"The Pottery Tearooms on the fringes of nondescript Alfreton in Derbyshire has to be one of the town’s most pleasant spots for coffee, morning or afternoon tea, or a light lunch! We’ve walked and driven past it many times, but only ventured in today for the first time, for a warming coffee on a very chilly frosty morning. What a delightful spot: a bright, spacious and warm tearoom, with a variety of seating areas. There’s nicely spaced tables and chairs, a very homely lounge area with comfortable chairs and sofa, and for the warmer weather, a lovely outside area. The tearoom is a part of a potter’s studio; there was a pottery class taking place in the studio, and the tearoom itself serves as a delightful gallery for the pottery produced in the studio. There were shelves stocked with interesting pieces for purchase, though it all fitted nicely into the overall decor of the tearoom, rather than being a ‘hard sell’ addition to it. Indeed, all the crockery used in the tearoom is produced in the studio. We were warmly welcomed by the hostess; her care of all guests was exemplary (even for a little one, for whom she fetched a high chair, some paper and painting materials and a protective smock). The barista style coffee was excellent; the espresso came (appropriately) in a tiny cup made in the pottery studio. And whilst we didn’t eat, there was a delicious range of cakes, slices, scones and light meals (sandwiches, jacket potatoes and the like) available, along with a very impressive range of exotic tea blends. And for only £3.50 for two well-made coffees, it was a bargain. The tearoom is on the corner of Nottingham Road and Whycliffe Road’ opposite the entrance to Lidl. You’d probably be able to park on Whycliffe Road. It’s worth a visit, and provides a pleasant alternative to some of the nondescript and large chain cafes in Alfreton’s town centre. We’ll definitely be back to explore its food options a little further,"
