One of my favourite ways to relax with my daughter is to do some simple crafts. As she gets older, it is becoming a way to create time to talk and give her a chance to share thoughts, ideas and news about her activity groups and nursery. It gives us a mindful moment in one another’s presence and allows us to be actively calm.
I came across Chiki Ceramiki in Milton Keynes when I googled Pottery Cafes near Aylesbury. The one that I had previously been to has closed its doors, so I was on the hunt for a family-friendly alternative.
We found this colourful pottery cafe to meet up with my daughter’s Godmum, grab a drink and relax. The bonus of a pottery cafe, is usually that you can purchase a drink and snack alongside painting your chosen piece of pottery.
Chiki Ceramiki serves a tab service that you can add your drinks and snacks on, as you paint and pay at the end with your pottery. That’s a lovely touch, as it allows you to hop up and order a drink to come straight to your table, while you carry on painting. They had great hot choc, ice cream milkshakes for kids and a modest selection of snacks, such as biscuits. If you are looking for things like toast or fruit or meals for your little ones, it is best to plan that before and after and then treat them to a delicious treat at the cafe.
The venue was lovely and clean and there is a good-sized toilet, with disabled access and a baby change. A very important tip is that it is best to book your table ahead of time and to remember that they are closed on Sundays. However, on all other days of the week, they are open 10-4 pm. Parking is right outside and also free! A good easy location just makes it a more valuable experience.
We enjoyed meeting Dawn, who runs Chiki Ceramiki and she allocated a private table for us and allowed us to take our time choosing which pottery piece we wanted to paint. I chose a heart-shaped box and my daughter, a dinosaur ornament. There was a great variety of pottery choices and each was at a different price, ranging from £8 upwards. They also do pet paw prints and hand and footprints. Once, your piece of pottery is chosen, you are given a simple guide to the colours and given paint brushes and sponges. Then all you need to do is paint! Pottery pieces then are kept at the counter, ready to be fired in the kiln. Chiki Ceramiki then will contact you when your ceramics are ready; usually between 7-10 days. I really appreciated their customer care in using a food-safe glaze and non-toxic paint.
I recommend Chiki Ceramiki on those days where you need to kick back, spend quality time with friends and your kids, as well a good place for play dates. A good all-weather venue for you and your families!
