Guide by Vana

Making and craft groups in London

9 making and craft groups in London, each one on the Guide on merit.

1. Art Play

   Making in Shoreditch

   Drop-in freestyle painting and air-clay pottery with a cocktail and coffee bar. Go for the low-key FreeFlow, not the hen-party energy.

2. Art Social Club

   Making in London Bridge

   Paint and sip in a real working artist's studio near London Bridge, surrounded by art and resident cats. More characterful than the chains.

3. Batala London

   Making in London-wide

   An Afro-Brazilian samba reggae band that learns as a group, so beginners start on a simple rhythm and pick up the rest by playing. Drums are provided for rehearsals and performances. Notting Hill Carnival is the anchor, in red and black, with choreography as well as drumming.

4. Dhaga

   Making in London

   A young British South Asian art collective putting on exhibitions, markets and workshops. A proper way into the city's South Asian creative scene, not just a feed.

5. Drink & Draw Balham

   Making in Balham Bowls Club

   Monthly social life-drawing led by a working artist, first Wednesday of the month, free drink and materials included. Come-alone friendly.

6. Hoopla Impro

   Making in Central London, multiple venues

   London's main improv school, with beginners' courses year-round. Eight weeks with the same group, and you leave funnier and braver.

7. Knitfaced

   Making in London (rotating)

   The breakout 2025 maker community. Craft-and-pub having a moment.

8. London Drawing

   Making in Waterloo / Euston

   The lowest-pressure creative room. You're there to look at something else.

9. Social Pottery

   Making in Balham and Camden

   BYOB pottery painting and wheel-throwing with late-night sip-and-paint sessions. A reliable group or date social.

Every club and community in London