The Pottery Shed opens in Haverhill Gloucester Road

The Pottery Shed, which had been based in owner Naomi Sharrod's Great Thurlow garden for the last 16 months, officially opened in Gloucester Road on Saturday.

Ms Sharrod, a mum-of-four who also owns Thurlow Garage with her husband, said the family started pottery painting during lockdown as a way to keep calm, before it eventually evolved into a business.

The Pottery Shed in Gloucester Road (Image: Naomi Sharrod)

"This was our way of switching off," she said.

"We had four children at home we were attempting to home-school. Then, when lockdown was lifted and we could mingle, we had friends and family round to join in.

"For the last 16 months we have run from a small studio in our garden which could only sit eight. We couldn't cater for birthdays, babies and larger groups.

"With so much demand and interest we have moved to bigger premises. Here we are - we can now seat 26!" 

The former Pottery Shed in Ms Sharrod's garden (Image: Naomi Sharrod)

The new shop opened on Saturday, October 28, and Ms Sharrod is now taking bookings for painting sessions as well as private events. 

"It's absolutely terrifying," said Ms Sharrod.

"My aim with the whole venture is to make it affordable. As a mum of four taking the children out was so expensive. So we are trying to bring people together as affordably as possible.

Inside the new shop (Image: Naomi Sharrod)

"Our prices for pottery painting starts at just £5. We can offer tea and coffee and cakes. We found it helped us switch off from the outside world whilst having something to be proud of after firing."

The Pottery Shed is open at 5 Gloucester Road from Tuesday to Saturday, with Sunday reserved for private bookings.