Exploring the City Centre's Indies

After 145 years of trading, it’s safe to say that Goodwins on Hope Street know their stuff! Selling a wide range of jewellery to match all price points and styles, the super friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find that perfect piece.

This family-run business on Stafford Street has been trading in the most wacky gifts for the last 25 years. Watches, lighters, hippy and goth-style clothing and accessories and gifts from all the corners of the world can be shopped here. Rif Raf also does watch and jewellery repairs, key cutting and engraving.

A real family affair, Brassingtons on Piccadilly is currently run by the 4th generation of Brassingtons, having been trading since 1901. Famed for its high quality footwear and excellent service, you’ll find many brands here but perhaps most notably, an extensive collection of Doc Martens.

Piccadilly - also known as the Cultural Quarter of the city centre - is home to some of the best indie restaurants and bars around. From Czech cuisine at Peter's Tavern to authentic Italian at La Bella Napoli, real ales at Bottlecraft and sensational cocktails at Bloom, you'll find individuality, personality and a great aesthetic here too.

You’d be hard pushed to find a genre of music not stocked at this indie record shop on Marsh Street. From originals to new releases, Rubber Soul Records is the spot for avid record collectors as well as newbies looking for some friendly advice.

Another great store for the discerning music-lover... Golden oldies to modern tracks, Music Mania have got it all as well as a ticket office for all the best local live music events.

Stoke-on-Trent’s music scene is thriving and continually growing from strength to strength. From rock bands and soul singers to jazz quartets and dance DJs, there’s music events to cater to all tastes every weekend throughout the City Centre at more than a dozen venues including The Sugarmill, The Underground, The Slamwich Club, The Woodman, Unicorn Inn, The Gin Rummy, The Quarter, Bottlecraft, Coachmaker's Arms and Victoria Hall to name just a few. Check out 'What's On' or 'Entertainment' for more information.