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New Wine Bar 'The Cork & Bottle' Opens in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/31 .. -cork-bottle-opens-in-hanley-stoke-on-trent.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 31st 2025 at 22:52 GMT by TheSentinel

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New Wine Bar "The Cork & Bottle" Brings Sophistication to Stoke-on-Trent's Hanley Town Centre

Stoke-on-Trent’s Hanley town centre has welcomed a new addition to its vibrant nightlife scene with the opening of “The Cork & Bottle,” a stylish wine bar promising a refined and relaxed atmosphere. The establishment, located on Church Street in the former Barclays Bank building (previously occupied by "The Tipsy Toad" before its closure), aims to offer a sophisticated alternative to the area's existing bars and pubs, focusing on an extensive selection of wines, craft beers, and quality cocktails alongside a curated menu of small plates.

The Cork & Bottle is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs, Liam Bailey and Josh Roberts, who saw a gap in the market for a more upscale drinking experience within Hanley. Speaking to Stoke Sentinel reporter Bethan Davies, Bailey explained their vision: “We wanted to create somewhere that felt different from what’s already on offer. Somewhere people could come for a relaxed drink after work or a special occasion.” Roberts added, "It's about providing a quality product and an experience – not just pouring pints."

The transformation of the former bank building has been significant. While retaining some architectural features to acknowledge its history, the interior design leans towards a modern, minimalist aesthetic with touches of rustic charm. The article highlights exposed brickwork, warm lighting, comfortable seating areas (including plush velvet booths), and carefully chosen artwork contributing to a welcoming ambiance. This deliberate design choice is intended to create an environment conducive to conversation and relaxation – a departure from some of Hanley's more boisterous venues.

A Wine-Focused Offering with Broad Appeal:

The name, “The Cork & Bottle,” isn’t just for show; wine is at the heart of their offering. The bar boasts an impressive selection, ranging from accessible and affordable options to premium vintages catering to experienced connoisseurs. The team has partnered with independent wine merchants to source a diverse portfolio including both familiar favourites and lesser-known varieties. According to Bailey, they are committed to educating customers about the wines on offer, potentially offering tasting events and guided pairings in the future.

However, The Cork & Bottle isn't solely focused on wine. Recognizing that not everyone is a wine drinker, the bar also features a carefully selected range of craft beers from local breweries and beyond. The cocktail menu promises classic cocktails executed with precision alongside signature creations designed to showcase seasonal ingredients and innovative flavour combinations. The article mentions a focus on using fresh produce and premium spirits in their cocktails, further emphasizing the commitment to quality.

Food to Complement the Drinks:

To enhance the overall experience, The Cork & Bottle offers a menu of small plates and sharing platters. These aren't intended as full meals but rather designed to complement the drinks selection – think charcuterie boards, artisan cheeses, olives, cured meats, and other delectable bites. The emphasis is on quality ingredients and flavourful combinations. While no specific dishes were listed in the article, they are clearly aiming for a Mediterranean/European-inspired style of sharing plates that align with the bar's overall sophisticated vibe.

Addressing Hanley’s Changing Landscape:

The opening of The Cork & Bottle comes at an interesting time for Hanley. The town centre has faced challenges in recent years, including changing shopping habits and the impact of the pandemic. While regeneration efforts are underway – notably the ongoing work on the former Debenhams department store, now being transformed into a multi-use entertainment hub (as mentioned briefly in relation to attracting visitors) - many businesses have struggled. The arrival of The Cork & Bottle is seen by some as a positive sign, indicating a desire for more diverse and higher-quality leisure options within Hanley.

Bailey and Roberts are optimistic about the future. They believe that their focus on quality, atmosphere, and customer service will resonate with locals and attract visitors from across Staffordshire and beyond. The bar's presence on Church Street also positions it well to benefit from foot traffic passing through the town centre. The article mentions a soft launch was held prior to the official opening, which received positive feedback.

Looking Ahead:

While still in its early stages, The Cork & Bottle has already generated considerable buzz within Stoke-on-Trent. The owners have expressed plans to expand their offerings over time, potentially including live music nights and themed events. They are also keen to engage with the local community and support other businesses in the area. The success of this new venture could well pave the way for further upscale establishments to open in Hanley, contributing to a more dynamic and attractive town centre experience. The Cork & Bottle represents an attempt to elevate the hospitality scene in Stoke-on-Trent, proving that there’s still demand for sophisticated and quality-driven experiences within the region.

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