A Day in Hanley

I guess, in a way, I could be considered as a “traitor” to Stoke-on-Trent as I decided two years ago to pack my bags and move to London. A city which excited me in a way that Stoke didn’t. To be honest, it was the bright lights and the West End. It was my ‘British Dream’.

I soon realised that I can’t stay away from my roots for too long and I regularly come back to visit. I miss oatcakes. Proper oatcakes from a proper oatcake shop. Supermarket oatcakes do an adequate job of filling the void but they’re just not the same. And good luck trying to explain to your southern friends the difference between shop-bought oatcakes and takeaway oatcakes. I miss the familiar accent. I spend more time arguing that it is ‘bOOk’ and ‘lOOk’ and not ‘buck’ and ‘luck’ more than I actually spend studying for my degree. Each time I come home, I’m welcomed by a new independent business putting their unique flair on the city centre. There’s so many quirky businesses and hidden gems if you know where to look. Here’s how I like to spend my Saturdays in the town centre:

A proper Saturday morning starts with an oatcake from Munchies or Oaties Moston. A bit of bacon, sausage, egg and if I’m feeling adventurous, black pudding on an oatcake goes down a treat.

My fashion sense is certainly questionable. I love anything bright. You can almost always find me wearing a clash of patterns matched with a pair of Dr Martens boots. Brassington’s is always the first port of call whenever I’m back home. Always stocked with the latest pair of Dr Martens (and at a cheaper price!!!!!), the family run retailer also sells Dr Martens shoes that have been discontinued from the actual store for a while. It’s an absolute godsend when I’ve spent too many pennies living the student life and couldn’t afford them when they were in stock.

For a vintage find that’s something to fulfil my ‘inner hippie’ needs, Pentage located on Brunswick Street is Hanley’s best kept secret. You’re sure to find something to make a fashion statement whether it’s a fur coat, tye-dye trousers or an oversized jumper.

Much to my mum’s distaste, I have my septum and both sides of my nose pierced. On Stafford Street, you can find Rowfers and it is the perfect place to stock up on body jewellery and hair dye as well as some alternative fashion. Moving out of the family home and learning to fend for yourself, ‘adult life’ shocks you in more ways than you ever thought it would. The price of cheese, for example. You need to take out a second mortgage to find affordable facial jewellery in London whereas Rowfers has a fantastic collection of jewellery to suit every style AND it’s cheap.

Once I’m all shopped out, it’s time to meet up with my friends and do something a little different. Forget the cliche cinema outings and bowling. XP-VR Xperience on Piccadilly is the best way to escape real life (*cough* uni deadlines *cough*) for a little bit. They have games to suit any interest and ability. It’ll take a few trips to get through them all so it’ll take you a while to get bored.

Escape Stoke has six themed escape rooms and it’s a perfect way to exercise those brain cells. I must admit, I did ‘fangirl’ a little bit when they opened a Harry Potter themed room. The city centre has recently opened its doors to the city’s first interactive horror escape room, Paralysis, which, if I can muster up the courage, (I still hide behind a cushion when watching Doctor Who), I’ll give it a bash next time I come home.

A trip back to Stoke is never complete without a visit to The Slamwich Club. I recommend their High Steaks sarnie. If you’re super ravenous, you must try the deep fried halloumi fingers - they are to die for.

It’s not a proper weekend without a few beverages. The evening begins in BottleCraft. You can almost always find me with a pint in my hand (except from when I’m studying, of course *nervous laugh*). BottleCraft has an exceptional selection of beer across ten kegs and two casks as well as over 200 bottles so you’re sure to find something that you like. There’s no better place to start your evening… especially when they have a live performance on.

Bar 41 is next on our list for a cheeky bev or two. With an impressive range of gin, nothing quite says classy and civilised like a G&T. There’s even a seaweed gin if you’re brave enough to sample. I’m excited to try the new botanical themed cocktail bar, Bloom, on Piccadilly.

By this point, I’m probably feeling very merry and am ready for a boogie at Pilgrim’s Pit. A zany venue that showcases local talent as well as having a live DJ at weekends.

I love coming home to see independent businesses, old and new, thriving and adding personality to our streets. It’s amazing what you can find to do in Stoke and I’m proud to be a Potter… even if I technically don’t live here anymore.