A pub in Stoke-on-Trent is hoping to open a community pantry for those struggling with food prices after recently coming under new ownership. 

The Potter, on the border of Fenton and Longton, is in the process of setting up a charity under the ownership of JJ's Bars & Pubs, which has recently acquired the King Street boozer.

There are hopes the initiative will result in a community pantry of non-perishable items which will be sold for a small profit to be invested back into the charity to give back to those who need it. 

For Jack Stelmacher, director of JJ's Bars & Pubs, the endeavour is about looking after the community which the pub serves alongside his mission of providing the cheapest pint in the area. 

Jack said: "We are currently in an application with the government as we have just launched a charity as a group. 

"What we're trying to do with our group is we want to support people in our towns. So for example, we will only focus on areas and facilities around our venues.

"We're going to get non-perishable items from the wholesaler and we will price them up by around 10p per item.

"But then that money gets reinvested into the charity straight away which will then support people who can't afford to buy things. It's the same with sanitary towels, and other products. Everything you need to live life as a woman, a man, we will do it. 

The Potter is on King Street on the Fenton and Longton border. (Supplied)

"We want to give to our community - not just take."

Jack has been a business partner at The Potter since April 2024 but brought the venue under his pub group since the previous operators decided to "take a step back". The group is hoping to make the pub more family-friendly with activities for children.

JJ's Bars & Pubs also owns venues in Congleton, Leek and Wetley Rocks.

Jack added: "I had a pub group already building behind the scenes and we took it out of their hands and put it as part of our group. 

"We've given it a bit of a new lease of life in terms of being community-focused and we've got more for the kids like an Xbox, games in the little snug area, colouring, balloons and all sorts of entertainment. 

"The drinks are still going to be nice and cheap. My pub group aim to try and be cheaper than the rest, but better than the rest in terms of the quality. 

"We're looking at putting together a family fun day when the weather is nice and we have karaoke every weekend."