy in the shop