During the early Bronze Age, Crete was the centre of Europe's most ancient civilisation. The Minoan culture flourished and wide trading contacts were developed. Pots designed to contain oils, wine, grain and ointments were used to store and transport goods. The mountains gifted Crete with a fertile plateau and wide regional variations of clay produced terracotta unique in durability and character. Our pots today are produced in the same traditional way, using our top grade clay blended with the finest silica . They are thrown on the wheel and are now the only pots in Crete still fired using crushed olive stones and grape pips to fuel the kilns. Reaching over 1150°C, smoke and flames burnish the pots to create naturally patinated, frost resistant pots. We also hold a large collection of original vessels that are beautiful relics of a bygone age. All our Cretan products are sourced from small family businesses to encourage the continuation of their skills.
“On my first visit to Pots and Pithoi I fell in love. What a gem of a place, totally unexpected and I felt as though I was in heaven and just wish that I lived nearby so that I could visit any time I feel like it. The owners, the wonderful Dodd family, couldn't have been more helpful, after seeing their rug collection and having to make a final decision, the rugs were laid out in the courtyard for me to make up my mind. Impossible, so I bought three. The staff were friendly, efficient and were there when I needed to ask questions, of which there were many, but mainly, when does their next shipment of Cretan Olive Oil arrive? Well, it should be arriving next weekend and it will be well worth and hour and a half's drive to buy some and some Greek crockery for my summer in the garden. Just can't wait. Oh and some souvlaki and flatbread in the cafe! An absolutely fabulous experience. Don't hesitate, just go!”From Tripadvisor, Faversham
“ If you want cheap garden pots like everyone else go to Squires or some other chain store. If you require a cross between art and functionality this is the place for you. Beautiful pots that make stunning water features. Some of the Pithoi look like they just came from the lost city of Alantis. This place used to be the best kept secret as many of us gardeners used to sell these iconic pots to our high end customers giving their gardens the Ulysses/ Greek myth look. Now the place has been bought by Dave Dodd 12 times Gold medal winner from Chelsea. The whole place has gone up five gears with new stock arriving fresh from mount Olympus. Gorgeous quaint place. Neither cheap, nor run of the mill.”Michael E, London
“I have known this converted barn, just east of Turners Hill towards East Grinstead for several years and since the new ownership it offers much more than before. The staff have always been helpful and allow visitors to browse the displays without pressure.In the past they offered a tea or coffee but now they have a delightful cafe where one can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea whilst thinking about the various items for sale. I find it full of character with a mixture of new and many old antique Terracotta Pots. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff and the resident craftsman can offer not only his skills but also his ideas. Oh. So much to see with beautiful pots turned into water features.”From Tripadvisor, East Grinstead
Visiting Pots and Pithoi is an experience in itself. Stroll around the beautiful courtyard and barns before stopping for a pot of tea and cake. You can then browse around our stunning gift shop with its huge selection of colourful ceramics, olive wood, candles and gifts for everyone
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