Handcrafted stoneware, made in Oxfordshire
Every espresso cup in this collection is thrown, glazed and fired by hand in our Oxfordshire studio, where traditional pottery meets a considered, contemporary approach to design. We work in small batches rather than mass production, shaping each cup on the wheel before it is trimmed, dried, bisque fired, glazed and fired again at a high stoneware temperature. A small cup is deceptively difficult to make well. The walls need to be fine enough to feel refined in the hand yet strong enough to take daily use, and the balance has to be right so the cup sits steady when it is full. Doing every stage by hand, in-house, is how we hold that standard rather than relying on shortcuts that speed up production but flatten the character out of the finished piece.
Small-batch glazing, so every piece is unique
Because we make and glaze in small batches, no two cups are ever perfectly identical. Glaze is a living material. It moves, pools and settles differently depending on how thickly it is applied and exactly where the cup sits in the kiln during firing. On a small surface those variations show clearly, which is part of what makes a handmade cup feel different to hold and use than anything mass-produced. Rather than engineer that character out, we lean into it, so each piece is unique. When you choose a cup from this collection, you are choosing the one version of it that exists, made by hand in a batch of others like it but never quite the same as any of them.
Built for the daily coffee ritual
This is not a cup made to sit untouched on display. It is made to be picked up, filled and used, morning after morning. Stoneware is prized by potters because it is fired at a high temperature until the clay body becomes dense, hard-wearing and non-porous, which gives each cup real durability for everyday use. The high firing also fuses the glaze properly to the clay, creating a chip-resistant surface that stands up to regular handling far better than lower-fired earthenware. The result is a small piece that earns its place in daily rotation rather than being kept back for best.
Sized for espresso and short drinks
A good espresso cup is all about proportion. The compact form is shaped to concentrate the aroma and hold the crema of a short, strong coffee, whether you take a single or a double. It suits an espresso, a cortado, a macchiato or a ristretto equally well, and works just as nicely for a small, concentrated serving of tea. The weight is judged so the cup feels substantial without being bulky, and the rim is finished to sit comfortably against the lip. These are small details, but on a piece this size they are the difference between a cup you reach for every day and one you leave in the cupboard.
Practical care, everyday performance
Handmade does not mean high-maintenance. Every cup in this collection is dishwasher safe, microwave safe and food safe, so it can be used exactly the way you would use any other piece of everyday tableware. Our glazes are tested thoroughly before they go into production, so you can reach for a cup without worrying about how it will hold up to regular washing or reheating. Over time, that combination of durability and easy care means these cups stay in daily use rather than being saved for a special occasion.
A considered gift for coffee lovers
Because every cup is made individually rather than mass-produced, giving one as a gift feels different too. It carries the mark of the person who made it, from the slight variations in the glaze to the weight in the hand and the small evidence of a process that cannot be rushed. Whether it is for an espresso enthusiast, a coffee lover, or someone who simply appreciates things made with care, a cup from this collection makes a genuinely thoughtful gift, or an equally good treat for your own daily coffee.
Please note: as these are handmade objects, they may vary in colour, shape and size from one piece to the next. These variations are not defects. They are celebrated as part of the handmade quality of every piece.
Refund policyOur refund and returns policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have passed since your purchase, we are unable to offer a full refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused, in the same condition you received it, and in its original packaging. A receipt or proof of purchase is required for all returns. Please do not send your purchase back to Country living; instead, follow the steps below to return your item to Brooker Ceramics.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned:
- Perishable items such as plants, food, and flowers.
- Gift cards, downloadable software, some health and personal care items, and intimate or sanitary goods.
- Hazardous materials or items containing flammable liquids or gases.
Returns for Ceramics
- Ceramics are eligible for return within 30 days of purchase.
- Returned ceramics must be unused and in the same condition in which you received them, including their original packaging.
- To initiate a return, please contact us via email at hello@earthandclay.co.uk for instructions. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
- Once we receive and inspect the returned item, we will notify you via email of the approval or rejection of your refund. If approved, your refund will be processed, and a credit will be applied to your original method of payment within a certain amount of days.
Partial Refunds
In certain situations, only partial refunds may be granted. This may apply to:
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged, or missing parts for reasons not due to our error.
- Any item returned more than 30 days after delivery.
Sale Items
Only regular-priced items may be refunded. Sale items are non-refundable.
Exchanges
We replace items only if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange an item for the same one, please contact us at hello@earthandclay.co.uk and we will provide a return address.
Gifts
If the item was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you will receive a gift credit for the return value. Once the returned item is received, a gift certificate will be mailed to you.
If the item wasn’t marked as a gift at the time of purchase, or if the gift giver had the item shipped to themselves, we will send the refund to the gift giver.
Shipping Returns
Please contact us at hello@earthandclay.co.uk and we will provide a return address. Shipping costs for returns are the customer’s responsibility and are non-refundable. If a refund is issued, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from the refund amount.
For higher-value items, we recommend using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance, as we cannot guarantee receipt of your returned item.
Late or Missing Refunds
If you have not received your refund within the expected timeframe, please:
- Check your bank account.
- Contact your credit card company, as there may be a delay in processing.
- Contact your bank, as processing times may vary.
If you have completed these steps and still have not received your refund, please contact us at hello@earthandclay.co.uk.
Need Help?
Contact us at hello@earthandclay.co.uk for any questions related to refunds and returns. Thank you for supporting Brooker Ceramics and Plants!