A popular café and pottery painting business is expanding after taking over a neighbouring empty shop in Longton.
Kiln at Number 12, based in Longton Exchange, will open a second unit next door at number 10. The new space, named Dimbleby Ceramics, will become home to the pottery painting side of the business.
Work began in January to transform the former shop into a bright studio space, blending Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian simplicity. The new venture will open on Sunday, 26 April, to tie in with the return of Longton Carnival and Pig Walk, organised by Urban Wilderness CIC.
Guests painting pottery at Dimbleby Ceramics will still be able to order hot drinks and food from Kiln at Number 12. One new part-time role has been created, taking the team to nine staff, including owners Rachel and Mathew Dimbleby.
Mathew, a master potter, and Rachel, a designer, founded Dimbleby Ceramics in 2010 and opened Kiln at Number 12 in July 2024.
Rachel told Daily Focus: “We noticed that people were coming in for a coffee and having to leave because there was nowhere to sit, so when the opportunity presented itself to take on the shop next door we thought it was now or never.
“We like a challenge and we are creative, so before we had even thought about the logistics we had the colour scheme and the vibe all planned.
“We are really proud of what we have done and it will be worth the hard work. We are so happy to be in Longton, which is a growing and thriving town with a great community.”
Kiln at Number 12 and Dimbleby Ceramics will both be open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday, and until 5pm on Saturdays.
