E is for…….

I apologise for being well and truly off the Alphabet Dating radar lately. I don’t have any real reason other than time and seasonal constraints. In other words; 1) I’m preparing to move house and 2) I hate being cold. Winter has rendered so many of my ideas pointless because I would simply be a chilly, grumpy, little idiot on the date. So much so that I wouldn’t even be interested in spending time with myself. But enough about what a catch I am….. I’m back with my E date and a place that has been on my “visit wish list” for the past 12 months. So without further ado…..please enjoy the aesthetic perfection that is Alphabet dating E style.

In the traditional home of British pottery, Stoke on Trent, you’ll find the Emma Bridgewater factory. Emma Bridgewater originally began designing and making pottery back in 1985 but moved to this particular factory in 1996. The Victorian pot bank, still containing original features, runs alongside the Caldon canal. It is here, that every single piece of Emma Bridgewater pottery is made, by hand. Now, it is possible to take a factory tour of this impressive building, and you can do so completely free of charge (booking is essential however). The behind the scenes access pass lasts for approximately one hour and the tour is suitable for children aged 5 and above. Viewing the factory in this way allows you to see exactly how a lump of clay is transformed in to a beautiful piece of pottery, and you will get to meet all of the people involved in that process.

I admit though, I wasn’t really there for the tour. I mean, now that I know it’s on offer, I’d love to go back and check it out. But on this particular, greyish January afternoon – I was there for the cake. I had already seen and heard wonderful things about the cosy on site cafe but once I was alerted to the fact that it was draped in fairly lights – SOLD! I knew I had to see it. Good coffee and cake is a bonus when there are fairy lights! And it really didn’t disappoint. I think I even gave a little gasp when I walked in. It’s pretty beyond belief, I’m not even sure the photos can do it justice; but I tried.

One flat white and a rather generous slice of perhaps THE best Victoria sponge cake I’ve ever had, later ….. I was a happy bunny. If I lived closer to Stoke I think that this would potentially be my hangout or my working space. It was quiet, charming and full of character – in both features and in terms of the people that come and go through it’s doors. After I had taken photographs I simply sat and read for a while. Shutting out the world and just enjoying that very moment.

Several people have asked me if I enjoy sitting alone in such places. It actually used to be a pretty big phobia of mine, especially to eat alone in a public space. But I’ve been working on it for some time now – partly the point of this project – and I actually think I’m almost there. I used to think that others would stare at me, wonder why I was alone, was I weird? Did they think I was greedy? My head was awash with thoughts that really served no purpose. And even if people were thinking those things (which they aren’t by the way – and if they are, then they are creeps). Why do I care about the opinions of people who I will potentially never see again? The short answer, I don’t! There is enough in life to focus on without the “imaginary” judgements of others hindering your enjoyment of things.  You don’t have to embark on 26 solo dates to discover this I’m sure, just every once and a while, take yourself for a treat. Take a book or headphones along and just let yourself be. It’s not as scary as you may think, I promise. Being with myself is actually effortless. Sometimes now, I think I genuinely prefer it to being with other people – ssssssssh don’t tell!

If coffee and cake in enchantingly aesthetic surroundings aren’t really your thing (why though) there is also a walled garden in which you can take your tea. Sadly, at this time of year it isn’t open but I can already guarantee that it will be quite lovely. Nestled behind the factory shop and in between those tall, dark, brick walls…. I shall have to return to witness this for myself.

And I mentioned the shop. There are two actually, so that you may purchase some of Emma’s lovely and traditional wares, either for yourself or as gifts which can be personalised.

So a simple date really to ease myself back in, but equally as enjoyable as the rest. I’m continuing on this year with the idea that I need to spend more time by myself, working on myself and it’s proving to be both helpful and beneficial. But let’s say that I had been asked to visit the Emma Bridgewater Factory by another human. Perhaps without knowing anything about it, I may have thought it an odd choice. But actually, it would make a really lovely afternoon out with a friend or partner. I believe that there is often too much emphasis on going “out out” to bars and restaurants on dates. That’s all very well every now and again but what I actually enjoy sharing with someone, is an experience. It’s good to do things that are a little different and also educational. Plus think of it this way, if there are two of you then that potentially means two different slices of cake. And of course he or she will let you try theirs, if they really like you that is 😉

So if you’re a midlander or fairly close to Stoke on Trent, definitely think about checking out the Emma Bridgewater Factory. I highly recommend and I would definitely return.

Stay tuned for the F instalment – coming soon (hopefully).

Love as always

Beth Anne xoxo