Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Cris Cohen is appealing for the backing of Stoke-on-Trent businesses as he breathes new life into a historic potbank.
Cris, who is known for his innovative Hidden restaurant nights where he combines unique dishes with storytelling, has opened a bar and coffee shop in the Sutherland Works, Longton.
But he needs further support to revive Hidden, where a small group of people gather around Cris’ kitchen table to see him create a nine-course tasting menu with food prepped in front of their eyes.
A Crowdfunder has been launched and is being well supported by Cris’ loyal diners, but around £14,000 more is needed to complete the project.
“Public support has been tremendous but we’re looking to find some North Staffordshire businesses who want to help Hidden and support the revival of a heritage building,” said Cris.
“We want to enter into a partnership with one or more companies who may want to support us in exchange for rewards, such as corporate fine dining for their customers and staff.”
“We have a wonderful space. The entrance area pays tribute to former pottery Hudson and Middleton and opens up to a welcoming studio kitchen and bar which is now open from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 8pm.
“As is tradition with our concept, the café bar may be hidden slightly off the high street and behind the big blue doors of a former pottery factory, but the kitchen is open for all to see.
“The bar renovation is the result of our own blood, sweat, tears, and investment, but we need support to complete our Hidden restaurant.”
Cris explained that this will be created in a large room next to the current bar development. There will be room for two tables of eight and an open kitchen where Cris and his team will work.
It Is a Hidden tradition that small groups, or single diners, sit around larger tables and eat together.
Cris said: “Many friendships were created in our previous venue in the Spode Works, Stoke, where we catered for up to 10 diners around one table. The Sutherland Works offers a larger space, for 16 diners, and a chance to develop a better equipped open kitchen.
“It has been interesting to see that even at breakfast and brunch at the café, our former Spode regulars are gathering together around larger tables with no encouragement from me. The idea of good food, shared in a friendly communal space clearly works.”
There will be a permanent team of five at the new Hidden, including Cris and his wife, Hele.
Having worked with colleges to inspire future chefs, Cris has plans to bring in up to five trainees at a time, to supplement the team and help to bring forward new hospitality staff.
He explained: “We now have the space to provide training opportunities. Traditionally, many people have had their first taste of work in a restaurant or bar. We all know that the current environment is tough for restaurants, but we want to give people space to develop their skills.”
Cris hopes to open the new Hidden restaurant in late 2026 or early 2027. In keeping with the industrial surroundings, he plans storytelling through food with a local industrial history theme. Initial ideas include a celebration of Longton’s famous Walker’s Nonsuch toffee, Shelley’s nightclub, and Arnold Bennett’s Longshaw, the author’s name for Longton.
The Hidden Crowdfunder can be found at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-us-build-hidden?utm_campaign=sharem.
