Spotlight On … Uttoxeter described Uttoxeter’ s business community as“ a uniquely resilient community that balances strong industrial and agricultural traditions with forwardlooking enterprise. There’ s a real sense of pride among local employers.”
That spirit is supporting visible change. Joe has seen more businesses prepared to open and take a chance on the town, while George points to new hospitality ventures and continued housing development.
“ We’ re constantly seeing businesses open- more open than close- which is really nice,” George said.“ The town continues to develop and grow.”
Growth- and the pressure behind it
There is optimism about Uttoxeter’ s future, particularly its potential to attract
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more visitors for food, drink, leisure and events. But the people running businesses in the town are also candid about the barriers.
Joe would like to see more people travelling into Uttoxeter to enjoy its hospitality offer, but believes the sector needs greater support.“ It’ s very hard owning your own business and the financial pressures are huge,” he said.“ We need support and a little less red tape.”
George is equally forthright about the pressures on hospitality businesses nationally. Even with Lowe’ s winning awards and attracting customers from outside the town, he said turning a profit is difficult for any hospitality business.
“ Hospitality is on its knees at the moment,” he said.“ We’ re winning compared with a lot of other hospitality places, but it’ s ridiculous at the moment.”
There are local challenges too. A growing population brings opportunity, but George believes investment in schools and roads must keep pace with new housing. In particular, he points to congestion on the A50, while acknowledging that busy roads can also be a sign of economic activity.
Tuffa said:“ Continued investment in advanced manufacturing, green technology, and supply chain infrastructure along the main transport corridors, paired with sustainable housing growth to support the local workforce.”
The town centre is another shared concern. Joe wants help for a high street where, as in towns across the country, businesses are closing their doors. Chloe identifies The Maltings as a priority. Its largely empty, boarded-up units currently detract from the town centre and restrict economic activity, she says, but its redevelopment could attract businesses, increase footfall and create a more welcoming environment.
“ I’ d like to see greater investment that creates a vibrant, attractive high street with a diverse mix of independent retailers, restaurants, leisure facilities and community spaces,” Chloe said.
The challenge will be to accommodate growth without losing the qualities that made people love Uttoxeter in the first place.
George wants the town to retain its friendliness and sense of mutual support as it develops. Joe’ s vision is of a full high street and annual summer food and drink festivals. For Chloe, the goal is a thriving rural market town that makes more of its heritage, attractions and visitor appeal while retaining its character and charm.
The insiders’ guide to Uttoxeter
Best place to eat
Lowe’ s on Carter Street unsurprisingly was singled out by virtually everyone we
spoke to, including the staff at Tuffa and Uttoxeter Racecourse. Newly opened Italian restaurant Ombrellino also won two recommendations from our local contributors. Joe Handforth calls it“ lovely”, while chef George Lowe says he’ s never had a bad meal there. George also singled out Bistro Max in Tutbury, around 15 minutes from Uttoxeter, which he describes as“ an exceptional restaurant”.
Best place for coffee or a drink
Chloe and George both recommend BEAR for coffee, while George also shouted out Fuelled as another strong independent café. For a cocktail, both George and- perhaps unsurprisingly- Joe point visitors towards Mint Cocktail Company on the High Street. Tuffa’ s staff also recommended BEAR and Fuelled.
An independent business to discover
Joe’ s choice is Blush Beauty, a“ little hidden gem” offering premium beauty treatments above Black and White Interiors. Chloe recommends Soothe Uttoxeter, which offers therapeutic treatments designed to help clients unwind and restore a sense of wellbeing. George highlights Your Padel, the town’ s new padel venue, which he has heard strong reports about.
Tuffa’ s staff again selected Lowe’ s, praising its charity work, contribution to the local area and excellent reviews, as well as its recent award.
Somewhere to explore
For local history, Chloe suggests Redfern’ s Cottage: Museum of Uttoxeter Life. George enjoys walking around JCB Lake and in
Dimmingsdale, towards Alton. Joe offers the most unexpected recommendation: the herb garden on Mint Cocktail Company’ s rooftop terrace.
Tuffa’ s staff suggested Redfern’ s Cottage, Croxden Abbey and the Uttoxeter to Doveridge Trail.
A hidden gem
Chloe chooses the ancient woodland, streams and industrial heritage of Dimmingsdale Valley, which she says is ideal for a morning outing. Joe again recommends Your Padel. George’ s choice is Uttoxeter’ s cinema and bowling alley, which he believes deserves more attention as a friendly local alternative to travelling to Stoke or Derby.
Tuffa’ s staff recommended Dimmingsdale for a country walk followed by cake and a drink at the café, as well as Beamhurst Museum.
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