Clay, Canvases and Cocktails: ArtHouse Jersey Debuts The Cocktail Studio

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

ArtHouse Jersey is set to convert its contemporary Capital House gallery space into an intimate evening speakeasy and hands-on atelier with The Cocktail Studio: Make. Meet. Sip. Create. Jersey. Running across two long weekends in late November, the limited pop-up series pairs inventive artisan mixology with tactile evening creative sessions led by celebrated artists Jason Butler and Lucinda Wakeham. Rather than observing finished artwork on pristine white walls, guests take up pottery clay and portrait charcoal in the heart of St Helier, sipping bespoke craft concoctions while learning directly from master makers.

Charcoal Dust, Wet Clay and Shaken Spirits

Step off Church Street into the gallery after dusk and the usual hushed exhibition space feels entirely rewired. The soft clinking of cocktail shakers echoes against the brutalist architecture, underlaid by a low hum of chatter, ambient tunes, and the citrus scent of expressed orange peel mingling with damp earth from the potting tables. Night owls and couples looking for a sophisticated, slightly messy alternative to the standard dinner-and-drinks routine can settle into easels with charcoal in hand, guided through loose, expressive portraiture by painter Jason Butler. Meanwhile, those who prefer three-dimensional craft can dive into wheel-thrown or hand-built ceramics led by ceramicist Lucinda Wakeham, smoothing clay with fingers dusted in slip while keeping an icy coupette within arm's reach.

Creative Camaraderie Behind the Royal Square

The beauty of this pop-up lies in its distinctly unpretentious, collaborative spirit. The studio draws an eclectic mix of islanders: curious beginners who haven't held a paintbrush since secondary school, passionate amateur ceramists, and creative professionals seeking an inspiring wind-down after work. Between sips of house-curated cocktails and the inevitable laughter that comes with a lopsided clay bowl or an exaggerated portrait sketch, the room quickly sheds any typical art-world stiffness. It functions as a convivial gathering ground where making mistakes is part of the fun, bound together by fine drinks and the shared thrill of bringing something tangible to life with your own hands.

Know Before You Go

• Book early online via the official ArtHouse Jersey event page or Eventbrite; workshop capacities are strictly limited to keep sessions intimate and tickets sell out fast.
• Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the 18:00 start time to get settled, select your workbench or easel, and order your initial drink without rushing.
• Standard workshop entry costs £45.00 plus booking fee, which conveniently includes your first complimentary cocktail.
• Dress comfortably in clothes you do not mind getting slightly dusty; aprons are provided, but charcoal smudges and wet clay splatters are part of the process.
• Capital House is located at 8 Church Street directly behind the Royal Square, within an easy walk of central St Helier bus links and town taxi ranks.

Make a Weekend of It

Before heading into your evening workshop, grab an early bite or coffee at Red House Coffee, Bar & Pizzeria on Bath Street, where you can watch proper Italian-style pizzas crisp up in a blazing wood-fired oven. If you fancy a hearty post-workshop dinner or a celebratory dessert, stroll down to Weighbridge Place and grab a leather booth at The Square, known for its sizzling steaks, local fish dishes, and warm, bustling atmosphere. Wine lovers seeking a quieter nightcap can tuck into the relaxed banquettes at La Bastille Bar & Brasserie along Queen Street. When making a full cultural weekend out of your island trip, base yourself in historic comfort at the harbour-facing Pomme d’Or Hotel in Liberation Square, or enjoy the tranquil, hospitable setting of Thalatta Guest House just a brief walk away near Havre des Pas.

Alyssa for What's On Jersey