What We Do

Mad Hatters Pottery Painting Café celebrates the ongoing permanent 'tea party' atmosphere and the fun, creative nature that our studios provide.

Anyone can do it and everyone can have a go - but be warned it is addictive!

Our independent pottery painting cafés in Tilehurst and Arborfield are a family run affair; an eclectic mix of baristas, art students, nursery nurses, (the world’s favourite) airline staff, fashion students, interior design students, Psychology OU student, graphic designers, website professionals, parents, (their slightly embarrassed kids) and a mum of young twins to name a few.

We're a welcoming lot, so if you have any questions about your visit, please see our FAQ's page or contact us directly and we'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Coffee shop

We really do pride ourselves in our coffee and in particular our ethically sourced coffee beans, Fairtrade hot chocolate and incredible selection of speciality teas, served to you by barista trained staff to rival any high street or artisan coffee house.

We also offer a selection of hand-made and locally produced cakes (but be quick - they sell out fast!), traybakes and other sweet goodies.

Arborfield Menu

Tilehurst Menu

Birthday parties

View Party Packages

Minimum of 10 children for each party package

Book a birthday party at Mad Hatters

Guaranteed fun for everyone and rest assured, we clean up ALL the mess – Enjoy making memories and treasured keepsakes with a no stress, hassle-free, creative, celebration!

We provide:

Fully loaded painting tables with all the equipment needed within easy reach
A golden, sparkling crown (to take home) for the birthday child
Tableware, cups, plates and serving dishes for food
Bottomless jugs of low sugar squash (both Orange and Blackcurrant) and iced water
A wide choice of ceramic items for the children to paint form any party package
Use of paint, stencils, sponges and decorating tools
Helpful staff on hand for top tips, naming and labelling pottery and correcting any slip ups
Glazing and firing of all pottery (which will normally be ready for collection within 7 to 10 days)
We endeavour to only book one birthday party into the studio at any given time so that your child feels very special
Our staff will be on hand at all times to supervise and help the artists – including a dedicated party host
A £50 deposit will secure your time and date on booking which will come off the final bill on the day.
Minimum 10 children for any party package.

Make a memory

Capture your child’s hand or footprints to create a lasting memory.

Our friendly staff are on hand to help, ensuring that you and baby have a completely stress-free experience.

Why not embellish your piece by adding a name, birth weight or date to create a lasting memento for yourself, friends or family?

Please tell us if you will require help with hand prints at time of booking - booking is essential.

Pimp my pottery

If you're not feeling confident (we've often heard people say 'I'm not arty'), you have a more complicated design in mind or you simply need a hand with the finishing touches, then use the Pimp my Pottery service to help create the perfect piece.

Only £6 for 15 minutes.

Please speak to a member of staff for further details.

Friday with friends

Join us for our very popular 'Friday With Friends' - our adult only evenings at Mad Hatters Pottery Painting Café (Tilehurst only). A brilliant and different way to spend a night out with friends, date night or just a catch up with the girls.

Held on selected Friday nights throughout the year, they run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. The café is open for soft drinks, coffees and snacks, but you are welcome to bring your own wine, beer or bubbles! Please note we only permit alcohol in the studio at these adult only, evening events.

These events book up VERY fast. Be sure to check our Facebook page for the next events.

Please call the Tilehurst studio on 01183 272022 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday to book.. A deposit of £15 per head is required at time of booking and is redeemable on the night against any purchases.

Please find our current dates below:
- 19th & 26th of April - BOTH FULLY BOOKED
- 10th (90's Night) - FULLY BOOKED & 24th of May
- 7th & 21st of June

- Saturday 15th (Our very first PRIDE event) of June

- 5th (This ain't Texas Night) & 19th (Murder Mystery Night) of July

- 16th of August
- 6th & 20th of September

- 4th (Old Hollywood Night) & 18th of October

- 8th & 15th (Movies Night) of November

- 22nd & 29th (Out of this World Night) of November

- 6th & 13th (All out Christmas Night) of December

Mobile and
takeaway sets

If you can't come to the studio, let the studio come to you!

We run workshops within schools (term-time and holiday clubs), businesses and organisations. Minimum 2 hours with 20 people.

If you just fancy having a go at home or you're looking for a new hobby, why not try our takeaway boxes, which come with everything you need to paint your own pottery at your leisure.

Corporate events
and private hire

Fun, informal and relaxing team building sessions for your business at Mad Hatters. Choose a theme and let us create a bespoke event and a memorable day for you and your team.

We are delighted to arrange tailor-made sessions for groups, celebrations and clubs. From 18th-80th birthday parties, hen parties, afternoon tea for Great Granny or Beavers, Brownies, Cubs and Guides, pottery painting is the perfect activity to do in a group!

What we Do