Stafford town spotlight: business moves, fresh starts and a new restaurant on the way

As part of a new fortnightly Stafford town spotlight, this editorial roundup brings together some of the recent business moves, refurbishments and upcoming openings across the town, highlighting how the local high street continues to evolve.

Aura Alcove relocates and rebrands on Eastgate Street

Beauty business Aura Alcove has recently relocated, downsized and rebranded, opening a new chapter from a fresh town centre location.

Formerly known as The Bronzing and Beauty Rooms, the business moved from 26 Princes Street to 40 Eastgate Street on 2 December, taking over the unit previously occupied by Fung’s Chinese takeaway.

The owner says the move came after ongoing disruption and an unexpected increase in costs at the previous premises. While the change wasn’t originally planned, the new location is described as a better fit, offering improved footfall, a busier area and a building more suited to the business going forward.

New Greek restaurant planned for Wolverhampton Road

A new Greek restaurant is also preparing to open in Stafford.

The restaurant, called Eis Ygian, is set to open on Wolverhampton Road in the former Spice Island premises.

Information shared on the business website suggests the team is aiming for a mid-February opening, subject to final preparations.

Spice Island has since relocated to 4A Stone Road, Stafford (ST16 2RQ) and is understood to now operate as a takeaway-only business.

If plans progress as expected, Eis Ygian will add another option to Stafford’s food scene, bringing Greek-inspired dining to a well-known roadside location.

New dental practice taking shape in former Toni & Guy building

Elsewhere in the town centre, renovation work is underway on a former Toni & Guy salon, which is being converted into a new dental practice called The Dentist at Stafford.

The building, which originally opened as a Toni & Guy salon in 2000, is Grade II listed and measures approximately 1,870 sq ft (173.72 sq m). While it is not clear when the salon closed, internal refurbishment work is currently taking place, with no external alterations or signage visible at this stage.

As a listed building, any changes are expected to balance modern use with the preservation of historic features. No opening date has yet been announced, however it is expected to be mid-March and will be a affordable-private practice..

A snapshot of change in Stafford

Taken together, these updates reflect the constant movement and adaptation happening across Stafford, from established independents relocating to new premises, to vacant buildings being brought back into use, and new hospitality ventures preparing to open.

This fortnightly town spotlight will continue to highlight similar developments, offering a regular snapshot of what’s changing across Stafford’s high streets and neighbourhoods.