Bean & Brush celebrates 15 years of pottery painting in Sale

The much-loved Sale art cafe is marking 15 years in business this year.

Bean & Brush Art Cafe, based in Stanley Square, first opened on Hayfield Street in 2011 and has since become a familiar name for local families, pottery painters, coffee drinkers and anyone looking for something creative to do in town.

The business spent 11 years at its original Hayfield Street home before relocating to a prominent spot in the redeveloped Stanley Square in 2023. Owned and run by Michelle and Graham Starling, Bean & Brush has grown from a long-standing neighbourhood cafe into one of the town centre's best-known creative destinations.

Its current home in Stanley Square has allowed the business to become even more visible in the town centre, with pottery painting, food, drink, takeaways, children’s activities and adult evening sessions all now part of its regular offer.

When the cafe moved to Stanley Square in March 2023, co-owner Graham said the new location felt like a natural next step for the business.

He told Life in Sale: “Our Stanley Square spot is more of a classic 'paint a pot' art cafe. We offer evening sessions for adults and have a hatch to serve takeaways such as coffee, sundaes and ice creams.

“Moving to Stanley Square felt like the right thing to do, as it’s a higher traffic area than our original site on Hayfield Street and there's a lot happening.”

The move placed Bean & Brush in the centre of one of Sale's busiest food, drink and leisure spots, joining a growing mix of independent businesses that have helped bring new life to the Square.

For many local people, Bean & Brush has been part of family life in Sale for years, whether through children's birthday parties, rainy day activities, school holiday visits, handmade gifts or relaxed catch-ups over coffee. Its 'paint a pot' sessions remain at the heart of the business, with customers able to choose a ceramic item, paint it in the cafe and collect the finished glazed piece once it has been fired.

The cafe is open from 9am to 5pm every day, except Wednesdays when it stays open until 7pm. Its adults-only ‘Bean By Night’ sessions take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 9pm, offering a more relaxed evening version of the pottery painting experience. Booking recommended.

📍 Bean & Brush, 51–52 Stanley Square, Sale M33 7XZ