Tourists have yet to really discover this place that’s close to the centre of Porto. Ceramic artist Joaquim Pombal has turned an old fruit market into a studio with beautiful gardens. He makes traditional hand-painted blue-and-white Portuguese tiles, larger pieces and ceramic murals. People can visit and see him at work: you just need to call in advance. You can even join a workshop (two hours €35pp for six, €75pp private) and have a go yourself.
I discovered it about 10 years ago when I was looking to set up an organic farm and was surprised by how green and peaceful it is there. A lot of produce is grown in the gardens and Joaquim’s wife, Anabela, is a raw food expert. Book a week in advance and they’ll make you a lunch of home-grown produce: things such as avocado-stuffed endives with quinoa (€35pp). It’s five minutes’ drive from the centre, or 15 by subway to Araújo, and shows a really different side of the city.
• Facebook page, +351 22 951 9846, Rua de Dom Frei Lourenço Esteves de Goyos 114
Be-dom – The Beat Bang! is at Assembly Hall, Edinburgh, 6–29 August, 8pm, assemblyfestival.com
