An increasingly popular shopping centre has welcomed a new tenant combining a love of ceramics and community.
Kiln at Number 12, which has opened at Longton Exchange Shopping Centre in Stoke-on-Trent, hosts a coffee shop and pottery painting area downstairs with a pottery workshop above.
It has been launched by Mathew and Rachel Dimbleby who have extensive backgrounds in ceramic design and want the venue to become a place that people of all ages can enjoy.
Mathew, who has moved his previously home-based business Dimbleby Ceramics to the Longton town centre hub, had already started hosting workshops there before the café and pottery painting officially opened yesterday, 11 July.
Rachel has left her job as an art teacher to launch the business, which is near Specsavers.
She said: “Pottery painting will be available every day of opening and we want to provide art workshops for all ages including ones for children during the summer holidays and adults in an evening and afternoon.
“We want it to be a creative space for people to access in one way or another.”
There are hopes of hosting private functions and pop-up bars there in the future and getting the venue licensed by Christmas.
The couple decided to take on the unit after meeting with the shopping centre’s manager Chris Ward and seeing how the town has improved in recent times.
Daily Focus has reported on several new businesses opening there in the past 18 months including Keep It Local’s flagship store which showcases work of local makers and artists, pet supplies shop Sew Very Dog and ladies clothing and accessories shop Pearl and Gray.
Mathew said: “We see this as putting something back into the community and helping to revitalise Longton.
“We have already seen an increase in footfall in the town whilst we have been around.”
Chris added: “I am thrilled to welcome Kiln as our newest tenant. Their unique offering and community focus perfectly align with our vision of creating a vibrant and engaging shopping experience.
“We look forward to seeing Kiln thrive and contribute to the dynamic environment here at Longton Exchange.”
