A chef has brought part of a former Stoke-on-Trent pottery factory back to life as a vibrant food and drink destination – and is inviting people to discover what lies behind its big blue doors.
Cris Cohen – formerly behind the FEASTED story at Spode, in Stoke – has opened Hidden at Sutherland Works, off Normacot Road in Longton, transforming space once occupied by pottery manufacturer Hudson and Middleton into a café bar and studio kitchen.
Serving brunch, coffee and drinks from Wednesday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm, the venue is attracting residents and regulars from his previous restaurant at Spode Works.
“We have seen a lot of local people coming in and they are thrilled to see us here,” said Cris. “People are delighted we are utilising an old industrial heritage site.”
The opening marks the first stage of a bigger ambition: a restaurant where 16 guests will gather around two shared tables to watch Cris and his team prepare a nine-course tasting menu.
Food and storytelling will celebrate the area’s character, with ideas drawing on Walker’s Nonsuch toffee, Shelley’s nightclub and Arnold Bennett’s fictional Longshaw.
Cris hopes to open the restaurant in late 2026 or early 2027, building on a communal dining approach that helped forge friendships at Spode.
“The idea of good food, shared in a friendly communal space clearly works,” he said.
The venture will have a team of five, including Cris and his wife, Hele, with plans to welcome up to five hospitality trainees at a time.
A crowdfunding campaign is supporting the restaurant’s completion, and Cris is inviting business partnerships offering rewards such as corporate dining.
Meanwhile, visitors can experience the new space through its café bar and Autumn Series dining events, ahead of the full restaurant opening.
The Hidden Crowdfunder can be found here.
Find out more and book via this link.
