Emily's Paint A Pot
Emily's Paint A Pot
4.5
Paint & Pottery Studios
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
30 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
8
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Louise G
1 contribution
Sep 2016 • Family
I've recently had a couple of pieces made by Emily- a set of clay handprints and a framed foot casting, and for both, I was absolutely thrilled with how amazing the finished product looked- they are keepsakes I'll treasure forever. Thank you very much- I can't wait for my next visit!
Written September 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lorna P
7 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
We brought our daughter and her 2 children to paint pots.
There was a lot of choice, but the pots were very expensive.
Our grandson painted a car, and we left it to be glazed and fired. It looked great when I collected it the next week.
My daughter painted a fab heart plate.
It looked amazing.
We had a good time, but felt we did not have enough help initially as the lady was busy elsewhere.
You can get a drink while you are there, which is a bonus.
It was a good hour and a half.
Thank you.
There was a lot of choice, but the pots were very expensive.
Our grandson painted a car, and we left it to be glazed and fired. It looked great when I collected it the next week.
My daughter painted a fab heart plate.
It looked amazing.
We had a good time, but felt we did not have enough help initially as the lady was busy elsewhere.
You can get a drink while you are there, which is a bonus.
It was a good hour and a half.
Thank you.
Written June 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LJT
Rossendale, UK42 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
Brought my 2 boys here aged 5 and 7 after booking a session online (3 people at £2 each). Easy to find and parked on a side road round the back.
On arrival, Emily greeted us and got us set up with paints etc and we set off choosing pots & putting aprons on. The boys don't normally sit for too long but they were quickly engrossed in their work.
I think the pot prices are fair & incorporate the work which is put into them once customers leave. As it was quiet when we were there we were able to ask Emily lots of questions. The pots are air dried first and then glazed to make them shiny, then put in the kiln to fire. This all takes time and as someone who likes to make things myself, it can often go unappreciated by those who have no idea of the time and care these things take.
The boys managed 2 pots each during their session choosing different methods and spent a bit of time exploring & asking questions about the process, the kiln and the other activities such as slime, which Emily will be introducing soon.
Emilys approach with us was hands off as the boys were clearly getting stuck in but she was there to guide and support as needed.
The facilities were clean, nicely decorated with examples of the craft work everywhere (great for ideas).
We will definitely be back as the boys have come home really excited to tell their Dad what they did.
Thank You!
On arrival, Emily greeted us and got us set up with paints etc and we set off choosing pots & putting aprons on. The boys don't normally sit for too long but they were quickly engrossed in their work.
I think the pot prices are fair & incorporate the work which is put into them once customers leave. As it was quiet when we were there we were able to ask Emily lots of questions. The pots are air dried first and then glazed to make them shiny, then put in the kiln to fire. This all takes time and as someone who likes to make things myself, it can often go unappreciated by those who have no idea of the time and care these things take.
The boys managed 2 pots each during their session choosing different methods and spent a bit of time exploring & asking questions about the process, the kiln and the other activities such as slime, which Emily will be introducing soon.
Emilys approach with us was hands off as the boys were clearly getting stuck in but she was there to guide and support as needed.
The facilities were clean, nicely decorated with examples of the craft work everywhere (great for ideas).
We will definitely be back as the boys have come home really excited to tell their Dad what they did.
Thank You!
Written January 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Flipineck
UK124 contributions
May 2016 • Family
The idea behind this business is simplicity itself; people, and children especially, buy un-painted, un-glazed pottery piece and spend 90 minutes decorating it. The business provides the paints, protective clothing and fires the decorated piece that can be collected a week later.
Basic refreshments are sold and that's about it. Nothing to write home about but nothing too much to complain about either.
The decor's aimed at the younger visitor who won't notice or care that the woodwork is pretty rough and poorly finished and the toilets, such as they are for up to 20 or more children and adults, are at the top of extremely steep stairs.
What is disappointing is that they slap a surcharge on credit card payments. VISA signs are all over the door and front window but not a mention about a surcharge. When I commented to the assistant she silently pointed at a poorly scribbled note sellotaped to the till, no apology, no explanation except 'that's what we get charged.. I suggested to her that did not constitute 'advance notice'.
It's disappointing because our memory of the experience wasn't the children's delight or pride in their work but the shoddy, underhand addition of a surcharge just because we don't want to carry £30 in spare cash around north Manchester. Were it not for the surcharge it would have earned at least another star.
Basic refreshments are sold and that's about it. Nothing to write home about but nothing too much to complain about either.
The decor's aimed at the younger visitor who won't notice or care that the woodwork is pretty rough and poorly finished and the toilets, such as they are for up to 20 or more children and adults, are at the top of extremely steep stairs.
What is disappointing is that they slap a surcharge on credit card payments. VISA signs are all over the door and front window but not a mention about a surcharge. When I commented to the assistant she silently pointed at a poorly scribbled note sellotaped to the till, no apology, no explanation except 'that's what we get charged.. I suggested to her that did not constitute 'advance notice'.
It's disappointing because our memory of the experience wasn't the children's delight or pride in their work but the shoddy, underhand addition of a surcharge just because we don't want to carry £30 in spare cash around north Manchester. Were it not for the surcharge it would have earned at least another star.
Written June 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Flipineck
I am sorry our woodwork and credit card charge spoiled your experience, as when I came over to ask if you were having a good time you seemed very happy. I remember this as I was shocked to find my member of staff in the back crying once you had left due to the manner in which you spoke to her about the credit card fee.
The credit card fee is only 2%, and for clarity, we do not make any profit from this, as this is the fee that is charged to us by the card machine providers. As you are aware we accept debit cards also and no fee is incurred for using them, although I really wouldn't like to guess whether or not you would be happy carrying around a debit card in "north Manchester". Most customers are usually delighted that we accept cards as many small businesses do not.
With regards to our decor I am sorry its is not to your taste but as you point out it is a child's establishment and we put safety gates on stairs (made from wood) for this reason.
Emily
Written September 5, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Becci C
Kearsley, UK14 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
I am really upset with the result of my visit here. I did a clay hand print on a special date, only to find that my daughter's name had been spelt wrong. I was told that they were ordering a special tool so that it could be corrected. Well I hope they didn't pay a lot for this tool because it basically looks like they just scratched out the first bit and wrote over the top. To make things worse her name has a 'y' in it so there's an obvious scratched out groove where the y used to be and has been moved along to make space for the missing letter.
I asked if they would try again, but scratch out the whole name and re-write it all, so that it was at least all in a groove. They said no. I was offered a refund or a new pot. Neither is any use to me. The date I wanted it on has now passed, and I'm hardly going to accept a refund and let them throw something so sentimental in the bin! They also said if I took it elsewhere to see if it could be fixed, I couldn't then take it back at a later date if I was told nothing could be done.
I've found a lovely lady elsewhere who is willing to try and fix it for me, but she doesn't usually use that type of clay so I'm just hoping it goes ok. All this could have been avoided if she hadn't been rushing and paid proper care and attention when writing the name on.
I think the least they could have done was shown a bit of appreciation to how much these things matter to people and tried properly to rectify their mistake. Needless to say I won't be going back.
On a side note I also think it's ridiculous that they charge for tap water!!
And I would echo the comments of a previous reviewer, I found Emily herself very unfriendly. The other girl was nice enough, and I felt sorry for her having to deal with the upset from her bosses mistake.
I asked if they would try again, but scratch out the whole name and re-write it all, so that it was at least all in a groove. They said no. I was offered a refund or a new pot. Neither is any use to me. The date I wanted it on has now passed, and I'm hardly going to accept a refund and let them throw something so sentimental in the bin! They also said if I took it elsewhere to see if it could be fixed, I couldn't then take it back at a later date if I was told nothing could be done.
I've found a lovely lady elsewhere who is willing to try and fix it for me, but she doesn't usually use that type of clay so I'm just hoping it goes ok. All this could have been avoided if she hadn't been rushing and paid proper care and attention when writing the name on.
I think the least they could have done was shown a bit of appreciation to how much these things matter to people and tried properly to rectify their mistake. Needless to say I won't be going back.
On a side note I also think it's ridiculous that they charge for tap water!!
And I would echo the comments of a previous reviewer, I found Emily herself very unfriendly. The other girl was nice enough, and I felt sorry for her having to deal with the upset from her bosses mistake.
Written January 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Becci,
I have already responded to you on Facebook, but I will respond again.
You have been in my shop twice, the first time you gave me a 5 star review and commented on how friendly I was.
I have evidence to show anyone that would like to see, that the name was spelt wrong on the form for the clay imprint. Please do not accuse me of rushing clay imprints as I take so much care and pride in my work, and you have no evidence to suggest that I 'rush' anything.
Your imprint could have easily been fixed, however you did not like the style of the M and this therefore meant lots of alterations to be made. I offered to do you a new imprint from scratch which you refused, so I ordered a tool at a cost of £35, you had only paid £25 for your imprint but I wanted it to be right for you.
Once repaired you still did not like it due to a small indent, I again offered to do a new one which you refused. You simply wanted to keep the imprint along with a full refund, please be aware I am not the only shop that would refuse this, its is not common practice to return an item, get a refund and ask to keep the item.
Your own mother said that you were 'being fussy' when she came to collect and that she felt there wasn't anything wrong with it.
I went out of my way making you comfortable in my shop, allowing you to bring in your own food from another premises for your elderly mother. I was somewhat surprised when she returned with what can only be described as a picnic for you all including drinks (which we sell)! Despite this I said nothing.
Finally serving tap water is not free to me, I pay for the overheads and the staff to serve it, I am a small business and need to cover my costs. I do find it odd that you feel the need to review about this given that I allowed you to drink your own drinks in my shop.
Good luck to the lady you have found to 'repair' your imprint.
Written January 13, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeanie T
Manchester, UK25 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
Brought my 5 yr old son here along with my 1 yr old during half term. I live locally and have drove past many times with the aim of trying it out as I'd heard good reviews from colleagues who had visited with their children. Now granted I had not booked and I can appreciate it was quite busy at the time, but given I was a new customer there who did not know the ropes, the reception I felt I got from staff was not particularly welcoming or helpful.
After being advised by a staff member that I should have booked (in a rather unfriendly manner), I asked if it would be better to come back another time but was told to hang on as they would see if they could fit us in upstairs. We were then just left to our own devices which is fine as we were able to look around and choose the style of pot we wished to paint.
(Be mindful that the prices are not particularly cheap depending on what your child wants to paint).
When we were eventually taken upstairs, I had to ask the assistant to explain the process as she was all for just sitting us down at the table and rushing off.
All in all it was a disappointing experience based on the customer service, and I do appreciate it is a small establishment and that staff may have felt stretched that day, but had I known I had to book, I would have done, and would rather have been asked to book for another day and receive the customer service that I'm sure they would normally provide, rather than leave feeling a little compromised and in no hurry to go back.
Such a shame as it is on my doorstep.
After being advised by a staff member that I should have booked (in a rather unfriendly manner), I asked if it would be better to come back another time but was told to hang on as they would see if they could fit us in upstairs. We were then just left to our own devices which is fine as we were able to look around and choose the style of pot we wished to paint.
(Be mindful that the prices are not particularly cheap depending on what your child wants to paint).
When we were eventually taken upstairs, I had to ask the assistant to explain the process as she was all for just sitting us down at the table and rushing off.
All in all it was a disappointing experience based on the customer service, and I do appreciate it is a small establishment and that staff may have felt stretched that day, but had I known I had to book, I would have done, and would rather have been asked to book for another day and receive the customer service that I'm sure they would normally provide, rather than leave feeling a little compromised and in no hurry to go back.
Such a shame as it is on my doorstep.
Written June 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Jeanie
I am sorry you did not enjoy your experience with us.
It is on our website and social media that we recommend to book during school holidays as we do get very busy and do not like to turn children away. It was with the best intentions not to turn you away and disappoint your child, however in hindsight we should have done this and then perhaps would not be responding to this disappointing review.
We give customers time to choose pots at their leisure and to browse our prices without standing over them. Our standard procedure is to explain to all customers no matter how busy we are how the paints work, perhaps the member of staff was just popping to get you a pallet or some brushes, as you would have certainly received an explanation as to how things work.
We are one of the more affordable studios and do not charge a studio fee which is commonplace for ceramic painting studios.
Emily
Written September 5, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ScoobyDoo5
United Kingdom107 contributions
Oct 2019
We visited the Manchester City Centre store in the Arndale Centre. The place is clean and tidy. Have been in Next many times and didn’t even know it was there. The paint brushes are a bit old but other than that the painting itself was fine and the kids enjoyed it. I would recommend to the Owner that rather than sitting on her laptop it would be a good idea to talk to customers when she is there.
Written October 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I wouldn’t have a business if I stood and talked to customers all day, but thanks for the advice.
I employe staff to talk to customers and ensure they are having a nice experience.
I wonder if you have left next a 3 star review because the CEO didn’t talk to you when you visited...?!
Emily
Written October 25, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dawn A
Buxton, UK17 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
We needed an activity for a hen group with older members in and this fit the bill. Everyone had a good time, were pleased with what they had decorated and we had the separate room in the arndale shop which was good because the shop was full of children with it being a Saturday. This had been decorated for us and we had drinks in there so we had a laugh. My only comment was we didn't see staff after the initial greeting which meant we weren't sure what happened about the firing etc until someone went to ask. it was very busy in the shop understandably. Just felt they could have been more visible with such a big group that's all.
Written October 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PezTabor
Manchester, UK1 contribution
Aug 2016 • Family
I took my two daughters - 5 and 3, and we all had a wonderful time. We spent a good few hours there. They loved the choice of things to paint and they have already told me exactly what they want to do next time we go. The staff were all very helpful and welcoming. There was a nice buzz in the place of everyone enjoying themselves. We will definitely be going again!
Written September 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard_GBr
1 contribution
Sep 2016 • Family
I have visited Emily's a number of times with my two toddlers and each time we have a brilliant experience. The staff are fantastic with the kids - very helpful and encouraging and full of ideas - and the coffee and cakes are good for the adults! For the same price as a visit to a petting farm or fairground the little ones have a really special day out and a souvenir they love. On the last visit we even got a free pot to paint thanks to their loyalty card. Very lucky to have this in Prestwich.
Written September 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michaela A
Prestwich, UK
It seems that the answers to thcome negative feedback is just excuses. Most of her excuses are "it says on our website" "it says on our social media" "our prices are fair"
1- I asked the staff for new paintbrushes they said they have none.
I asked for a ruler and a pencil they had none so please don't make out on here that you do offer more.
2 - I have been to at least 4 other paint pottery places in manchester all which are cheaper with plenty more choise of pots- maybe all your pots weren't out but your staff said they were.
3- the steps are extremely steep, I didn't think this would concern people but I can understand people commenting on it. Maybe just apologise and not mak excuses.
4- I have been twice and all the staff have been friendly except for one who I now assume is Emily who is also commenting on this post.
5- you are also one of the only places that throw out people pottery if they don't collect after a week.
EmilysPaintAPot
38 contributions
I have already answered your review so I'm not going to repeat myself and waste my time, although if we are so bad I'm amazed you visited us twice.
One thing I will mention is that we DO NOT throw pots away after 1 week and that is slander. I am going to ask my solicitor to contact trip advisor regarding this to have you and your 'review' removed.
