Bloom becomes latest bar to open in the Cultural Quarter

A new bar has sprung up in the city centre's ever-growing Cultural Quarter.

Bloom has opened for business following months of refurbishment in the former Size? unit.

And the bar has been fully booked all weekend with food and cocktail orders. 

The new restaurant was set to open late September, but after a month of delays, staff are happy to welcome excited customers keen to try out their 'pornstar' martini tree.

Ian Orton, co-owner of the bar, was frantically building blush pink chairs in the run-up to the grand opening.

The 39-year-old has 12 years of experience in Hanley’s nightlife, after working in one of the local clubs with co-owner Jack Hardy.

He said: “We went to Manchester to research what kind of vibe is about now. Then we saw this unit and had a look and the rest is history. 

“Four months later, I’m putting chairs together with an allen key to open my own bar. It’s been hard work, but it will all be worth it.
Having worked in the area, Ian has seen a shift in Hanley’s nightlife economy, and hopes his knowledge can be used in the new venture.

He added: “There are so many great independent operators on Piccadilly and they are all doing something different

“There’s a huge community vibe here and the other businesses have been great. There is a change in Hanley’s nightlife economy and there is a real shift going on.

“Trinity Street used to be the place to be and now it’s Piccadilly - the difference from one street to the next is crazy.”

The unit underwent a £60,000 refurbishment, turning the former changing rooms into toilets and transforming the bar into a botanical dream.

Ian, who lives in Hanley, said: “We’ve used a local supplier - Mise en Scene - who we found on Instagram and loved her work. She’s done a fantastic job. 

“There’s nowhere like this in Hanley and we wanted to be pretty different.”
Drinkers are already excited about the bar, after months of anticipation.

Sophie Wood, 29, from Stone, said: “I walked past a few weeks ago and it caught my eye, so I followed their Instagram and I love the look of the place.

“It’s very modern and will be a great place for a drink with the girls. Piccadilly needed something like this and it should do really well.”

Jasmine Chaddock, aged 22, from Biddulph, added: “Piccadilly is growing and getting some really cool businesses.
“It’s more and more becoming the place to be and it’s exciting to see so much variety. Bloom is a great addition to the Cultural Quarter.”

Article from: https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/blooming-fabulous-budding-business-opens-3489297

(Image: Malcolm Hart)