Mull Pottery

Mull Pottery, Showing the Café/Bistro Balcony

The last couple of miles of the road from Salen north into Tobermory is one of Mull's two twin-track stretches of road, and it tends to make the approach to the island's capital more relaxing than most of the single-track driving on the island. But if you relax too much it is easy to overlook Mull Pottery on a small business estate to the left of the main road as you come into the edge of the village.

Café/Bistro Above Shop & Pottery The Shop The Pottery ...And the Finished Products

Mull Pottery was established a quarter of a century ago in premises on Tobermory's Main Street, overlooking the harbour. Their shop there still exists, but the main centre of operations has moved to the newer building on the outskirts. From a visitor's point of view this has the added advantages of combining the pottery, a gallery and an excellent Café/Bistro: making it well worth a visit in its own right.

The pottery made here is all hand thrown, making each piece unique. Mull Pottery make its own glazes and use a recipe for their clay which was developed in 1982 using white stoneware porcelain. Firing happens at the very high temperature of 1290°C and the end result is very sturdy, allowing the entire range to be used in microwaves, ovens, freezers and dishwashers.

Exterior, Beyond Island Blue Shop

Outside Seating

Artworks on Show

Visitors to the pottery can see the pieces being made through large internal windows from the gallery: while nearer at hand they can also browse the full range of finished products, plus a selection of seconds at bargain prices, and a range of other Scottish craftspeople’s and artists' work. Items on show and for sale include ceramics, turned wood, glass, stone, original paintings and limited edition prints of local and Scottish landscapes.

The mezzanine-level Café/Bistro is licensed and the food is served on pottery tableware produced on the premises. The food makes use of the best of local produce, and Costa coffee is available. Specialities include home-made soups and home baking, while hot food is served all day. The evening Bistro combines traditional and adventurous meals with local seafood, game and farm produce.

Café/Bistro Interior