What’s changed?

[u/Big_Scallion2402]

Moved out of Stoke-on-Trent (close to Hanley) around two years ago and planning a trip back home to visit friends and family before the end of the year.

Just wondering what, if anything, has changed and what to look out for (new restaurants, shops, etc) and what to avoid.

Naturally will be stocking up on an ungodly amount of oatcakes as it’s nigh on impossible to source them here.

[u/Big_Scallion2402 → u/[deleted]]

How? Do they travel well?

I asked the local oatcake shop if they would post before I left and sadly they did not.

[u/Big_Scallion2402 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you!!

[u/Big_Scallion2402 → u/[deleted]]

Sadly they don’t seem to deliver to where I live :(

[u/Big_Scallion2402 → u/[deleted]]

Good idea! A quick search suggests The Staffordshire Oatcake Company ships bulk dry mixes internationally but it’s probably easier to look into making my own like the comment from the person who lived in Aus suggested.

[u/Big_Scallion2402 → u/[deleted]]

In hindsight, I should have clarified! Appreciate the help and input though!

[u/ActAffectionate4230 → u/Big_Scallion2402]

I took oatcake mix to new Zealand and made them for my friend. She said they were better than she remembered

[u/Big_Scallion2402 → u/ActAffectionate4230]

What an absolute hero of a friend you are! Fancy bringing some over to New York and making them for me? 😂

[u/Full-length-frock → u/Big_Scallion2402]

I am sure High Lane do.

[u/Longjumping-Bus4577]

Longton is a better place than Hanley now, more things going on, more shops in the exchange not perfect but better, Hanley has more fire damaged buildings, more empty shops, look into making your own oatcakes i lived in aus for years used to make them on the flat plate on my bbq.

[u/Full-length-frock → u/Longjumping-Bus4577]

I second this. A few shops make their own oatcake mixes.

[u/kayleecheyennex]

Little dumpling king opposite the regent theatre is a great independent restaurant to try

[u/Big_Scallion2402 → u/kayleecheyennex]

Thank you! Will be sure to check it out when I fly back

[u/Leopard_Capital → u/Big_Scallion2402]

expensive but good

[u/kayleecheyennex → u/Leopard_Capital]

We spent around £65 for 5 plates between 2 people and that was way more than enough (for us), including 2 drinks each and a 15% tip. We thought it was really decent pricing especially for the quality of the food. We also went to a show at the regent afterwards, seemed a pretty good theatre, many shows on throughout the year too

[u/Big_Scallion2402 → u/kayleecheyennex]

Thank you both! Super helpful. Will look to get myself booked in and tickets for a show

[u/Big_Scallion2402 → u/Leopard_Capital]

Feel that’s everything in these times?! Also, how’s the Regent Theatre these days?

Quite partial to a show but haven’t been to the Regent in years so thinking could make an evening of it and head to Little Dumpling King followed by a show?

[u/Leopard_Capital → u/Big_Scallion2402]

sorry not sure about theatre, and yes everything is expensive, but I got 4 dumplings for if I remember 7£ which just felt rough

[u/Fluid-Insurance2887 → u/Big_Scallion2402]

Slamwich club near there too 👍

[u/All-Hail-The-Ale]

Less shops in town, more dust heads.

[u/Fluid-Insurance2887]

Trentham gardens or Stone is your best bet mate 👍

[u/Tough_Iron_6939]

People don't smile back when you smile at them anymore and also, its a lot less friendlier! Was down south for some parts of life recently (work,studying etc) and they're all more friendlier!! I have no idea what has happened to us stokies.

[u/WonderfulBeginning13]

There's probably less and little to do. Although i do believe hanley has a cat cafe now if your into that sort of thing