OVER THE MOON!
Lunar a ‘dream come true’ for award-winning chef
A Fine-dining restaurant serving up Michelin star worthy meals is preparing to open in Stoke-on-trent.
Lunar will offer a modern culinary experience at the World of Wedgwood in Barlaston from next month.
The 120-seater venue has been set up by Stoke-on-trent-born two times Michelin starred chef Niall Keating and the Great British Experience Company.
It will showcase some of Staffordshire’s leading cooking talent at the same time as reflecting the rich history and heritage of the Potteries.
The name is inspired by The Lunar Society, which was the social network of the 18th century, bringing together some of the most forward-thinking minds of the time.
Josiah Wedgwood, a key member, was a pioneer in many fields, both within the pottery industry and as a social reformer.
Niall said: “I’m incredibly passionate about Staffordshire, its rich heritage and amazing local produce.
“To have the opportunity to celebrate that whilst paying homage to the Potteries is a dream come true.”
The 30-year-old already has a number of accolades including BBC’S Great British Menu Champion of Champions 2020 and Michelin Young European Chef of the Year 2018.
Although Niall will oversee Lunar, the kitchen will be run day-to-day by head chef Craig Lunn, who has experience at Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road in London, and restaurants under Alain Ducasse in the Middle East.
Craig said: “Ever since we met, Niall has talked about opening a restaurant in Staffordshire. He is so proud of where he comes from, and it’s an honour to be given the responsibility of head chef.”
The restaurant’s decor has been inspired by the history of Wedgwood and The Lunar Society and there will also be artwork from Staffordshire artists and galleries, including Barewall Gallery in Burslem.
A focal point of the 80-seat restaurant area will be a large, four-metre concrete Chef’s Table for up to 12 as a group with a window into the kitchen to watch the team at work. Covering the adjacent wall will be a massive mural by local artist Ethan Lemon depicting the skyline of the Potteries.
A large, overhead full moon in the Lunar Bar will celebrate how the Lunar
Society would meet under a Full Moon in the 1700s.
Additionally, The Botanist’s Room for private dining will accommodate up to 20 accessed by a secret bookcase entrance.
The Bubble Room is an informal space for drinks and light snacks, and pays homage to Joseph Priestley, another founding member of The Lunar Society.
The furniture has been carefully selected and upcycled from all over the UK, with more than 100 pieces from Wales, London and locally in Stoke-on-trent.
Across the venue there are also Wedgwood casts and moulds, as well as tableware and Waterford Crystal glassware to be used for service.
Craig Wilkinson, from the Great British Experience Company said: “We aspire to add to the history of such great revolutionaries while protecting our future – from upcycling furniture to working with sustainable suppliers.
“We want Lunar to be something that Staffordshire is proud of - with a reputation and reach across the country and beyond.”
Jemma Harrison, head of World of Wedgwood, is delighted to be welcoming Lunar to the home of ceramics.
She said: “The restaurant space has been developed with enormous respect for the heritage of the beautiful estate and the Wedgwood brand.”
A total of 20 jobs have been created with the restaurant preparing to open its doors on November 25.