Devon

Love China Blue, it’s a really lovely atmosphere with a great cafe. Have been several times over the years . We had a 30th Birthday party there a couple of years ago. Did some therapeutic painting and ate some delicious food. Can’t wait to go back

The location and food all looks amazing, so much colour and variety. The location looks chic, old but fresh and contempary. The china painting looks great fun and would be an amazing experiance.

I love going to China Blue it’s so inspiring, I used to do China painting years ago in Stoke on Trent so it would be lovely to have a go again!

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-afternoontea-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32575" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-afternoontea-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-afternoontea-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-afternoontea-1-375x500.jpg 375w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-afternoontea-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-afternoontea-1-394x525.jpg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Muddy has just returned from stuffing myself silly on the new Afternoon Tea offering at the Wild Thyme Deli &amp; Kitchen in Totnes and I can tell you it is fabulous fun &#8211; a whimsical afternoon which starts with a giant golden bird covered in goodies and ends with barely being able to move on a Chesterfield.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-cake.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32296" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-cake.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-cake-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-cake-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-cake-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



It&#8217;s all to celebrate the hip new menu where they&#8217;ve brought in two new chefs, both female foodies, with a love of local and a lotta talent. 



Tori the pastry chef knows how to rustle up a Devon scone, I can tell you, as plump and cream as a housemaid&#8217;s forearm, sprinkled with icing sugar and guess the secret ingredient? Go on then, I&#8217;m sure she won&#8217;t mind me letting you in on the secret &#8211; niblets of white chocolate. Amazeballs!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE LOCATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="992" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-exterior.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-32291" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-exterior.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-exterior-300x298.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-exterior-504x500.jpeg 504w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-exterior-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/wild-thyme-exterior-768x762.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



This is the cafe in the the south-west&#8217;s largest ceramic pottery painting centre, China Blue, tucked inside the iconic blue and pink building on Station Road, just round the corner from Totnes High Street.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6322.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32601" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6322.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6322-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6322-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6322-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6322-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Eclectic and quirky. The two-storey building houses the pottery painting, including an upstairs studio, along with an Aladdin&#8217;s cave of gifts, homeware and their own brand ceramics. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6316.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32600" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6316.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6316-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6316-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6316-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6316-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



It&#8217;s got a slight garden centre vibe, only far more characterful and with a family-run feel, thanks to colourful industrial-chic furniture, hanging plants, lanterns, and bits and bobs which have you craning your neck to take in all the details. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6314.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32599" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6314.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6314-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6314-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6314-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6314-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



There&#8217;s also a Japanese-style outdoor courtyard with a pergola, planted up with pots of exotic palms and maples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6656.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32577" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6656.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6656-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6656-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6656-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6656-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Your Sparkling Afternoon Tea is delivered on a golden stork, (it&#8217;s ceramic &#8211; real storks only deliver babies, silly!) with a golden teapot, &nbsp;a bottle of Prosecco for two, a choice of meat and veggie sandwiches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6685.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32576" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6685.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6685-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6685-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6685-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6685-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The sweet stuff includes two freshly baked scones, and a selection of homemade mini cakes, including the most indulgent gooey-caramelly chocolate tarts I&#8217;ve ever tasted, zingy-lemon and raspberry fingers and velvet-red fairy cakes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6702.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32579" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6702.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6702-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6702-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6702-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6702-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The whole thing has a whimsical Alice in Wonderland feel, and with seriously no standing on ceremony, so you can keep those pinkies tucked away, although the quality is seriously as good as anything you&#8217;d get in a five-star hotel. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6698.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32580" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6698.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6698-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6698-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6698-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6698-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



And it&#8217;s all so generously laid on, even with your roomiest pants on, I guarantee you&#8217;ll be asking for a doggy bag.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6618.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32581" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6618.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6618-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6618-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6618-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6618-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Just in case that sugar rush goes to your head, you can calm yourself down afterwards (or prep before) with a relaxing couple of hours doing some pottery painting in their studio.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6627.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32605" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6627.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6627-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6627-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6627-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6627-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



You might think it&#8217;s just for kids &#8211; and indeed there was a horde of them upstairs busy with the brushes &#8211; but a real range of people come here for a head-clear: ladies lunching, couples with babes in arms and gaggles of teens looking for something to do on rainy days.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6641.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32583" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6641.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6641-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6641-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6641-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6641-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



You pick your pot &#8211; and there is loads of choice from mugs, bowls, serving plates, jugs and more &#8211; and head to a table, where you&#8217;re given a ceramic palette, a big pot of brushes, and a big tray of bottled paints &#8211; and give it your best Tracey Emin.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6637.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32587" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6637.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6637-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6637-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6637-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6637-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



I brought some inspiration with me (above) but decided early on I might be punching above my weight. But even if you&#8217;re no artist, like me, the trained potters on hand are there to help you get the best look for the worst skill-set. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="751" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6647-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32588" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6647-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6647-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6647-1-666x500.jpg 666w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6647-1-768x577.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6647-1-699x525.jpg 699w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Turns out Muddy What&#8217;s On writer, Ashley, has hidden talents. Look at those sweet peas&#8230;get thee to Portmerion, pronto, Ashley!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6645.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32585" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6645.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6645-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6645-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6645-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6645-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Ta-daaaa! Here&#8217;s my effort, and yes, they&#8217;re hearts not Martian bottoms. I&#8217;m sure it will look very professional once it&#8217;s fired, glazed and under some cabbage. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6692.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32586" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6692.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6692-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6692-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6692-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/05/IMG_6692-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



What a wonderful de-frazzler! I went in stressed and came out laughing with a full tum and a happy head. And you can&#8217;t beat that, can you?



Good for: a fun treat; a giggle with the gals; a pick me-up for Mum; older rellies who will appreciate the short walk from the car park to the seats; there&#8217;s plenty of cafe space for mums with buggies and young tots in tow.



Not for: this isn&#8217;t your high-end Big Birthday stuff, so you might feel a bit silly if you got really dressed up and were expecting something ultra-posh.



The damage: Brilliant value, about a third of the price you&#8217;d pay if this at a posh hotel. A standard Afternoon Tea with tea or coffee costs £25 for two; Luxury with Prosecco (enough for around three flutes&#8217; worth) is £35. Pottery Painting: you can pay anything from £1 to £15 for the pottery, plus a studio charge of £3.15 to £6 for firing and glazing. My plate was £15 and Ashley&#8217;s bowl was £21 all in.



Feel inspired to give it a go? The Muddy muse is with you! We have an Sparkling Afternoon Tea for two to GIVEAWAY with Prosecco and pottery painting included, worth £65. Hotfoot it to <a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-a-sparkling-afternoon-tea-ceramic-painting-for-two-at-wild-thyme-cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Muddy Devon Reader Treats (opens in a new tab)">Muddy Devon Reader Treats</a> for your chance to WIN!



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Wild Thyme Cafe (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.china-blue.co.uk/wild-thyme.html" target="_blank">Wild Thyme </a>Deli &amp; Kitchen, China Blue, Station Road, Totnes TQ9 5JR Tel: &nbsp;01803 860906

Review: Afternoon Tea at Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen, Totnes

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