Our Night with Pinot & Picasso
Paints, plants and paws for thought.
Although the years are creeping up on us, the Dock team still knows how to have a boss night out. So, when it came to organising our latest team social, the excitement was palpable.
Would we warm up with gin slushies and endless Espresso Martinis at Baltic Market? Then descend on Dale Street for an old-fashioned pub crawl? Karaoke in Coopers and a late-night kebab?
Tough call.
But, since we all had work the next morning, we went for a more sensible, sophisticated option.
This is how we got on at Pinot & Picasso in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle.
Paints, plants and paws for thought.
A little art studio around the corner from Dock HQ, Pinot & Picasso felt like the perfect antidote to our usual pub-and-pizza routine.
The format was simple: three to a bench, easels lined up, paints at the ready. An artist at the front demonstrated each step, gave us twenty minutes to channel our inner Pablo, then reeled us back in for further instructions. With the on-site bar serving a steady supply of drinks, suddenly painting became a sociable (and competitive) way to spend an evening.
Plants over People was the theme. Our task? To paint a pair of leafy green houseplants and a terracotta pot. Some followed the rules; others went rogue. Naming no names but someone (Tony) decided to ignore the brief and paint a lion instead. At one point, it looked dangerously unlike a lion - we'll leave you to imagine what - but it turned out all right in the end.
Andy, armed with his Art A-Level, went into full focus mode, while Jack tried to shake the pressure of his design background. As for the rest of us…let's just say our painting experience didn't extend much beyond decorating the walls at home.
Despite the venue's name, we didn't consume too much Pinot. Beer, as always, edged the drinks tally. We had food delivered from new fave Wingstop halfway through for sustenance.
And while it took three hours to complete our masterpieces, the time flew between brushstrokes, bevvies, and a bit of side-eyeing to check how everyone else was doing.
The Winners and Boozers
The results were surprisingly impressive across the board. Naturally, there was debate about who deserved to be crowned the 'winner'. Cam claimed hers was the best, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Safe to say that Laura wasn't the teacher's pet, taking some stick for her effort.
Compared to past socials, Pinot & Picasso was a nice change of pace. After a full day side by side, heading straight to a bar can feel samey. A brush in one hand and a drink in the other gave us fresh conversation, an excuse to tease, and loads to laugh about.
The big question is: will classy, civilised socials replace our legendary Dock blowouts? Unlikely. Our annual Christmas rave at the world-famous, Baltic-based Bongo’s Bingo is guaranteed to be carnage.
As for displaying our strokes of genius in the office? Well, we’ve just spruced up the studio to match our rebrand, and Jack reckons they “don't adhere to our brand guidelines.” Spoilsport.
Probably for the best, though. Nice as they are, most look like something you’d stick on the fridge with a magnet.
Looking for a different kind of team night out? Pinot & Picasso are our Baltic neighbours. We recommend you go paint, sip, and discover your inner (piss) artist.
