The Stafford Directory - July 2025 by shoutlocalmedia

Including Wildwood, Rowley, Haughton, Baswich, Derrington, Brocton, Walton, Western Downs, Moss Pit & more

The Littleton Arms, Penkridge

Advertising enquiries

The menu embraces the incredible flavours and generosity of street food, done elegantly, in addition to fusion a la carte dishes with flavours from across the globe.

Lisa Cuthbert - Sales Manager

Tel: 01785 318704

Email: info@thestafforddirectory.co.uk

Kate Hood - Sales Associate

Tel: 01785 318704

Sudoku puzzle

Cloudy2Clear Windows

Step Up, Stafford! Your 10K Journey Begins Here

Stafford Flower Club

BIG, BOLD FLAVOURS

Slimming World Stafford

String Quartet Comes To Stafford

Big Bold Falvours from The Littleton Arms’ New Chef

from The Littleton Arms’ new chef!

Recipe of the month

Introducing Blossom’s Crafts & Events in Stafford

Upcoming Talks at National Trust Staffordshire Centre

Property of the month with Dourish and Day

Cannock Friends of St Giles Crossword

Award-winning pub with rooms, The Littleton Arms in Penkridge has launched their ‘best menu yet’. It’s the work of their new head chef, Kieran Delap who is a familiar face to foodies, having worked in several top gastro pubs. Expect big, bold, exciting, and generous dishes, which sit alongside their pub classics.

Email: info@thestafforddirectory.co.uk

Editorial enquiries

Jennifer Dellicompagni - Editor

Tel: 01785 318704

“The Littleton Arms will always serve up great pub classics, such as our ‘whale on a plate’ – I call it that because it’s a very generous Fish & Chips, but it’s a foodie destination that excites people and brings them together for a memorable visit that they can’t wait to repeat. Fusion dishes full of flavour - Asian flavours from Korea, Japan, and India as well as wonderful flavours from South America, Greek Gyros on giant sharing homemade flatbreads it’s all there to savour. The menu showcases some of the best local ingredients across elevated dishes for the perfect ‘date night’ or important meal, and exciting generous food that you tuck into, share with friends, and celebrate coming together for whatever reason.

Esther Clark’s Puttanesca Baked Gnocchi

Email: info@thestafforddirectory.co.uk

The August 2025 edition of The Stafford Directory will be distributed during July to 10,000 homes and businesses in selected areas of Stafford.

If you wish to place an advert or editorial feature, please ensure copy is submitted to us no later than 10/08/2025.

When people leave their tastebuds should be buzzing, stomachs full, and if you don’t need to hit the sofa to relax and savour, then we haven’t done our job!”

Please note: All information was correct at time of printing but may be subject to changes.

Introduction

JULY 2025 18 16 24 22

The focus of The Littleton Arms has always been on the ‘handmade’, from the scotch eggs, pasties, and daily baked cakes on the bar for those in a hurry, to the Harissa Cauliflower Steak, Pistachio Crust Rack of Lamb, or Five Spice Duck Breast. The sharing boards are overly generous,

Former Deputy Food Editor for BBC Good Food and author of The Good Home Cook

Substack, Esther Clark knows a thing or two about weeknight staples the whole family will love, and this riff on the famed

A Local Favourite Returns to Stafford Town Centre

We’re so excited to say that Pastiche is back!

After a little time away, we’ve finally returned to our original home – right in the heart of Stafford town centre.

If you’ve visited us before, you’ll know we’ve always kept things simple: great home-made food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a space where people feel genuinely welcome – whether you’re catching up with friends, heading out for a date night, or just in the mood for something a little special midweek.

This new chapter is all about bringing that back. The menu is a mix of familiar favourites and a few new additions, all made from scratch with fresh, seasonal ingredients. From slowcooked classics to lighter bites and weekly specials, our focus is on flavour!

The setting may look a little different, but the idea remains the same: a laid-back bistro that does the basics really well.

We’re so excited to open our doors again and get back to what we love. Whether you’re a familiar face or someone new, we’d love to welcome you in.

You can reserve your table now at: www.pastiche-bistro.co.uk Or call us on 01785 875246

We can’t wait to see you soon!

Seasonal, home-made dishes. A relaxed, welcoming bistro. WE ARE OPEN, NOW TAKING BOOKINGS!

1-2 Mill Street, Stafford, ST16 2AJ

Tel: 01785 875246 | Email: hello@pastiche-bistro.co.uk

Sudoku

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9, with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! You solve the puzzle with reasoning logic– there’s no maths involved and no adding up.

• General podiatry and footcare

• Corns and callus

• Ingrowing toenail

• Fungal toe nails

• Verrucae

• Diabetic footcare

• Plantar Fasciitis & heel pain MAKE YOUR FEET A

Now is the time to get rid of those embarrassing verrucae.

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service,

As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Brian Stanley it became clear that these values have been held dear for a

number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Brian commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.co.uk.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.co.uk.

Janet Beard

Step Up, Stafford! Your 10K Journey Begins Here

As spring fades into summer and the energy of a new season buzzes through our town, one question echoes through the streets of Stafford: Are you ready for the challenge?

On Sunday, 21 September 2025, the Stafford 10K organised by Freedom Leisure returns,

for a 10K isn’t just good for your body, it’s fuel for your mind. Regular movement improves mood, boosts energy, and even sharpens focus. You’ll sleep better. Feel stronger. Stand taller.

cheering crowds. You’ll hear local bands playing, Children waving signs, Volunteers handing out water with warm smiles. The spirit of Stafford comes alive on race day, it’s like nothing else. This is your hometown, and this is your time to shine.

The Benefits Go Beyond the Finish Line Let’s talk about the transformation. Training

Stafford Flower Club Presents

A Floral Demonstration by Julie Pearson “Going for Gold”

With Stories of her RHS Entries and Wins.

All arrangements will be our raffle prizes Wednesday 23rd July 2025

Starting at 7.30 pm

Rising Brook Methodist Church, Burton Square, Rising Brook, Stafford. ST17 9DH (between the Coop Shop and High School)

What 3 Words: Lace Movie Human

All Are Welcome

Visitors: £12.00

Including Light Refreshments

Reserve your ticket early to avoid disappointment

Further Details – Ros: 07985 602287 or Margaret via: staffordflowerclub@gmail.com

the team are now helping managing another vaccine centre in the town.

up over an impressive 1,000 hours of voluntary service and helped serve, with other volunteers, an astounding 13,792 members of the public.

committed to helping with this project until everyone locally is protected.

Our tabards state: “Serving Our Community” and for doing at the North End Community Centre – hopefully for thousands more jabs.

We are always looking for more helping hands so if you would like to serve your local community with this initiative or any of our many other service projects please contact: 0345 8335834 or email: staffordlions@hotmail.co.uk

You can also see us on Facebook or visit our website: www.staffordlions.co.uk

‘I Feel Happy, I Feel Healthy’: How Laura Dropped 3 Stone and Gained a New Life at 34

STAFFORD! COMMUNITY GROUPS!

I feel happy, I feel healthy. My confidence has come back & I have a much better relationship with food” says Laura who has lost 3 stone in 6 months at her local Slimming World group.

groups in Stafford are open now. To or to book your place contact Helen on she says: “If you’re worrying about your feeling alone and desperate, don’t give up. Our Slimming World group is here and every week. So, if you’re thinking of and be part of that success – you’ll be every one of us.”

Before Laura joined her group she got out of breath easily and struggled running around after her 2 small children, even at the young age of 34. She said “My confidence wasn’t great and I lived in leggings & baggy t-shirts to hide myself in the best possible way so people couldn’t see my weight” Laura was so self conscious that she didn’t like trying on any new clothes in the shops, as she knew she wouldn’t like how they looked on her - making her feel even worse.

After losing 3 stone and dropping from a size 16 to size 12 Laura now says “I feel happy, I feel healthy. My confidence has come back & I have a much better relationship with food. I’m more active with my kids & generally an all round happier version of me”

Prior to joining Slimming World Laura’s food habits were not helping her or the family with their health and weight. “Takeaways were a big thing for me, especially with 2 small children as at the end of the day I was tired & didn’t want to cook. I would say for a good 3/4 months we had a takeaway every weekend & that was always washed down with a couple of big glasses of wine. My meals now

Penkridge

Mondays - AM & PM Holmcroft Thursdays –AM & PM

Tel: 07792 928877

Alison Freeman

consist of lots of free and speed foods, like pasta, rice, vegetables, fruits, lean meats and fish & I do like to make a classic fake away at the weekends.”

WEIGH TO GO STAFFORD!

SLIMMER’S COME BACK TOGETHER IN THEIR

A weight has been lifted for Stafford slimmer’s as they move from virtual groups to real-life groups. Members have shared how amazing it is to be back together in group, where they feel excited and supported to get their weight loss journeys back on track now that restrictions have lifted.

Consultants from the Stafford Team are delighted to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person, the buzz in the room and the results on the scales show just how much members are loving being back together too. They’ve also told us they’d really missed being together in-person – that feeling of community, swapping recipes and sharing ideas, and being there for each other through the highs and the lows of their journey. Plus, we know that there’s something powerful about stepping on the scales each week and having that regular check-in on your progress.

information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or on 07506191391. Katie Hancox

Slimming World find out more or 07506191397 she weight and feeling Don’t put it off. getting together joining, come and welcomed by every

For more information contact Helen on

The Castle Church Group has supported Laura each week to have a successful journey - one of the key parts to any Slimming World journey. To change the habits that have formed over years – sometimes decades – we know you need in-depth support and encouragement. At Slimming World, we’re passionate about helping every member achieve their dreams. We promise you’ll be treated with warmth, respect and understanding, and you’ll have access to a support system like no other – that’s how Slimming World works. She says “100% the support from my amazing consultant and members has helped SO much. I love that we all can share recipes, hints & tips to help us along our journey. If one of us are having a rough week, we are all there to support each other, It really is like you have a big extended family.”

COME BACK TOGETHER

“We’ve put measures in place to comply fully with local and Government guidance, of course, to ensure members are safe, happy and comfortable being back at our group. It’s been absolutely amazing to come back together again, it’s proven that there really is no better feeling than the magic of a real-life Slimming World group.

Get group support to achieve your own weight loss and health dreams just like Laura has. Losing weight can be tough, and it doesn’t have to be done alone. Visit the Slimming World website or your local group to find out about the full package of support waiting for you!

Contact your prefered consultant for group details

Slimming World

Tel: 07918 677783 Michelle Bryans

real food, real support, real results

String Quartet Comes To Stafford

The Stafford Walton Phoenix Activities Club has arranged a new venture for the town by organising a performance on Friday 3rd October 2025 of classical favourites played by the Alerion String Quartet, supported by a clarinettist. All the instrumentalists currently perform for the country’s leading orchestras and have come together for this special event.

The concert will be a celebration of the most tuneful pieces from the world’s most famous classical composers, such as Mozart, Handel, Bach, Tchaikovsky, Boyce, Boccherini and Mascagni. The details can be found on the SWPAC website (https:// staffordwaltonphoenix.org.uk).

The performance will be in two 1 hour sessions, starting at 2 pm. Each piece will be introduced by a compere who will give a brief description of its history. There will be an interval halfway through the concert when free refreshments will be served, comprising non-alcoholic drinks and cakes. Doors will open at 1.30 pm so arrive early to ensure you get the best seats.

The cost will be £15 per person and the concert has been heavily subsidised by the Club. At such a modest price, this is a unique event for our town which you should not miss.

To book your place at this concert, please visit the Phoenix website for an application form.

The completed form should be sent, together with a cheque made payable to SWPAC Outings, to Alan Morris at 20 Larchwood, Wildwood, Stafford, ST17 4SQ (Tel 01785 664835).

318704

Your new local Nissan main dealer

Celebrating 100 years with dealerships across Staffordshire, Shropshire & North Wales, W R Davies are delighted to now cover Cannock, Rugeley, Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge, Heath Hays and all of the surrounding local village communities.

The Littleton Arms, Penkridge

The menu embraces the incredible flavours and generosity of street food, done elegantly, in addition to fusion a la carte dishes with flavours from across the globe.

When people leave their tastebuds should be buzzing, stomachs full, and if you don’t need to hit the sofa to relax and savour, then we haven’t done our job!”

BIG, BOLD FLAVOURS

from The Littleton Arms’ new chef!

The Littleton Arms, Penkridge

“The Surf & Turf sharer is genuinely for sharing, Salt & Pepper squid, homemade Birria Beef croquettes, chargrilled lamb cutlets, truffle parmesan wings, king scallop thermidor with baked breads and dips, that’s a feast. If you can be persuaded, I’d add on the Chimichurri Steak Fries – there’s a lot of steak on top of premium fries, more than enough for two people – great with a quality ale or our new cocktails. The dishes introduce some incredible flavours to our customers in generous portions, avid foodies are always impressed, and I’m enormously proud of the terrific value our food serves up too.”

With food that fits every time of the day, from a ‘Proper Full English’ or French toast at breakfast, deep-filled sandwiches, sharing and grazing platters, lunch - to include light bites, to the main menu, the team at The Littleton are very excited to share this foodie journey with customers.

“Our burgers always score a great reaction. The French Onion, Birria Beef, and Korean Fried are my favourites. We’ve all seen and loved those independent burger specialists on Instagram; we give them a run for their money. Ours are authentic, fully loaded, and I would say a little addictive!”

The Red Lion, Bradley is opening early August. Sign up for launch details & Loyalty Card. Please email loyalty@davenports.co.uk

Please provide full name, email address, mobile number, date of birth, & state The Red Lion Bradley

Introduction Esther Clark’s Puttanesca Baked Gnocchi

Former Deputy Food Editor for BBC Good Food and author of The Good Home Cook Substack, Esther Clark knows a thing or two about weeknight staples the whole family will love, and this riff on the famed puttanesca pasta is no exception.

Method

1. Blitz one of the cans of tomatoes until smooth and set aside. Heat a glug of oil in a medium-sized saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and a generous pinch of salt and fry gently for 8-10 mins until softened and translucent.

2. Tip the chilli and all the tomatoes into the pan, lower the heat, then simmer for 10 mins, uncovered. Fill one of the empty cans a quarter full with water and add this to the sauce. Stir through the capers, olives and anchovies. Season with salt, pepper and a couple of generous pinches of sugar. Cook on a gentle heat, uncovered, for a further 5 mins. Keep warm until needed.

3. Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 2 mins. Drain and toss with the tomato sauce, then tip into an ovenproof dish or shallow casserole. Top

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 2 x 400g cans cherry tomatoes

• Olive oil, for frying

• 1 onion, ﬁnely chopped

• 1 tsp chilli ﬂakes

• 1 tbsp capers, drained

• 60g black pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped

• 5 anchovy ﬁllets in oil, ﬁnely chopped

• Sugar

• 500g shop-bought gnocchi

• 125g ball mozzarella torn,

with the torn mozzarella and a good grating of black pepper then pop under a high grill for 3-4 mins. Or if using an air fryer, heat it to 170°C. Add the gnocchi to a baking dish that will ﬁt in your air fryer and top with mozzarella, plus a good grinding of black pepper. Air fry for 10 mins or until the mozzarella is molten and gooey.

REVITALISE YOUR BBQ FOR SUMMER

• Ovens

• Grills

• Extractors

• Filters

• BBQs

• Microwaves

• Hobs

• Ranges

• AGAs

Introducing Blossom’s Crafts & Events

A

creative escape in the heart of Stafford

Hi, I’m Bobbie, the founder and owner of Blossom’s Crafts & Events Co, a brand new creative space coming to Mill Street in Stafford!

Having my own business has always been a huge pipe dream, so to see things taking shape is beyond surreal. I have always envisaged a business based around creativity and here we are!

I have come from a background of corporate and office jobs that would be classed as your classic 9–5, but after turning 40 this year and also losing my mum in late 2023, I decided I needed something more fulfilling in my life and picked up on my dream of running my own business.

My vision is to create a relaxed and fun environment where people of all ages can come together and simply lose themselves in being creative, for whichever session you choose to do.

Tackling stress and anxiety has always been a challenge for me – and more so the older you get –so the idea is, whilst you are here, you can switch off from the outside world! Meet like-minded people and, most importantly, relax and have fun!

I am really excited about giving the little ones an opportunity to be away from the screens and TV, and just lose themselves in those creative minds of theirs!

Blossom’s will be a place where you can come alone and try something new with a coffee and cake, catch

up with a friend and have a chat whilst creating something beautiful, come as a group and have some fun, or have the place to yourself and celebrate that special occasion!

I will also be hosting parties where all the stress will be taken away for you – from table decoration to the balloons, the food, and the activity itself – hopefully bringing something a little different to your event.

The website and social accounts will be kept up to date, and I will make sure to share more on the venue as things start to come together! We will also be keeping everyone updated here too, in The Stafford Directory magazine.

We are aiming to be open for August, with some great sessions for families during the summer holidays!. Bookings will be open very soon so keep your eyes peeled!

I finally wanted to say a huge thank you to the local businesses that have shown their support, and for your kind words on this new venture! I really hope for some collaborations soon.

Email us at info@blossomscraftsandevents.co.uk and find all of our latest updates over on our website, www.blossomscraftsandevents.co.uk or find us on social media at Blossoms Crafts and Events Co.

Upcoming Talks

at National Trust Staffordshire Centre

National Trust Staffordshire Centre

The Staffordshire Centre’s programme of talks at Walton Village Hall in Stafford continues on July 8th. There is no need to book in advance, just turn up at the door and pay as you go in. However, it would help the organisers if you book your place(s) on our website https://www. ntstafford.org.uk/ go to Events-Talks -Book a Talk.

All talks start at 2.30 pm and you do not have to be a member of the Centre to attend. Admission is £4.50 for non-members of the Centre and talks are followed by tea and biscuits.

The Man Who Never Was – July 8th A Talk by Andy French

Andrew French will reveal the truth about Operation Mincemeat, the secret operation intended to deceive the Germans and allow allied troops to return to

mainland Europe during WW2.

Discover the true story of this attempt to trick Nazi Germany into weakening Sicily’s defences in 1943, by making them think that the invasion was going to be in Greece. They used a dead man with fake papers, bringing about the phrase “The Man Who Never Was”.

However, the talk develops into a possible government cover up and conspiracy that still holds firm today. Original documents from 1943 are used to prove what really happened, turning this piece of history into a “personal one” – it has a direct French family connection.

To keep up with our future events, watch out for us in these pages or check out our Events page at https://www.ntstafford.org.uk/

635,000

Indulge in opulence at Mulberry House - a designer residence in Coppenhall. This five-bedroom masterpiece boasts a grand entrance, living room with a stylish log burner, utility, and a spacious kitchen/dining room with a beautiful log burner and glazed sliding doors revealing picturesque rural views. The first-floor features four bedrooms with a master ensuite, a family bathroom, and an additional double bedroom in the attic with potential for another ensuite. External luxuries include a double-width driveway, a private rear garden with an Indian stone-paved seating area, a manicured lawn, and two garden sheds. The panoramic views are a masterpiece in themselves, ensuring that a glimpse of this house will captivate and enamour.

Mulberry House, Coppenhall, Stafford, ST18 9BW

‘Glow-up’ your retirement with a simple mindset switch

Friendship group Mid Staffs Oddfellows is inspiring local retirees to give their retirement a ‘glow-up’ by switching from a ‘To Do’ to a ‘To Be’ mindset.

The Society, made up of 417 mostly older and retired members, says it’s easy to get stuck in a rut once initial ‘things to do’ lists are ticked off.

But retirees shouldn’t miss out on living a more fulfilling and authentic life, the friendship group adds, explaining how its regular events held in and around Stafford are great ways to get a retirement that glows.

This message is backed by ‘Doctor of Happiness’ Dr Andy Cope, who has spent two decades studying the science of positive psychology and human flourishing. He explained: “With retirement, you can fall into the trap of only creating ‘To Do’ lists and they are often quite mundane tasks. But if you make the switch to asking yourself what you want ‘To Be’ today, it’s incredibly powerful and rewarding.”

Dr Cope added: “Everyone’s ‘To Be’ list is different. Thinking about what kind of person you want to be gives you focus. For example, if you want to be a nice person, then you need to be kind, compassionate and present for those around you. If you want to be more adventurous, spend the day focusing on being curious and bold, and give new things a try.”

District Secretary for Mid Staffs Oddfellows, Tina Bayley added: “Our local friendship group is here to help you explore what’s possible in retirement – at your own pace and in your own way. You’ll find friendly faces, interesting events, chances to volunteer, and group holidays to look forward to. No matter what you need to help you flourish, we can help you glow in retirement.”

Mid Staffs Oddfellows has a busy schedule of events planned for the summer months. These include a coffee morning at our Oddfellows Hall in Stafford on Tuesday 24th June, then coffee out at Pillaton Farm Tea Room, Penkridge on Thursday 3rd July and also we are having a trip to Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre, Eccleshall on Wednesday 9th July (booking required for the last two).

To find out more about Mid Staffs Oddfellows and its upcoming events, get in touch with Tina or Christine on midstaffs@oddfellows.co.uk or call 01785 258269.