Alchemilla, Nottingham
Photography by Jono Renton
We are endlessly inspired by people who dedicate themselves to their craft, making our collaboration with Alchemilla feel particularly special.
Located within the red brick vaulted arches of a restored Victorian carriage house on Derby Road in Nottingham, Alchemilla is the award winning restaurant of chef Alex Bond. Known for his innovative approach to cooking, championing fermentation, sustainability and plant forward ingredients, Alex has built a dining experience that feels both deeply rooted in nature and wonderfully unexpected. His appearances on Great British Menu further cemented his reputation as one of the UK's most creative chefs, bringing together technical precision, storytelling and a deep respect for ingredients.
Stepping into Alchemilla feels like entering another world, one shaped by imagination, craftsmanship and a spirit of discovery. A living wall welcomes guests into the space, while a rooftop garden terrace offers a quiet place to pause before and after dinner. Inside, the historic architecture and contemporary interiors create an atmosphere that feels both refined and relaxed, setting the stage for an extraordinary dining experience.
Working closely with Alex, we developed a collection of bespoke plates crafted from softly speckled clay and finished in a matte off white glaze. Refined yet organic, the pieces were designed to be the perfect canvas for Alchemilla's thoughtful and expressive style of cooking, allowing each dish to take centre stage while bringing warmth and tactility to the table.
Alongside these, we created a series of pinch bowls finished in our pebble glaze, with a version in our beautiful, rich terracotta. Based on our Eli Bowl design but made especially for Alchemilla, they were created for a beautifully assembled celeriac course and became part of the theatre of the dining experience as the dish was completed tableside.
On a beautiful, mellow evening in mid June, we had the opportunity to experience Alchemilla for ourselves. Beginning with drinks on the rooftop terrace, surrounded by greenery and the warm glow of the evening sun, there was a sense of anticipation for what was to come. It felt like the perfect introduction to a restaurant so deeply connected to nature, seasonality and craft.
This evening was a special collaboration dinner between Alchemilla and St. Barts. Every course was a revelation, thoughtfully composed, beautifully presented and full of surprises. Each dish showcased remarkable creativity and skill, demonstrating why both restaurants are so highly regarded.
Photos by Every Story
It was also a particularly meaningful evening for us. Not only was it our first experience of dining at this level, it was the first time we had been served food on our own ceramics. Looking around the restaurant and seeing guests eating from our bowls and plates was an unforgettable moment. To witness our work becoming part of such an extraordinary dining experience felt incredibly special.
Collaborations like these remind us that ceramics are more than objects. They become part of a story, bringing together chefs, makers and diners around a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, creativity and the simple joy of gathering around a table.
To see our work woven into the Alchemilla experience is something we feel incredibly grateful for, and a reminder of why we love what we do.
