A-Z of Hanley Independent Businesses
When you think of our city, Robbie Williams, Oatcakes and pottery are amongst the first that you think about but there’s more that meets the eye if you look hard enough. Celebrate our town centre’s independent businesses, there’s something for everyone… here’s our A-Z:
Artisan
We’re having an independent craft market selling the best artisan products on 7th December. Come and see what our talented businesses have to offer.
Boots
Brassingtons has been a staple in the town centre since 1901. Currently run by the 4th generation of the Brassington family, you need to look no further for the latest Dr Martens boots and other footwear.
Craft Beer
Craft beer certainly seems to be the new trend and rightfully so. With over 200 beers and ciders available to sample, pop over to Bottlecraft and see if you can find your new favourite ale.
Designer
From Armani to Barbour, Fred Perry to Stone Island, Lacoste to Pretty Green, Pockets and Terraces has designer men’s fashion to a tee (shirt).
Entertainment
It’s impossible to get bored in our town centre if you know where to look. There’s amazing food, live music, escape rooms, virtual reality… the list just goes on.
Food
Burgers, chicken wings, sandwiches, platters, salad, pasta, pizza, ice cream, paninis, steak, halloumi, oatcakes, tacos, turkish kebabs, fajitas, tapas… is your mouth watering yet?
Gin
Be-gin your weekend with a G&T from Bar 41. From sweet to spicy to… seaweed gin? There’s a gin to suit every palate and if gin isn’t your bag, there’s a great collection of craft beer too.
Hairdressers
Whether it’s a trim or a fancy up-do, or a very close shave, our town centre is bustling with independent hairdressers and barbers. Pop in for an appointment and try out a new look.
Industry
Our city has always been reputable for creativity. We were the heart of the Industrial Revolution after all. See how we have kept to our roots with some of our creative businesses.
Jewellery
Whether it’s a present for your loved one or a treat for yourself (we all need those pick-me-ups), check out our jewellers and see if you can find a gem… or give them a ring.
Keep it local
Supporting your local independent businesses not only improves our economy and provides more jobs, it helps with the aesthetic, individuality and personality of our town. Keep it local!
Love
Love the town you’re in. Love your local independent businesses and love our community. Remember, if you don’t use them, you lose them!
Music
Our town is a hotspot for talent, especially when it comes to our local artists. Pilgrim’s Pit, The Slamwich Club, The Quarter, Bottlecraft, The Underground, The Exchange and The Sugarmill are all venues which are more than proud to showcase our city’s best talents.
Nails
Treat yourself to a manicure, get your nails done and feel like a brand new person. Book an appointment at one of the independent nail salons we have in our town centre.
Oatcakes
Any proud Potter will preach about oatcakes, especially to someone from out of town who thinks its a bland biccy. It’s a Stokie’s staple diet. The best hangover food, brekkie, lunch or tea, oatcakes are the perfect food for any mood. Try an Oatie Mostons oatcake or pay a visit to Munchies
Pizza
Klay has stolen a pizza our heart. Make your own custom pizza or sample one of their own creations, whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
Quirky
Our independent businesses are the definition of quirky. There’s life-drawing classes at The Slamwich Club, tarot readings at The Quarter and Slam Poetry at Bottlecraft. Quirkiness is just second-nature.
Records
Rubber Soul and Music Mania are the perfect shops for music-lovers. From originals to new releases, have a gander and see what you can find. Just for the record, we think they’re great!
Sandwiches
You really cannot beat a proper sarnie. The Slamwich Club is the place to visit for a hearty sandwich (and more!). Each sarnie is named after a pun too, we appreciate that!
Thrills
Our town centre has opened its doors to our very first interactive horror escape room experience, Paralysis. Are you brave enough to face your darkest fears? If horror isn’t your thang, there’s a Harry Potter themed escape room at Escape Stoke.
Unique
Every one of our independent businesses are unique. Vintage fashion to haberdashery to juices, grab your hands on a bargain.
Virtual Reality
Escape real life for a little while at XP-VR and choose one of many, many games to play suited to ability and interests. A perfect way to unwind and let your hair down.
Wordcraft
Consider it an open mic night for poetry. Share your best rhymes, sonnets and limericks and wash it down with a beer at BottleCraft.
X-Factor
Our city centre can certainly wow you. We reckon we could win the X-Factor if it was an independent business competition, you never know what you could find at our hidden gems.
Youth
Whether you’re an actual youth or keen to re-live your youth, our city centre has nightlife to suit whatever you’re into. Celebrate LGBTQ+ at Pink, enjoy an indie-alternative all-nighter at The Sugarmill, keep it classy with a few cocktails from Boston Brothers or enjoy a few bevs and a boogie at Club E11even.
Zany
If you’re looking for something a little zany, head over to Ntrprnrs Network for large scale murals, printing workshops and a screenprinting studio.
