We've decided to get to know some of our local business partners a bit better - and today we speak to Tacy Riby and Amanda Hammond the owners of the Pinot & Picasso's Brighton studio...

Please tell us about your business and what you offer to visitors coming to Brighton

Pinot & Picasso Brighton offers a unique, innovative and creative experience where individuals can join us solo or with friends to sip, dip, splash, splosh their way to a masterpiece (that they get to take home) all with a glass of wine in hand (or cocktails if that’s more your thing)

For each of the sessions, visitors can choose an artwork online and come into the studio for 2-3 hours. Our hosts (mostly local art students) will take them through the artwork step by step until they have created their masterpiece.

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What do you like most about what you do?

Pinot & Picasso Brighton provides our guests with the opportunity to relax and have fun whether they are with a family group, colleagues or friends, and for us the pleasure is in knowing they have spent 2-3 hrs with us creating wonderful memories that last a lifetime.

Everyday is different and we get to meet new people in each session.

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What inspired you to start your business?

We came across paint and sip as a concept in Australia last February whilst we were visiting relatives in Adelaide, and we enjoyed it so much that we got in touch with Pinot & Picasso head office and discovered they were about to open studios in the UK. By Easter we were actively exploring franchise opportunities in Brighton and looking for suitable premises.

As Tacy grew up in Sompting and Worthing, returning to the South Coast (especially Brighton) has always been a dream, and being able to set up and run a business here is an opportunity we didn’t necessarily think was possible. We are keen to give something back to the community by working with local businesses.

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What is the best thing about your work?

Pinot & Picasso Brighton gives us the opportunity to meet new people every day - whether they are local people and businesses we can partner with to provide even better experiences, or visitors to Brighton who come to the studio as part of their holiday. We have guests coming to other events Brighton has to offer like the Marathon or Pride, who want to do something together as part of their weekend and it’s lovely to hear their stories and recommend other activities.

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What is your average day like, or is it never average?

Every day is different as it depends which artwork is being painted in the studio and what guests are coming to paint and sip. We never know who will walk through the door.

It could be one of our top favourites like Lemoncello, Mt Fuji or Udderley Adorable, a themed session for Valentine’s day or Xmas or a studio exclusive including a Drag Queen. Or we might be hosting a private event for someone’s special day like a birthday or Hen do. Whatever the reason it’s great to meet all our visitors and hear their reasons for coming - getting together with old school friends, team building with colleagues while on a conference or spending time with the whole family - young or old. 

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What would you like to be doing as an alternative career?

Well this is it! Our previous careers were in adult and community education and we still operate an education consultancy as we transition to running this business full time.

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What is next for you and your business?

Over the next twelve months we would like to expand our number of sessions and guests to allow us to run the business full time. Meeting more potential business partners and ensuring we provide a service for all the community and visitor groups would be great. We would like to introduce wellness sessions as we know the therapeutic value of painting.

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What do you like most about Brighton and what is the best thing you like to do in the city?

The best thing about Brighton is the variety of activities, from walking around the Laines, the artworks on the buildings and the wide range of food we can try at all the local restaurants and pubs. There is always something different happening and new people to meet.

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Thank you!

Visit the Pinot & Picasso website to find out more or tap the button below to book now: