Ceramicist Amelia Brokenbrow on Crafting the Bespoke Tableware for Eden
Since opening its doors earlier this month, Eden, Hever Castle’s new evening dining restaurant, has offered guests a refined dining experience where every detail has been carefully considered – from the seasonal menus to the handcrafted porcelain that frames each dish.
Working closely with Culinary Director George Blogg, ceramicist Amelia Brokenbrow has created a bespoke collection of porcelain pieces designed exclusively for the restaurant. Inspired by the landscape, history and craftsmanship that define Eden, each piece has been made by hand to complement both the food and the immersive dining experience.
We caught up with Amelia to learn more about her journey into ceramics, the creative process behind the collection, and what guests can expect to see on the tables at Eden.
Could you tell us a little about yourself and your journey into ceramics? What first drew you to working with clay?
I first started working with clay during my Fine Art degree at Kingston University. It was a very open and exploratory course where I experimented with drawing, performance and sculpture. During that time I became fascinated by making and why people make things, which naturally led me towards craft.
After university I completed two traineeships with potteries in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and London, where I learned about production pottery, studio maintenance and creating tableware for restaurants.
I first began working with porcelain while studying at Clay College in Stoke-on-Trent between 2022 and 2024. There I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of materials and techniques under the guidance of leading potters, while beginning to develop my own practice.
How did you first come to know George, and how did your collaboration on Eden begin?
George first saw my work at a fair in 2025. I remember him telling me about his plans to open a fine dining restaurant at Hever Castle and saying he thought my tableware would be a great fit.
A few months later we began discussing designs. It has been fascinating to learn how a chef thinks about tableware. We talked about the placement of dishes, presentation and practical considerations while developing the collection together.
What interested you most about the opportunity to create pieces specifically for Eden?
It is a wonderful opportunity to create work for a space that has been so carefully considered and curated. George and I discussed how the pottery would work alongside the furniture, lighting, cutlery and, of course, the food. That level of specificity makes the collection feel incredibly special. For me, it’s a joy to see my work used to present such beautifully crafted dishes.
Could you tell us a little about the pieces you’ve designed for the restaurant?
I’ve created a range of porcelain tableware, with every piece thrown on the wheel. Some of the forms are familiar within my practice, while others, including the rectangular plates, have been developed especially for this project. We’ve carefully considered the purpose of each piece and how it will be used throughout the dining experience.
The surface decoration is deliberately minimal so the collection sits together without overwhelming the table. It’s been enjoyable thinking about how the pieces work collectively, interacting with one another, the food and the wider setting.
When George first shared his vision for Eden, what stood out to you and sparked ideas for the collection?
Fortunately, George’s vision aligned very naturally with my own practice. Eden celebrates its surroundings and explores the character of the local landscape, history and produce. There’s a shared appreciation for responding to materials and highlighting their individual qualities.
When I make pottery, I focus on bringing out the strengths and character of the clay itself. I think that sense of observation and adaptation is something George and I both value in our work.
How has the setting of Hever Castle and the surrounding landscape informed your creative process?
The marks I make aren’t intended to become patterns. Instead, the repetition of each action allows every individual mark to retain its own character. Walking through Hever Castle and its gardens, you notice unique, imperfect patterns everywhere – from the texture of old stone walls to the unfurling shapes of ferns. Those subtle details have been a real source of inspiration.
What does the collaborative process with George look like? How do ideas evolve between chef and maker?
Discussion has been at the heart of our collaboration. George visited my studio and shared the elements that were most important for the collection. Throughout the process there’s been a balance between the food influencing the pottery and the pottery influencing the food.
What aspects of your own artistic style and approach to making are coming through in the collection?
The collection is deeply rooted in my existing practice. The forms and mark-making sit comfortably alongside my wider body of work. The key challenge has been selecting which shapes and motifs best suit the restaurant and the dining experience George is creating.
What excites you most about creating work for a restaurant environment, where guests will interact with the pieces as part of their experience?
I’m thrilled that these pieces will be used to present truly exciting food for people to enjoy. What’s special about creating work for a restaurant like Eden is the level of immersion and engagement. These pots were made to be used, and this feels like the perfect environment for people to experience and appreciate them.
What has been the most enjoyable or rewarding aspect of the collaboration so far?
One of the things I’ve most enjoyed in the studio and am most excited to see in the restaurant- is how the pieces interact with one another. The individual marks across each surface come together differently with every table setting, creating something unique each time they’re used.
To discover more about Amelia Brokenbrow’s work and explore her wider collection of handcrafted porcelain, visit her website: www.ameliabrokenbrow.co.uk.
Eden is now open for bookings Tuesday – Friday.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
