Less than two years after opening, ceramic café Kiln at Number 12 has won awards, attracted customers from around the world and expanded into the neighbouring unit at Longton Exchange.

In April of this year owners Rachel and Mathew Dimbleby, who are University of Staffordshire alumni, took over a second unit at the shopping centre to open a dedicated creative studio for Dimbleby Ceramics.

Both businesses are thriving and have become a tourist attraction for Stoke-on-Trent. Pottery making or painting with the Dimbleys has become a must do for overseas visitors to the region while people from other parts of the UK change their travel arrangements to plan in a visit.

Demand for pottery painting had more than doubled every weekend, with school holiday sessions booking out well in advance. To meet this sustained increase in footfall across both the café and workshop offerings and with revenue rising by at least a third month on month, expansion became essential.

Kiln at Number 12 is now firmly embedded in the local community with a loyal customer base, many of whom are greeted by name and with their preferred drink. The café has become known for its high‑quality coffee, cakes, food and drinks and has even welcomed well‑known faces, including Keith Brymer‑Jones during filming for The Great Pottery Throw Down alongside other cast and crew.

Despite its rapid growth, Kiln at Number 12 has retained its warm, relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Its sister space, Dimbleby Ceramics, offers a lighter aesthetic with a Scandinavian / Japanese influence. Both interiors were thoughtfully designed by Rachel and Mathew, drawing inspiration from the Heritage Colours of Longton created by local CIC Urban Wilderness. The couple personally carried out the shop fits, supported by friends and family.

Dimbleby Ceramics has also become an international draw. Master Potter Mathew’s throwing on the potter’s wheel workshops have attracted visitors from across the globe. Recent guests include a group of 15 tourists from Switzerland for a studio tour and demonstration, as well as visitors from across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Washington DC, Los Angeles, China, London and numerous UK towns and cities.

The expanded studio now accommodates larger parties and corporate groups, with recent bookings from Woolcool, Bet365, Stoke City FC youth team and the NHS.

Mathew said: “As AI takes a firmer foothold in everyday life, the need for an honest space where genuine hands‑on creativity and face‑to‑face social interaction can flourish is becoming increasingly important.

“Wellbeing and mindfulness must remain a priority and Dimbleby Ceramics is uniquely positioned to meet this need, with the knowledge, skills and authenticity required to support meaningful creative experiences.”

To build on this momentum, Rachel, drawing on her 28 years of experience as an art and design teacher, is broadening the workshop programme to include painting and printmaking, complementing the core ceramics offering and further enhancing the creative potential of the space.

When Kiln at Number 12 first opened the business employed just one part‑time staff member alongside Rachel and Mathew. As demand grew, so did the team. With two shops now operating, the business employs seven part‑time staff, each fully invested in the company’s ethos. Team members receive training in pottery‑painting processes, barista skills and general café operations. Customer reviews consistently highlight the team’s warmth, attentiveness and expertise.

Kiln at Number 12 and Dimbleby Ceramics have entered the High Street Impact and Growth categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards. Mathew and Rachel have entered the Entrepreneur of the Year and Alumni Business Person of the Year categories.