Pottery Luck - Stoke-on-Trent

This week I took a trip to Stoke-on-Trent for a visit, having read up on the city beforehand I was a little apprehensive as it was described as "the worst city in Britain" and "a place you wouldn't send your worst enemies". Unsure what impression to take from these comments, I decided to make the trip north to find out for myself.

I became excited as soon as I approached the city. The A500 felt like a yellow brick road sweeping through the bustling city centre taking the residents wherever they wanted to go, I passed the structurally sound and efficiently designed ASDA store on the way in, conveniently placed for shoppers and open 24 hours as well.

On the morning of my visit I decided to take a walk into town, it was not a nice day but residents of Stoke informed me that this year has been the sunniest since records began, with 4 pleasant days so far.

Upon arriving in the city centre I walked up the quiet highstreet carefully stepping over vomit, the tell-tale sign of a great night out for someone the previous evening. Then headed towards the Potteries Shopping Centre to look around the shops.

After browsing the wide variety of stores I decided to go for lunch and a drink in an authentic local bar called Walkabout. The bar had everything from friendly staff to a pool table and I ordered the Kangaroo burger which I though was a bit weird a first but then jumped to the logical conclusion that it must be a Stoke delicacy.

In terms of architecture you need look no further than the University buildings, a proud memento of the constant refinement and perfection of the concrete industry. The train station is also excellently designed and for over 150 years has provided the quickest way out of Stoke.

That evening I planned a small bar crawl with some friends around one district of Stoke, Hanley town centre, I began at the Ironically named Logik then headed straight to the Mighty Liquid, the mainstay of any night out in Stoke, or so I am told.

I must admit I did enjoy my time in Stoke and as I drove down the M6 was sorry to leave, however the fish and chips I had at Keele services softened the blow substantially.

Stoke really did have an impact upon me and I would recommend a visit to anyone who asks, but remember this Blog is just one mans opinion.

City rating: 5/5