Award winning chef drops plan for pizza place

An award-winning chef has pulled out of a planned new venture inside a town's refurbished market hall, citing personal reasons.

Thom Bateman had planned to take a unit at Leek's Trestle Market for pizza concept Nanny J's but notified Staffordshire Moorlands District Council he was unable to take the project forward.

The authority undertook a £3.4m project to rejuvenate the indoor markets in Leek, which have been re-opened since February.

Three food and drink units were created as part of the refurbishment - with The Slamwich Club and Scrumbles Cake Shop already operating from two of the units.

"We're saddened that Thom has made the difficult decision to step away but we understand why," said Matt Swindlehurst, cabinet member for leisure and tourism.

The building plays host to a range of events - including evening markets, cinema screenings and live music performances.

The authority said the third food and beverage unit was now available to rent and anyone interested in taking on the empty unit should contact the council's regeneration team for more details.

Bateman's restaurant, The Flintlock, has received two AA Rosettes and a Michelin Guide listing.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.