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Sky Sports and expanded bar set for Stoke-on-Trent pub in 'six-figure investment'

By Jordan Edwards 29th Aug 2025

High Tales in Trentham Lakes is reverting back to its old name. (HighTales)
High Tales in Trentham Lakes is reverting back to its old name. (HighTales)

A UK-first "experience-led dining venue" in Stoke-on-Trent will close its doors for the last time at the end of this week while a renovation gets underway.

High Tales at the former Hem Heath pub in Trentham Lakes opened in Autumn 2024 but this week the venue confirmed it will revert back to its old name and be under the Flaming Grill brand from October.

Now Greene King, which owns the pub, has confirmed the "six-figure" renovation will include the introduction of Sky Sports, TNT Sports, a pool table and an expanded bar area.

The Hem Heath will open its doors as a Flaming Grill in October after testing the High Tales concept this year in a previous six-figure investment in the pub.

A spokesperson for Greene King said: "After testing our HighTales concept in Stoke-on-Trent, we have taken the decision to not progress with this brand as part of the Greene King portfolio.

"However, we are taking insight and learnings from the trial and feeding those into our future thinking. 

 "We have listened to our customers' feedback and are pleased to be able to confirm that we will be converting the site into a Flaming Grill pub, which will open in October.

"We can't wait to showcase the pub's new and improved look, and we look forward to welcoming the local community back to experience all we have to offer soon."

Other changes to the pub include new furniture and decor as well as a new menu which includes the Philly Thrill Burger, Jerk Chicken Sizzler and Korean BBQ Beef Rib.

Greene King also says there will be a range of cask ales on the bar.

     

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