The Packing House Café at Middleport Pottery

Middleport Pottery’s café is a nostalgic find. In this canalside spot that is true to its industrial roots, obsolete machine bases have become tables, the lampshades are teapots and a delicate blue mural reflects the Burleigh pottery made here. The factory's future was thankfully secured with a boost from the Prince’s Regeneration Trust. It now offers a glimpse of industrial Victorian England courtesy of a museum and immersive heritage centre.

In the café, unpretentious homemade food is served on blue and white china, naturally. Rich coffee and manifold teas are on offer. The Staffordshire oatcakes with bacon and cheese are a firm favourite; cooked breakfasts are generous and lunches are simple but filling. Options include classic toasties, buttery jacket potatoes or sandwiches. The patio is the place to narrowboat-spot. The museum runs diverse events year-round, with clay crafts and tea parties to keep children and pottery-philes happy.