Why Starnhill Studio in Bingham is the perfect pottery retreat
Why Starnhill Studio in Bingham is the perfect pottery retreat
We roll up our sleeves and head down to this rustic and relaxing retreat...
One of the things we love the most about Nottinghamshire is the sheer amount of opportunities there are to get creative. Starnhill Studio in Bingham is a brilliant place to do pottery and take a mindful few hours.
It’s run by the fantastic Lynda Lamin, who was able to finally carry out her dream and bring it fully to life on the outskirts of the Vale of Belvoir. We popped over there, chatted to her, and even picked up a paintbrush ourselves.
Why Starnhill Studio in Bingham is the perfect pottery retreat
By Eve Smallman
I’ve never thought of myself as much of a painter. I’m a creative person, but I’m also a person who is constantly on the go and rushing to the next thing. I find it hard to just switch off, sit down, and take proper time for myself.
But when I’m sat in Starnhill Studio, brushing tiny strokes onto my mug and letting the hours slip by, I feel utterly at peace.
Set in the countryside of Bingham — just a 25-minute drive away from Nottingham city centre — it’s a dreamy, breezy spot to escape to.
“We like to make it as calm and relaxing as possible, so we make sure people are guaranteed their table for two hours,” explains owner Lynda Lamin.
“I think our record is someone staying here eight and a half hours,” she smiles. “They probably did about three or four pieces in that time, and just loved it so much they didn't want to go home.”
Finding a place to call home in pottery is something Lynda can certainly relate to. After being in IT, 20 years ago she set up The Pottery Painting Cafe in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, to bring her lifelong passion to life. “But in my naivety, I realised after opening it that I needed to be in it on weekends, school holidays, and after school, meaning I ended up seeing my children less,” she says.
Because of this, she sold up shop and returned to IT. That was until the pandemic provided her with an opportunity to start up her pottery kiln flames again, right on the farm where she lives.
“It was a lockdown idea — I had time on my hands and knew how much I loved running the business before,” she explains. “We had this empty building we’re now running it in, renovated it, and opened it up as restrictions were lifted.”
You’d never know the building was anything but a buzzing pottery community. It’s open and spacious, with gorgeous wooden beams and bright open windows lighting up colourful shelves and tables. Every one of them is crammed with friends and families chatting away as they master their crafts.
“The highlight for me is the amazing reactions we've had from people. As much as I think it’s a lovely, welcoming environment, it’s nice to get that feedback all the time that people just love coming in,” Lynda tells me.
She estimates around 75% of its customers now are returning. When I arrive, there’s a real mix of people — families with children, couples on dates, friends clustered around with cups of tea.
The process of choosing your pottery is probably the hardest part of the process. “We let people take their time and choose which piece of pottery they want to paint after being shown to their tables,” Lynda says.
“We currently have over 560 different pieces of pottery to choose from, so it can take people a while,” she grins.
From here, you can sit down, select all the colours you like, and get to work. They helpfully explain everything you need to know, so even a pure novice like me was able to get the hang of things quickly.
You can just go for a couple of paintbrushes or even dabble in special stencils and sponges if you’re feeling a little artsy.
While you work, you can also dive into a quality cup of 200 Degrees Coffee (one of our favourite places to grab a delicious cup of coffee in Nottingham), tea, and even a slice of locally-made cake by Baked by Mimi.
Most of our party go for mugs, but there is a huge array to choose from. Adorable animal figures, jewellery boxes, and dinnerware are just a few of the options.
My partner’s dad even picked up the most adorable caravan salt and pepper set, showing it’s possible to find something that will entice just about anyone.
After you’ve finished, the Starnhill team simply gathers up your wares and you wait a week to collect them. Just like The Great Pottery Throw Down, they have to be dipped in glaze and fired up — in fact, when I start chatting with Lynda, I find her elbows deep in it herself.
When you’re painting, the paints are all a muted shade, so it isn’t until they’re all glossy that you truly see how wonderful your handiwork is. Unravelling the bright tissue paper and having a grand reveal (again, like the Throwdown) is a really fun surprise.
As a very amateur painter, I was amazed that even my wobbly lines were able to come up well. It felt very rewarding and I’ve absolutely got the itch to head down and soothe my stresses with paint strokes again.
If you’re thinking about heading down, the warmer seasons are ideal for doing so (although I can imagine it’s a cosy activity in cooler ones, too).
Lynda says, “We’re one of the few pottery studios that has outside seating, which if it’s a glorious day, it’s just beautiful to sit out in, looking out over the countryside, and sitting and painting.”
Regardless of when you go, Lynda does advise that it’s a good idea to book in advance, as they get very busy. “That being said, people are welcome anytime to come and have a look,” she finishes by saying.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a few hours — whether you’re by yourself and wish to unwind, have little ones to entertain, or even have a large group who are up for something new — Starnhill Studio is the perfect mindful retreat and treat.