A national pub company has chosen Stoke-on-Trent as the place to launch a new experience-led dining concept with a multi-million-pound investment into renovations underway.
Greene King plans to expand its offering with the launch of new brand HighTales at the site of the former Hem Heath Hungry Horse pub in Trentham.
The pub on Stanley Matthews Way closed in July and work has been ongoing throughout the summer.
HighTales is set to open on 21 October and promises to “change the game completely when it comes to socialising with family or friends”.
Twenty-five new jobs have been created with the venture and Simon Doney has been appointed as General Manager.
Simon, who has previously held roles at places including Alton Towers Hotel, Frankie & Benny’s and Hickory’s Smokehouse, said: “HighTales offers guests a unique and dynamic way to dine and socialise with dishes and experiences that evolve with the time of day and day of the week.
“The new look site will offer customers a brand-new feel-good experience, trading the traditional pub setting for an enhanced experience that caters for everybody.
“The former site is set to be completely reimagined with the significant multi-million-pound investment, and the new space will boast experience-led ‘zones’ from cinemas to sensory-led kids play. We have an exciting and diverse programme of events planned, from live music and comedy to pop-up cinema nights and karaoke.
“We will serve an all-day food menu as well as have a street food truck in our garden operating on certain days of the week. Whether it’s a feel-good favourite dish or pizza by the foot, we can cater for all tastes.”
He added: “Our Stoke site presented a great test-and-learn opportunity for the brand – the perfect space for something that combines food, drink, and entertainment experiences for everyone.
“We hope that this pilot site, will lead the way and transform Stoke-on-Trent’s entertainment and dining scene, promising to change the game completely when it comes to socialising with family or friends.”
The Hem Heath opened in 2012 and was named after the colliery which once stood on the site. Details of its history adorned the walls of the dining area.
HighTales has said there will be nods within the new venue to the site and local history.
Recruitment for the new venue is continuing. Current Greene King vacancies can be found here.
