Ceramic Painting at Ferry Potty

Ceramic Painting at Ferry Potty

Sunday, 28 January 2024

I went ceramic painting while I was on holiday not long ago, and had forgotten how relaxing it is, so when I got back I knew I had to plan a visit to Ferry Potty. I’ve often peeped in the window when walking past and thought it looked super cute but this gave me the nudge I needed to actually book it. We managed to squeeze in a wee painting session before Christmas and I had a lovely wholesome mate date with Lyndsey.

You’re best to phone ahead and book, though walk-ins are welcome too. There’s a huge range of blanks to choose from at a variety of price points (starting at £10, most pieces between £15-£30), the price includes your paints, then they glaze and fire it for you in the kiln. We each decided to paint a small plate as it’s a nice flat surface and completely blank canvas - some of the pieces are quite specifically shaped so it seemed they’d be more of a colouring in situation.

There are paints, brushes and sponges on each table, along with a water bowl for cleaning your brush. If you’re feeling cautious (like me!) you can draw a design on lightly in pencil first as it’ll fire off in the kiln. The paint colours go darker once they’re fired but you can see the little heart chips which show the final glossy colours for reference. They recommend you paint 3 coats for a solid colour, though 2 will show some brush strokes which can be a nice effect.

I went for a picnic-inspired design with a pink scalloped edge shape and a red sort-of gingham grid. Lyndsey made a keepsake plate using her wee boy’s footprint which turned out so cute. They also do clay imprints for tiny hands and feet but that’s a 4-6 week process and is by appointment.

We were there for around 2 hours in total, and it was such a nice chill way to spend a morning. We got a text when our plates were ready to collect around a week later. It’s so cool to see them glazed and ready to use - they’re food-safe but need handwashing. I actually love how my plate turned out and am quite tempted to go for a few more sessions to make a multi-coloured set!

Find Ferry Potty at 39 Gray Street, Broughty Ferry, DD5 2BJ
https://www.ferrypotty.co.uk/ / @ferrypotty

Jute Cafe & Bar at DCA

Jute Cafe & Bar at DCA

Friday, 26 January 2024

Dundee Contemporary Arts is the place to go for contemporary art exhibitions, cinema screenings (especially indie films), and creative events. At the heart of the venue is Jute - a relaxed cafe and bar offering a range of food, drinks, coffee, and cake. It’s a great spot for a quiet coffee during the day but really comes to life at night.

It’s actually somewhere we regularly go for drinks, sometimes with a cinema visit, as part of Creative Dundee meets and book club, or for the beer garden in summer. It’s always got a great atmosphere so I’m really not sure why it took us so long to go for a meal! Nonetheless, we booked a table at the end of the Christmas holidays and treated ourselves to lunch.

We started with a couple of mocktails. I had the strawberry and apple crush, and David went for the raspberry spritz. These were both lovely, I’ve had the strawberry one a few times when we’ve been to the cinema and it’s always so refreshing and nicely sweet. We double-checked the vegan options on the lunch menu as it turned out there was a typo on the fries (marked vegetarian only but they were vegan too).

I went for the plant-based burger which came with kimchi slaw, crispy kale and gochujang mayonnaise on brioche. This was delicious, I especially liked the crispy kale and would have loved a wee bit more of it. David had the curried coronation chickpea flatbread with crispy shallots, and fennel and apple slaw. It was more of a chickpea curry-type sausage, but the spices were satisfyingly warming and fruity. These dishes both came with rustic fries but we upgraded one to piri piri fries - the piri piri seasoning was tasty but it was only a tiny sprinkle on top rather than tossed through.

The portions were pretty generous, especially for lunch, but I was determined we were going to share a dessert as I’d spotted something exciting - vegan pavlova! This is something I’d made a few times as it’s a favourite in our house, so we were looking forward to trying it. Luckily it lived up to my expectations! Presentation wise, it’s a bit blob-like but it tasted incredible. It was topped with whipped cream rippled with raspberry coulis, and a sprinkling of passion fruit. There was a slice of pineapple between the meringue and the cream which I wasn’t totally keen on, because of the texture, but we still enjoyed it a lot.

David had an oat latte to finish. We noticed a vegan chocolate cake on the sweet counter on our way out so will definitely be adding Jute to our coffee date list for the future.

Find Jute Cafe & Bar at 152 Nethergate, DD1 4DY
https://www.jutecafebar.co.uk/

Black Mamba Tapas & Cocktail Bar

Black Mamba Tapas & Cocktail Bar

Saturday, 20 January 2024

Black Mamba opened at the end of last year - a tapas and cocktail bar, serving “tapas without boundaries” from the people behind Giddy Goose. I saw some vegan options on the menu so we went to try it out.

First impressions, the interior is gorgeous; contemporary luxe vibes and I love the attention to detail with the little lamps on the tables. There’s a long marble bench in the centre which would suit communal dining and drinks, or could be fun to book for a special event. The bathrooms are beautiful too, with gold accents and emerald tiles. I’m sure that’s enough about interiors (though it’s very much a topic on my mind as we’re mid bathroom renovation), time to talk food.

I had a tangerine & cinnamon mojit-no to drink which was lovely and refreshing but with delightful warming spice flavours. I love to see a more unique mocktail and there were plenty of interesting alcoholic ones too. We ordered our food and were recommended 2-3 dishes per person and told that they would come out as they were ready.

We basically went for all of the vegan dishes to share; patatas barbacoa (crispy potatoes, Korean with BBQ sauce), padron pepper poppers (tempura, onion ash), Korean fried oyster mushrooms with sticky Gochujang sauce, roasted butternut squash (adapted to be vegan, with whipped tofu), and stir-fried greens (long stem broccoli, bean sprout, spring cabbage and chilli crisp). The food was beautifully presented and the dishes all complemented each other deliciously. I think the stir-fried greens were actually my favourite, but David loved the mushrooms and BBQ potatoes.

The menu has clear labelling for vegan options, though we were dining with non-vegan friends and found that our waiter seemed a bit confused about which dishes were vegan when they were brought out which gave me a wee bit of food anxiety. We were also a bit disappointed that there were no vegan desserts on offer - especially as some of the brunch options include desserty sounding vegan French toast which sounds amazing.

Black Mamba have a selection of offers for weekdays, such as 2 tapas for £9.99 (Mon-Fri, 12-4pm) and Mambacita Club on Fridays (3 cocktails & 2 tapas for £27.99). They also have a wee kids’ menu and high chairs are available. You can even bring your furry friends as Black Mamba is dog-friendly! It’s so great to have new places like this open up, we’ll definitely be back in to try brunch soon.

Follow @blackmambadundee for updates and let us know if you go!

Find Black Mamba at 141 Nethergate, DD1 4DP
https://www.blackmambadundee.co.uk/

How to Have Your Own Hallmark Christmas Movie Moments in Dundee

How to Have Your Own Hallmark Christmas Movie Moments in Dundee

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

The fairy lights are twinkling in City Square and the snow begins to fall as carollers sing… okay maybe not, but if you’re a fan of a classic cheesy Christmas film there’s still plenty you can do to have your own Hallmark movie moments in Dundee!

Hallmark movies are a tradition in our household, last year we got really into Christmas Movie Bingo (we used these printable bingo cards) which was a lot of fun. This year, I’m taking it a step further and I’ve been inspired to try and recreate those classic movie scenes in our very own city. Below you’ll find my list, and if you keep an eye on my Instagram you’ll see me trying to complete it before Christmas. These are lots of fun whether you’re going on a mate date, solo adventure, or with your other half. Enjoy!

1. Look the part.

You’re going to need a Christmas jumper, the uglier the better. Before you head straight to fast fashion, check the back of your wardrobe or see if a friend wants to swap one. A third of young adults buy a new Christmas jumper every year and 65 million are reportedly sitting forgotten at the back of our wardrobes! If you do need a new one, where better to find one than a charity shop? You’ll want to pair that sweater with a chunky scarf or something tartan. Also consider wearing mainly red and green.

2. Visit a Christmas Market. 

I’ve made a handy guide to Dundee’s festive markets which will help with this one, it includes markets such as The Yard at The Steeple, Tea Green Festive Design at V&A, and Crafted at the DCA. The more handmade stalls the better, and bonus points if Santa is there to make some Christmas magic happen.

3. Cosy up with a Hot Chocolate. 

Ideally, it would be snowing for this one so you could have an adorable snowball fight beforehand. Otherwise, pick a window seat at one of Dundee’s cosiest coffee shops and people-watch with your chunky knit fingerless gloves wrapped around a hot drink. Try Blend at Dock Street, EH9 Espresso, Little Things Cafe, or Espresso Lab for a cute window seat.

4. Go on a crafty date.

You can’t beat a wee Christmas craft session - just imagine the wholesome bonding opportunity as you learn a new skill together. Think ceramics painting, wreath making, or other decorations workshops. There are loads of thrifty options if you use recycled materials and have a cosy night in to do it - for example, check out this gingerbread jumper garland using cardboard. Wreath making is especially good as you can use natural foraged materials and give your front door a makeover too.

5. Visit the Christmas Tree Farm. 

Speaking of decorations, you’ll have to level up your Christmassy home to get it looking beautifully cinematic. For that, you’ll need the most perfect tree. I don’t know if we have the most idyllic looking Christmas Tree farm nearby but I will investigate further. You could always head to Tayside Forestry and pick a real tree or there’s Easter Rattray Farm if you’d like to cut one down by yourself (which I'm hoping to do, flannel shirt at the ready!).

6. Attend a Musical Event

This could be an open mic night (spontaneous serenading with your secret beautiful voice perhaps?), a carol singing concert, or how about a traditional ceilidh dance? The more ‘quaint’ the better, for that big-city-American-visits-tiny-town-in-Scotland vibe. Blend often has open mic nights, and you’ll find ceilidhs at Duke’s Corner on Sundays and Forgan’s on Saturdays. Ceilidh’s are also great for grumpy types who won’t dance (my husband) as it’s much easier when there are instructions.

7. Baking Montage 

Aprons at the ready, it’s time to bake some Christmas cookies - don’t forget the perfectly accidental flour on your face. For vegan recipes, I love The Little Blog of Vegan. If you want an easy baking option check out Love Your Planet for baking bags of ready-weighed ingredients, and The Little Green Larder who may have a Christmas Cake kit this year. Or you could just buy some biscuits to decorate - that’s fun too!

8. Give Something Back

It might be a cliché, but the Christmas season really is about giving. Whether that's a small donation to your local Food Bank, volunteering time at a community event, or donating Christmas gifts. The Stobswell Christmas Appeal is collecting the following items at 170 Albert Street: children's toys, teenager gifts, selection boxes, blankets, hot water bottles, cosy clothes, toiletries, non-perishable food, nappies and baby supplies.

9. Three…Two…One… Christmas Light Switch On! 

A must for the holiday season, where all the townspeople join together for the countdown. Broughty Ferry has their Light Night on Thursday 16th November. Special mention to Sweetpea Cafe who is having a Cosy Crumble Pop-Up that night too (sounds very Hallmark movie!)

I’m feeling very festive now and can’t wait to get started. Check out Wee Dundee on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok if you’d like to see how these mini Christmas adventures go! I’d love to know if you’ve been inspired to try any of these too!

Dundee Festive Events Round Up

Dundee Festive Events Round Up

Wednesday, 1 November 2023

Now that the nights are drawing in, it’s easy to want to stay cocooned in the comfort of your home, but Dundee has a fab calendar of events worth wrapping up and venturing out for. Explore charming Christmas markets and pop-up shops, adorned with twinkling lights, where every product tells a story. Discover the joy of shopping small as you peruse handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and festive treats. Once you’re organised with your Christmas shopping, enjoy a wholesome evening at a light switch on or show.

I’ve organised the main part of this list by date, but scroll to the bottom to see full details for the pop up events which are running for longer. Events are free to attend unless otherwise mentioned.

November Events

Thursday 16th

Broughty Ferry Lights Switch On / 6pm
Panto performances, Christmas sing along, rides, catering and more

Festive Market & Cosy Crumble Pop Up at Sweetpea Cafe / 6pm-8.30pm
Shop small and enjoy a cosy vegan crumble to keep you warm while watching the lights switch on.
find out more

Saturday 18th

Brawnches Festival Begins* / Keiller Centre / 10am-4pm
A week long community celebration with workshops and activities to encourage you to connect and reset for the changing season.
find out more

Monday 20th

Dreamland and Vintage Clothing Pop Up Shop Begins*

Thursday 23rd

West End Christmas Fortnight Begins*

West End Christmas Market / Miller’s Wynd Car Park / 4pm-8pm
Christmas gifts, hot food and drink stalls, music and entertainment. Lights switch on 7pm. Many West End shops will have late opening and special offers too.
find out more

Friday 24th

Tea Green Festive Design Market / V&A / 10am-5pm
Curated pop-up market featuring a fab selection of Scottish designers and makers. Line up varies each day.
find out more

Saturday 25th

Tea Green Festive Design Market / V&A / 10am-5pm
find out more

Cambo Festive Green Market / 11am-4pm
Local makers with a focus on sustainability for a greener Christmas. Lots of Cambo grown dried greenery and flowers for your festive decorations and gifts to grow from our plant shop.
find out more

Christmas Fayre at Discovery Point / 11am-4pm
Local makers, crafters, food and drink with choir performance and activities for children.
find out more

CRAFTED / DCA / 11am-5.30pm
Browse and buy work from contemporary makers from across Scotland, with a wide range of great gift ideas.
find out more

The Yard Dundee / The Steeple / 11am-4pm
Independent makers from across Scotland with guest food pop up - Marwicks Vegan kitchen. Entry £2 (under 16s free)
find out more

A Christmas Carol begins at the Dundee Rep
Tickets from £15
find out more 

Dundee Hooley / City Square / from 3pm

The streets will be filled with a torchlit procession led by the Lord Provost, accompanied by community groups and performances from Thingumajig Theatre and Urban Moves.

Sunday 26th

Tea Green Festive Design Market / V&A / 10am-5pm
find out more

Cambo Festive Green Market / 11am-4pm
find out more

Christmas Fayre at Discovery Point / 11am-4pm
find out more

CRAFTED / DCA / 11am-5.30pm
find out more

December Events

Friday 1st

Wreath Making / Sew Confident Broughty Ferry / various times across 1st-3rd
Create a festive wreath to hang proudly on your door, materials supplied. £70
find out more

WinterFest / details TBC / begins*

Saturday 2nd

Christmas at the McManus / 10am-4pm
Pop-up festive market with independent makers, festive family crafts, activities and storytelling
find out more

Kingennie Christmas Market / Forbes of Kingennie / 12-4pm
Carefully curated stalls with a range of homeware, foodie finds and seasonal decor
find out more

The Yard Dundee / The Steeple / 11am-4pm
Independent makers from across Scotland with guest food pop up - Marwicks Vegan kitchen. Entry £2 (under 16s free)
find out more

Sunday 3rd

Community Christmas Ceilidh / Gate Church / 3pm-6pm
find out more

Kingennie Christmas Market / Forbes of Kingennie / 12-4pm
find out more

Thursday 7th

Christmas Concert of Music and Light / Morgan Academy / 5pm-6.15pm
Come along and be treated to performances by the local school choir and watch the magical light show in the fantastic grounds of the iconic local building.

Double Doors Studios Pop-Up Begins*

Saturday 9th

The Yard Dundee / The Steeple / 11am-4pm
Independent makers from across Scotland with guest food pop up - Marwicks Vegan kitchen. Entry £2 (under 16s free)
find out more

Verdant works Christmas Fun Day / 11am-4pm
local crafters, designers, food and drink, performance from Loadsaweeminsinging choir and children’s activities
find out more

Tea Green Festive Market / Bowhouse / 10am-5pm
Curated pop-up market featuring a fab selection of Scottish designers and makers

find out more

Andie Christmas Pop Up / Creative Studios / 10am-4pm
Annual pop-up of Creative Studios brands and invited friends. Metallium Jewellery workshop and Poppy Bubbles show for the kids. More workshops to be announced

find out more

Sunday 10th

Tea Green Festive Market / Bowhouse / 10am-5pm
Curated pop-up market featuring a fab selection of Scottish designers and makers
find out more

Andie Christmas Pop Up / Creative Studios / 10am-4pm

find out more

Thursday 14th

Light Show at Baxter Park / 6pm-6.45pm

Sleeping Beauty begins at the Whitehall Theatre
Tickets from £16
find out more

Saturday 16th

The Yard Dundee / The Steeple / 11am-4pm
Independent makers from across Scotland with guest food pop up - Marwicks Vegan kitchen. Entry £2 (under 16s free)
find out more

Sunday 17th

Generator Winter Market / Generator Projects / 12-6pm
music, food, refreshments, and makers
find out more

Thursday 21st

Light Show at Malcolm Street Pocket Park / 6pm-6.45pm

Night Market / Larick Centre / 5.30pm-8.30pm

*Pop-Up Event Details

Festive Boutique at Double Door Studios

Double Door Studios are once again transforming their exhibition space for the fourth year of their popular Festive Boutique! The studios in central Dundee offer a unique and welcoming shopping experience, and showcase a curated selection of handmade gifts with a focus on items you won’t find elsewhere.

7 Ward Road, DD1 1LP / 7th-24th December
Open: Tuesdays 11am-8pm, Thursdays 5pm-8pm, Saturdays 10am-5pm, Sundays 11am-4pm
find out more

West End Christmas Fortnight

A wonderful fortnight of events hosted by businesses, community groups, libraries and schools in the West End. Christmas concerts, workshops, craft making, soup kitchen and more.

23rd November - 6th December / various events
find out more

Dreamland and Vintage Clothing Pop-Up Shop

Dundee Design House / 20th November - 3rd December
Open: Weekdays 12-5pm, Weekends 11am-5.30pm
find out more

WinterFest

Details to be confirmed

1st-24th December

We’re certainly spoilt for choice this year! I’ve popped quite a few in my diary and will be sure to share them on my Instagram stories @wee_dundee. If you have an event you’d like me to add to this list email hello@wee-dundee.co.uk and I’ll pop it on.

Afternoon Tea at Post House Coffee Co.

Afternoon Tea at Post House Coffee Co.

Tuesday, 15 August 2023

Post House Coffee Co is just outside of Dundee, in the wee village of Invergowrie. They offer breakfast, brunches, lunch and afternoon tea with separate vegan menus making it easy to choose something delicious to eat. They’re licensed too if you fancy some fizz with your afternoon tea.

I booked our afternoon tea as a sort-of baby shower for my friend Lyndsey, I told them we were vegan in advance and paid a deposit. We were shown to a table inside but it was such a beautiful day we asked to sit outside. I chose a pot of earl grey tea and Lyndsey went for regular breakfast tea. Not long after the tea arrived, a huge stand of treats appeared - decorated with fresh strawberries and all looking very tempting.

From the bottom, we had sandwiches that were cut into triangles filled with falafel and hummus, and coronation chickpea (to replace mature ‘cheddar’ & tomato chilli jam which wasn’t available that day). There was a couple of tasty little sausage rolls too. We realised we were missing the mango and coriander falafel skewers but not until later on and didn’t want to ask at that point. There was plenty to eat and we almost didn’t manage it all anyway.

Onto the cakes; there was lemon and blueberry cupcake, Persian style flapjack, dark chocolate fudge brownie, pistachio and carrot cake, and a salted caramel cheesecake bite. We both liked the lemon and blueberry cupcake best, it was zingy and moist (I think it was a sub for the lemon, raspberry and rose drizzle that was on the menu which sounds lovely too). All of the sweets were delicious, although we did find the cheesecake a bit too sweet.

I would absolutely love to see an afternoon tea with a proper scone, jam, and cream alternative. I used to work in a tearoom in fife with award winning scones before I was vegan and it just doesn’t quite feel like a proper afternoon tea without. If you know of anywhere serving this please do let me know! The vegan afternoon tea at Post House is still a treat and one to add to your list.

Find Post House Coffee Co. at 104 Main Street, Invergowrie, DD2 5BE
www.posthouseinvergowrie.co.uk/

Think Thursday

Think Thursday

Monday, 8 May 2023

delicious food and drink at Parlour Cafe

rickshaw at City Square

Louise Kirby's interactive art mural

Last week we headed into town for the evening, to see what Think Thursday is all about. There’s so much happening on Thursday nights in Dundee now, with lots of local businesses and attractions open 5-8pm offering deals, events, and workshops.

I hopped on a bus to get a head start, David would be meeting me after work but I wanted to cram in as much as I could in the three hours. There are discounts on buses and £1 parking available after 4pm which is a great idea - though I don’t have anyone under 22 to travel with on the bus so that offer didn’t apply to me.

I’d had a look at the directory of businesses taking part and made a wee mental route to wander. I started at City Square where there were hourly performances by Shaper Caper, the Who Is The Designer? exhibition as part of Dundee Month of Design, the chance to add colour to murals by artists Whimsical Lush and Louise Kirby, bubbles and rickshaws! It was fab to see the spotlight on 18 local designers and I did manage to doodle a little on Louise Kirby’s artwork despite how busy it was.

The Botanist & The Bee

The Mantuary

Next up, I headed along to check out some of the shops taking part. The Botanist and The Bee (Whitehall Street) is such a lovely spot bursting with greenery, they were hosting a plant care and propagation workshop later that evening. Upcoming Thursday workshops include macrame, terrarium, and repotting. I went around past a couple of other businesses which were listed but unfortunately not open (I think they had workshops on later), so I thought I’d have a nosy at The Mantuary (Commercial Street). It’s such a cool space which I’ll definitely have to send David to so we can get it up on Wee Dundee.

Double Door Studios shop

marbled mirror workshop at Double Door

Spex Pistols

Spex Pistols

After that, I popped into Double Door Studios (Ward Road) where they are hosting a series of artist talks and workshops - the marbled mirror workshop which was on looked like a lot of fun! I then wandered along to the iconic Spex Pistols shop (Johnston’s Lane), their offer was 10% off for the evening and I was very tempted by some sunglasses. We also visited the Newport Bakery (West Port) where they had a vegan coffee cake that David bought for later - I forgot to take a photo but you’ll spot it in my reel on Instagram.

vegan mezze board at Parlour Cafe

The highlight of our evening was a delicious vegan mezze platter at Parlour Cafe (West Port). Instead of a menu, you simply let them know any dietary requirements/dislikes, and your food is freshly made. They are offering mezze and a drink for £15 per person - we didn’t have long so we had a condensed experience but it was such a treat. Just loads of gorgeous salads, dips, and flatbreads with falafel and some homemade vegan sausage rolls too.

rickshaws at The McManus

Can't You See the Sea Changing? exhibition at DCA by Zineb Sedira

V&A & RSS Discovery

The Adventure Begins... at Discovery Point

On the first Thursday evening of the month, you can grab a bargain with 50% off tickets to the Dundee Science Centre, Discovery Point & RSS Discovery, and the V&A. The McManus (which usually has free entry) will be open too with free activities and the DCA gallery is open late too. We had a quick look in at Discovery Point at the end of our evening but had run out of time to see the ship so it’s on my list to go back soon.

I’m amazed at how much we got done in an evening, it really made it feel like the weekend started early, and was wonderful for town to have a buzz about it. You can check out the Think Thursday website to find out what’s happening soon or take a look at @visitdundeecity on Instagram for weekly updates. Think Thursday will be happening every Thursday until 29th June so make sure you pop along to make the most of your city centre.

https://think-thursday.co.uk/