Opened by Head Chef George Lowe in April 2023, Lowe’s on Carter Street has become one of Uttoxeter’s most significant high street success stories.

George, whose career spans Michelin-starred kitchens, luxury hotels and international private chef work, wanted to bring a new dining experience to Uttoxeter.

Lowe’s is a casual fine dining restaurant and wine bar that prides itself on an ever-evolving menu using the very best Staffordshire produce and working with suppliers including Dunwood Butchers and Staffordshire Coffee.

It has created jobs, attracted thousands of visitors, gained 400 five-star reviews and given back to the town that George grew up in.

George and the team believe a great restaurant should be about more than just excellent food. They want it to set a standard in the town and to give guests an experience they never forget. In the three years they’ve been operating they’ve built a restaurant that is attracting visitors from across Staffordshire and is rooted in the community.

Thanks to the quality of their food, hard work of their team, personal touch and approach to customer service repeat business stands at 34.73% above the industry average. One customer, a widower, visits Lowe’s every Sunday without fail. She has a children’s meal and talks to the team – the restaurant is her social lifeline.

Employing a team of eight local staff, Lowe’s is a proud living wage employer and operates a four-day working week.

The restaurant’s popularity led George to launch ambitious expansion plans last year, snapping up the empty unit next door, and helping revitalise one of Uttoxeter’s main streets in the process. A £15,000 investment created a new bar area and increased their covers by 12, a rise of 25% and increasing their floorspace by a third.

Over the past three years, the restaurant has delivered at least 600 three-course Christmas dinners completely free of charge, no questions asked, to residents across Uttoxeter. Meals are delivered on Christmas Eve, ensuring people who may be isolated, elderly or financially struggling can enjoy a festive meal without the worry.

As a passionate supporter and positive voice for the hospitality sector George is also heavily involved in Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s new hospitality forum, where he wants to rally support for the industry.

Looking ahead, George aims to replicate this model elsewhere in Staffordshire by opening a second restaurant – extending the positive high street impact they have already delivered in Uttoxeter.

Lowe’s on Carter Street has entered the High Street Impact, Business in the Community and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.