There is very much a focus on Fenton as the Hub Marketing Board stage their third potter around the Potteries, building on our previous Stoke-on-Trent visits in 2015 and 2019. Here comes the tale of the trip...
- Welcome to Fenton -
It is the afternoon of Friday 15th October 2021 and Chairman D9 insists on sprinting down to Wolverhampton station even though our train isn't yet due - I guess he didn't want to break the habit of a lifetime! Stoke is little over half an hour away so we're soon saying hello again to Josiah Wedgwood's statue and setting forth along Leek Road past the Sixth Form College. Fenton is one of six towns that federated together in 1910 to form the Stoke-on-Trent county borough, and compared to the likes of Hanley and Burslem it can go somewhat under the radar. We're determined to give it our fullest attention, to which end City Road makes the initial introductions with a glimpse of the Fenton Manor Sports Complex.
- Bring on the Bass -
It should surprise no-one that pubs will feature quite heavily during our tour and first up is the Terrace Inn on the corner with Smithpool Road. The Secretary is very excited to see some classic Bass lettering here and happier still to partake of the draught nectar; unfortunately his encounter with the famed red triangle does not translate into sporting success because Mr D9 is in a ruthless mood when it comes to table skittles - a trouncing in the Terrace, I'll never live it down! Bass is also detected at the Olde Manor Inne - a comfortable place with lots of framed indentures on the walls - whereas the Musician delivers an acceptable half of Doom Bar.
- A Super Yummy Bald Spot? -
The A5007 City Road/King Street forms the main artery through Fenton and is effectively one long straight road connecting Stoke with Longton. Notable features as we merrily stroll along include a Thai Kitchen (based in what used to be the Newtown), the Afford Rent-A-Car garage and numerous takeaways, a Super Yummy example of which helps distract the D9 bald spot. Royal Oak Furnishings can be found opposite the curving frontage of the aforementioned Musician and then there's a bed warehouse, a Co-op and an Any Owd Oatcakes shop.
- Fenton Market Place -
We're now getting to see the historic heart of Fenton whereby the area around Albert Square and Baker Street contains some excellent examples of civic architecture, including the Free Library (a Carnegie-funded facility that opened in 1906 but ceased operating in 2011) plus the Magistrates Clerk's Offices and a former bank. Fenton Market runs every Thursday on a small patch just off City Road although the Chairman is disappointed to discover that the toilet block has been replaced with a very modern facility - there's no pleasing some people.
- Fenton War Memorial -
Fenton's proud heritage is even more apparent when it comes to the Town Hall, a spectacular edifice dating from 1888 having been provided by local pottery magnate William Meath Baker. The ballroom here has been successfully restored and the building continues to be the focus of many community activities. A war memorial obelisk is another key component gracing the square - it was first unveiled in 1921 and is a Grade II listed structure - while Christ Church completes the scene with its imposing late Victorian tower showcasing the Gothic style.
- The Hub -
Enough of these historical ramblings, we need more mundane observations! Fenton supplies us with not one but two hubs, the first of which can be found next door to the church in some kind of repurposed chalet while the other is the Staffordshire Music Hub down beside the railway line. In between times we are summoned to the Bench & Bar, a watering hole named in reference to the nearby courts. Sitting beneath photographs of football legends Sir Stanley Matthews and George Eastham, we plead guilty to a liking for more Draught Bass.
- The Locomotive, Heron Cross -
At this juncture, Secretary WME's research leads us away from Fenton town centre and along Station Bridge Road into the neighbouring area of Heron Cross. Heron Street used to be the setting for two traditional boozers but alas the Railway is permanently shut, meaning we're reliant on the Locomotive for our next drink. This is a Marston's tied house that seems to blend in well with the surrounding terraces; the Pedigree is on good form and a chicken tikka cob is likewise much appreciated, assisting WME Whirlwind's efforts to claw back some sporting credibility. Two clinical legs of darts have the Secretary sensing an unlikely victory...
- An Angelic Checkout -
That is until we return to the main Fenton patch and pitch into the Angel on Park Street where D9 Destroyer reasserts his authority courtesy of an incredible 116 checkout - well done sir! The pub meter is beginning to run out but honorable mentions must go to the Old Post Office for craft Young's Stout, and to Malt 'n' Hops for a mighty fine Dark Drake (Dancing Duck Brewery). We're getting precariously close to Longton now hence we decide to finish off at the Potter, chatting about Guinness to a bloke who used to live in Tamworth. The number 11 bus gives us a helping hand in the direction of Stoke Station and overall the Potteries has done us proud once more - cheers!
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