Potters Barn: The cutest coffee shop you just HAVE to visit!

I had a day out planned with my Dad and Jessie today at Mrs Dowson’s Farm Park… however we quickly had to make different plans when we arrived and realised that it’s only open during school holidays and at weekends! 🙈 Great planning…! (We will be visiting when it’s actually open and I shall write up a review!)

My Dad has often raved to me about Potters Barn and as we were close by (and had already promised Jessie ice cream) that is where we ended up going today. And boy I’m glad we did… I LOVED it and will most definitely be returning with Matt and Josie dog.

Potters Barn is an award winning cafe in Ribchester (near Preston) with the cutest gift shop upstairs. It is open 7 days a week, has a 5 star food hygiene rating and also holds regular pottery painting events for adults and children.

On arrival we were given a very warm welcome; there were lots of pretty tables inside and out, with a variety of scrummy cakes to choose from (which included vegan, gluten free and dairy free options too). Most ingredients are organic, locally sourced and where possible fair trade.

Read on to find out my reasons why I thought it was so lovely and am looking forward to returning…

1. It was sooo child friendly

Jessie is 2 and this was the perfect place to bring her (that doesn’t have a big soft play area) as they had a box of books and toys that she could help herself to and she quite happily played with them outside on the grass. It just goes to show that you don’t always need all singing, all dancing entertainment for little ones.

The lady who served us was ever so friendly and brought Jessie’s ice cream out in a little heart shaped bowl and a drink of water for her in a plastic cup. There was also a piñata in the garden that children were allowed to play with to try and get some sweeties!

There were high chairs available but I didn’t actually use the changing facilities so I cannot comment on those.

2. It was also dog friendly!

We didn’t have Josie dog with us (our Labrador) however there were lots of signs up welcoming four-legged friends and there was a bowl of water available for them too. One day this summer, I’d definitely like to take Josie on a nice walk nearby and stop there afterwards for refreshments. This unique cafe also welcomes ‘muddy boots’ so is the perfect pit stop if you are walking nearby. (My Dad has actually written a book on The North West Way which goes past Potters Barn, so obviously this is highly recommended by him!)

3. It was such a beautiful setting

We chose to sit outside, of course in this glorious weather that we are having, and I was quite taken aback when I first walked in as the tables all looked so lovely, each with different floral table cloths and pretty seat pads. There were options to sit in the shade or in the sun, and bench tables for bigger parties. There were lovely flowers all around and lots of bunting! Eating outside in the sunshine is always nice and relaxing don’t you think? I felt like I was on holiday!

4. The food was scrumptious!

Well we actually only had cakes, but they were so so delicious, served warm with Mrs Dowson’s ice cream. I had a sneak peak at some salads that were being served which looked yummy and my good old Dad said the food has always been spot on.

This quirky cafe serves up breakfast, has a children’s menu and daily specials too. You can also check out the menu in advance on their website if you’re into that kind of thing!

5. The super gorgeous gift shop

I could have spent hours browsing all the adorable items their gift shop sells, old fashioned toys and games, pretty travel mugs, the cutest baby socks, wall canvases with feel-good quotes, oh I could go on and on! I bought some pink flamingo bunting which I will hang up for my birthday celebrations! (And maybe leave up all summer…😏)

Oh and they even have free WiFi access! If I lived closer I’d love to go there to write my blog posts ☺️

After spending time at Potters Barn, we headed to a brilliant park which was just over the road… it was one of the biggest parks I’ve ever been on with Jessie and was suitable for older children too. (Unfortunately there was a sign saying that dogs were strictly not allowed on the playground, which is a shame if you’re planning on taking your pooch with you).

So if you’re looking for somewhere nice and relaxing, but a bit further afield, it is definitely worth a trip!

Please do let me know if you visit!

By the way… look at this photo Jessie took of me and my Dad… she’s 2 years old! I’m going to have to ask her to take photos for me more often!! What a star 🌟