J’AIME DECEMBER 2021

and Wedgwood is one of the most renowned and
oldest pottery companies, which also has such a
prestigious repetition in the hospitality industry – so
to have the opportunity to work with them and bring
Lunar to their famous site on Wedgwood Drive fits
perfectly with the atmosphere we want to create,”
explains Niall.
Even the name itself was inspired by the legendary
Lunar Society, a supper club formed during
the ‘Midlands enlightenment’, of which Josiah
Wedgwood was a founding member. It brought
together forward thinkers, entrepreneurs, scientists,
philosophers, poets and inventors of the time.
Speaking of creative minds, Ed and Craig, also
originally from Staffordshire, have spent time
traveling around the world as well as establishing
their successful events company in recent years. The
intention with Lunar is to bring their experiences
home and create world-class experiences in their
home county. So, how has the team come together?
“We all have different experiences coming from
different backgrounds, but working together has
given us the chance to be creative together and bring
to the table what we do best,” Niall tells me. “Their
passion for hospitality and their skills when it comes
NIALL KEATING, LEFT, WITH
LUNAR HEAD CHEF CRAIG LUNN
to design and bringing ideas to life has made the
whole experience enjoyable and I am so proud of
what we’ve built together. It also helps that we all get
on and clicked straight away!”
Lunar, like Wedgwood, is a celebration of the past,
present and future. It’s looking to the future and the
nurturing of the up-and-coming local hospitality
scene that stands out for Niall.
“I’m most proud of the opportunities that Lunar is
giving to the team. There is such great talent in the
area, so I’m excited to be able to find it and work
with a whole bunch of people who have shared
interests and want to be part of creating something
really exciting.”
World of Wedgwood was already home to the
iconic Wedgwood tea room, Wedgwood Factory and
Wedgwood Flagship Store, and the V&A Wedgwood
Collection. They recently opened a new store, Josiah
and Co, exclusively selling products handcrafted by
local artisans in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
“We are delighted, inspired, enthused and extremely
proud to be working with Wedgwood,” says codirector
Craig. “The synergy, values and ambitions
we all have could not be more aligned and we’re
looking forward to making Lunar a destination that
we can all enjoy and be proud of for many
years to come.”
Alongside Lunar, the Wedgwood estate has
also welcomed a new garden Landpod,
where guests can enjoy takeaway afternoon
tea, reflecting their ambition to create a
leisure and hospitality destination to attract
visitors from far and wide.
“We are delighted to welcome Lunar
to Barlaston,” says Jemma Harrison,
newly appointed Head of World of
Wedgwood. “The combined passion and
experience of Niall, Ed and Craig brings
something unique and very, very special to
Staffordshire; it’s been a real privilege to be
involved in this project and I’m so excited
to see the concept come to life at World of
Wedgwood.”
As are we at J’AIME.
But finally, as a North Staffordshire native,
there’s one burning culinary question it
was impossible not to ask - what does Niall
have on his oatcakes? “Sausage, bacon,
brown sauce. Always.”
To view a sample menu and book a table
at Lunar by Niall Keating, visit
www.lunarwedgwood.com
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