First look: Potteria owner 'fell in love with Midleton' ahead of new studio opening
Luciana Altoni and Paula Alepuz inside Potteria's new Midleton studio. Picture: Larry Cummins
Popular pottery painting studio Potteria is opening its doors on Main Street in Midleton on Friday, October 23, and it has been welcomed with open arms by local businesses.
This will be the business’ second location. It’s had a base in Douglas Street in Cork City for two years.
On a visit to the Midleton farmers’ market earlier this year, Potteria owner Luciana Altoni says she “fell in love with Midleton”.
When Altoni, originally from Argentina, visited the market in Midleton, she was already thinking of expanding her thriving Potteria business and was considering several locations – Midleton stood out.
“Midleton was perfect for a few reasons. It is close enough to the city for me to travel here and be in the studio, but far enough away that it doesn’t dilute the business in Cork.”
She also loved the arty vibe and welcoming atmosphere of Main Street in Midleton, where businesses like Grumpy Bakers are enjoying success.
“I already knew the guys from Grumpy Bakers and seeing them having a café in Midleton and the city helped me see the potential.”
The location, at number 67 on the Main Street, is a long, narrow site, different, Altoni says, from the Douglas Street studio.
“We’ve done a good bit of work, particularly in the back where the kiln is. We’re going to do things a little bit differently here. For example, all client pieces waiting to be collected will be displayed in the studio on shelves, instead of hidden away in the back.”
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Any changes will be minor. Potteria has enjoyed success since it first opened in 2024. “If it isn’t broke, then don’t fix it,” agrees Altoni, who previously worked as a sports journalist and in banking in Argentina.
The team in the new studio will be “100% from Midleton”, she says. “We’ll have four staff members here and they’re all young, creative people who have great ideas. I’ll be dividing my time between the city and Midleton too.”
Potteria Midleton will have similar opening hours as its city location. It will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, staying open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Elaine Moran, who opened a children’s lifestyle store – Maypole Lane - at 70 Main Street Midleton a year ago, can’t wait for Potteria to open.
“I’ll definitely be popping in. It’s great to have such a nice, creative business opening on the Main Street. I think Potteria is going to fit in very nicely.”
The new opening comes three years after Storm Babet devastated the area in October 2023, leading to mass flooding in Midleton and up to €200m worth of damage to many houses and businesses. Today, Adriana Hegarty, President of the Midleton Chamber says Potteria will be a great addition to the Main Street.
“A business like Potteria is badly needed here and will give people a great option, whether it’s for nights out with friends or groups, or somewhere to bring the kids. We’re delighted they chose Midleton.”
Altoni says the welcome from businesses in the East Cork town has been amazing. “They have all welcomed us with open hands. They’ve been calling in and happy to share our posters about the grand opening. For us, it’s more than just a business, we’re trying to create a community here, and already we’re seeing how that will work.”
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