Southport town centre has welcomed a unique addition to its high street with the official launch of the town’s very first combined pottery painting and pizza parlour.
Clay & Crust has now opened its doors in the former Fuego’s restaurant building at 3-5 Stanley Street, Southport town centre, PR9 0BY.
This exciting new venture will be open seven days a week, offering families and people of all ages the opportunity to call in and paint pottery while enjoying something delicious to eat or drink.
Clay & Crust will also be offering pottery parties, dropping pottery off at people’s homes where children (or adults) can paint away before taking them back into the venue to be fired and completed.
It has taken a lot of work by Joe and friend Kyle Hendry to transform the empty restaurant into a brand new creative space for people of all ages.
Bringing Wholesome Mindful Entertainment and Authentic Pizzas to Stanley Street
The vision for Clay & Crust is being led by Joe Bolger, who has a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry at venues across the North West.
Joe said:
“We are now open!
“We would love you to come down. We are on Stanley Street in Southport. Come down, eat some pizzas, paint some pottery, have a great time, you are all welcome, see you soon.
“To celebrate the start of something special, we’re treating you to a little extra creativity!
“From, Friday 5th June 2026, until Monday 8th June 2026, your £3.50 studio fee is included when you come and paint pottery with us at Clay & Crust!
“Whether you’re planning a catch-up with friends, a family outing, a date night, or some well-deserved creative time for yourself, there’s never been a better time to visit.
“Choose your pottery, get creative, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and save on your studio fee while you do it!”
Interested guests can secure their tables using the ResDiary Widget link here.
Joe added:
“People say it’s harder when you open than when you’re building, but I feel the opposite! It feels fantastic to be open.
“We have had lots of bookings from people already, and lots of superb feedback from people who have been in to see it.
“We’ve had lots of support from our neighbours too including Beauty Beyond Belief, The Oast House, Lilibets and The Shamraat. It has been a massive undertaking to get open with some unforeseen challenges along the way but we’ve got here!
“It has been worth it. The reception we’ve had from people has been fantastic. There is something for everyone here whether it’s family days out, friends getting together and painting some pottery, painting parties, and more.
“Lots of hen-dos, baby showers and birthday parties these days love to do something creative and mindful rather than just going out drinking, and this is the perfect place to do it. It’s great for date nights or days or nights out with friends.
“Clay & Crust is suitable for any occasion! It really does cater for everyone. It is somewhere where you can come and sit down, paint some pottery and order pizza as and when you like it.
“It is very laid back, relaxed and informal.
“This is a very creative place. Lots of people are now looking into doing more wholesome and mindful activities.
“It allows you to catch up with your friends while enjoying an activity together rather than just going out.
“Some people say that sitting and painting pottery reminds them of childhood. It’s a real shared experience.
“Plus, you get a great and unique souvenir at the end of it!
“We hope people like our pizzas! We have our pizza over installed, and a great selection on the menu.
“You’ll be able to sit and order some delicious pizza, small plates, antipasti and more, plus hot and cold drinks.
“Look out for some exciting events coming up on our website and our social media pages too.
“We’ll have Daddy and Daughter Nights, where blokes come in and bring their daughters; I love bringing people together.
“We’re looking to put on theme nights, singalongs, and host events that are really fun.
“We can also come to you for anyone who wants to host pottery parties at home.”
Continuing a Multigenerational Family Investment in the Heart of Southport
For Joe, opening Clay & Crust is a continuation of his family’s long and successful investment in Southport.
He explained:
“My Dad, Steven Bolger, ran the popular Le Frog restaurant in Southport, and also the Cafe Bar in Ormskirk. My brother, Daniel Bolger, owns Penelope’s restaurant in Southport, Emily’s restaurant in Formby and Ghetto Golf in Liverpool city centre.
“I have worked in hospitality since I was 14 or 15 years old. My first ever job was working in a pottery painting studio, so my life’s now come full circle!
“When this site became available, I felt it was divine intervention and I decided to come in and give Clay & Crust a go. I think it’s going to be a brilliant new addition for Southport.”
For more details about Clay & Crust follow latest updates on their Instagram page here.
