Jack Rabbit

Ages ago, perhaps almost a lifetime, my Mum, friends and I went to this adorable café in Ilkley and bought some ceramics, some coffee, and spent the afternoon painting them. It was amazing and I remember wondering why there weren’t more establishments like that. Who doesn’t want to while away the time with good company and creativity?
Lo and behold, over five years later, someone finally decided to do just that and open this wonderful little place in Oakwood. I’ve given it all away at once: it’s a cute, delightful space to go and grab a bite, a decent cuppa, and choose to spend the afternoon painting a piece of pottery.
What I particularly love about this café is the range — it’s almost as if they saw what was going on in Ilkley and decided to 1up everything. The choice of pottery is vast, covering cups, mugs, teapots, piggy banks, and all kinds of decorative items. The range of drinks covers a decent coffee, a number of herbal and interesting teas, some very, very tempting hot chocolates, and all sorts of soft drinks too. It’s roughly a few quid per refreshment, so the prices are standard.
Kids are, obviously, welcome here and the prices to buy and paint are reasonable — especially given that it offers something unique to do and you walk away with your own masterpiece. (Okay, they have to fire it first, but a few days later you can collect the fruits of your labour.)
The space itself is bright, creatively decorated, and the ladies who run it are clearly passionate. They’re so friendly! My visit was for Clandestine Cake Club, so not the usual opening times, but you could sense how much they care about their business. I’ve not had a chance to go back but since my Mum’s in town this weekend I’ve an idea of where I’ll suggest we go…
Essentially, pay them a visit. They’re right lovely.