15 Problems Only People From Stoke-On-Trent Will Understand

Is it a sin against nature to put barley in your lobby?

By Mike Morgan /

Stoke-on-Trent has an image of being a bit "post-industrial". Residents have even been known to compare areas of the city, such as Middleport, with Beirut. But the reality is that Stoke has lots of things going for it and, ok, whilst it's not very scenic in certain spots, it is located right next to some beautiful areas. And that has to count for something, right? Stoke-on-Trent is also home to the Trent and Mersey canal system, which provides some pleasant walking routes right through the heart of the city, as well as one or two spots where a mugger might be lurking, but the least said about that the better. Whilst Stoke is clearly a terrific destination for tourists, there are some unique problems that only "Stokies" will understand (and it's OK to say "Stokie"). For example, due to the unfathomable road system, the neighbouring Newcastle-under-Lyme feels like it's on a different planet despite only being a couple of miles away. Here are 15 even more vexing problems that only those people lucky enough to live in Stoke-on-Trent will understand.