My Somerset; Liz Vidal, Ceramicist

Favourite Somerset cafe or restaurant?
I’m a big fan of the Fed cafes in Bristol; they always have really vibrant, varied displays of cakes & salads on offer.

Favourite Somerset pub?
The Star in Fishponds, Bristol – a proper drinking pub with lots of live music!

Ideal Sunday in Somerset?
Cycling down the Bristol / Bath cycle path stopping at a couple of breweries or pubs along the way or wandering around a local market.

Favourite Somerset shopping destination or shop?
Midgley Green in Clevedon. I’ve been lucky enough to have my work stocked here for the past couple of years and can never resist treating myself to something when I drop off pots. (They’re going solely online soon but will continue to sell all the same beautiful objects.)

Favourite part of Somerset
I love anywhere in the Mendip hills, perfect for a weekend walk.

Favourite natural beauty spot in Somerset
Visiting the Somerset levels to see the Starling murmurations in Winter. Incredible!

Favourite bit of architecture in Somerset
Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol never fails to amaze me.

And finally, tell us about some bespoke pieces you have created for Somerset businesses…
I’ve worked with many restaurants in Somerset, including Belmont Estate in Wraxall & Sonny Stores in Bristol, and always enjoy working to the specific requests of each business. For example, the Belmont Estate wanted tableware to suit their ‘feasting’ style of serving food, so I made lots of sharing platters and small plates.

I loved making bespoke honey pots for Black Bee Honey – white, curved vessels with a lid and a small space for a honey dipper to fit. They’re really tactile objects and the final form is reminiscent of traditional straw beehives.