New cafe tackles knife crime from the kitchen

A new cafe in Stoke-on-Trent's Potteries Centre aims to teach youngsters how to cook, build a business and stay away from criminal activity.

The Retro Gaming Diner was opened by charity group Chit Chat 4 U All who fight against knife crime, gangs and youth violence.

Founder and Director Larissa Cooke said money made by the cafe would be spent on knife amnesty bins in each of the city's six towns.

"It's been amazing," she said reflecting on the first weeks of business, "That many people have come to support, donate to us or asked for their son or daughter to come and volunteer."

Chef Vera Amoabeng deliberately offers a broad menu to make the diverse community feel welcome

Two years ago, the charity raised funds to provide bleed kits across Stoke-on-Trent and has since focused on preventative measures to address knife crime.

The cafe is its second social enterprise to open in the Potteries Centre, with Artisan World offering craft items, clothing and a community library.

”It gives young people an opportunity to learn lots of things, to gain work experience and to show them a different path - that there‘s a more to life than gangs and crime,“ said Ms Cooke.

Vera Amoabeng is hopeful that the cooking lessons she offers will give young people skills and a focus.

"It's something to keep them busy instead of having nothing to do," she said.

The experienced chef of over 20 years is proud to have brought African cuisine to the shopping centre and believes it is an important aspect.

"We want the diner to be diverse. We want everyone to be here," said Ms Amoabeng.