Old pub's future looking brighter

Artists submit formal proposals for breathing new life into derelict venue

- Sentinel Reporter

ARTISTS whose inspiring community project left a TV chef in tears are moving forward with plans to transform a derelict city pub.

The Portland Inn Project wants to turn the old Hanley pub into a workshop, social space, community kitchen, two residency rooms and a self-contained flat and roof garden.

The project - whose activities include helping people learn skills in ceramic production, youth and gardening clubs and artist residencies - was featured by BBC TV's Fabulous Feasts in April last year.

Presenter Andi Oliver was 'bowled over' by its inspiring work.

It was co-founded by Anna Francis and Rebecca Davies in 2016 to combat problems through creative community projects.

At the heart of this is the regeneration of the once-neglected Portland Street pub, for which it has a 25-year lease. Renovation started in 2023, and formal plans have now been submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council.