Zed Alley Clayhouse — Local services in Bristol

I recently took part in the 6-Week 'Wheel Throwing Course for Beginners' after aspiring to give pottery a go for many years and cannot recommend the experience enough! Our teacher, Emma, was friendly, patient and kind - ensuring that each member of our 6-person class received 1-2-1 teaching and advice as we progressed each week. Emma is a skilled potter and learning from her has been an absolute pleasure.

Owners, Ali and Damian are a lovely presence in the studio and were regularly on site to give an encouraging word of advice. I have since joined the studio as a member and have seen my throwing skills and confidence improve steadily since. The studio technicians are also always friendly and happy to advise on anything you might need.

As a neurodivergent individual - the members studio presents a calm and quiet place that is easy to concentrate in and does not become overwhelming. I find my sessions to be the time in my week that I can relax and let go of some stress, and the vibe of the studio really helps in making that possible. It's clear that lots of love and effort has gone into making this space so beautiful...

Zed Alley Clayhouse is a magical place. We took a wheel-throwing taster class on Saturday with the fabulous Nick, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The class was well run, and we were given lots of help and support from the ever-positive Nick. The facilities at the studios are great, with everything carefully worked out to be ergonomic, comfortable, light, and sustainable – with barely a speck of clay wasted. If it's not fired it's recycled and used again. The location is amazing – right in the heart of the artists quarter. At lunchtime we were able to step out into a choice of fabulous places to eat and drink. The only thing I'd criticise is my total ineptitude in pot throwing. But despite my woeful output, the day flew by and I found it supremely mindful. Hats off to the owners, Ali & Damian, who have created something truly special...

The course was good and the tutor was nice, but dealing with the owner was completely exasperating. First she lost my work, then she tried to convince me I hadn't made the piece, and finally when she found it she didn't even apologise. She said the studio isn't interested in membership from ceramicists who wish to develop their skills and sell their work, and when I mentioned wishing to make tiles, she started causing issues in relation to clay usage and firing flat objects, which had never been a problem before as they fire plates, saucers, and butter dishes all the time. This is clearly a vanity business, which won't be around for long. There are far more professional studios where you can invest your time and money. Hugely...