We have some of the best coffee shops around to grab a cuppa and a slice of cake in Manchester, and when you pair that with our countless canals, there’s only one thing for it: a canal boat cafe. Enter: Libby and the ‘Cast No Shadow’ canal boat, now the foremost river-based coffee and cake shop in our region, the Canal Life Coffee & Cake Boat.
With a name taken from an iconic Oasis tune, and serving punters from the city’s waterways, you can’t get more Manc than the Canal Life Coffee & Cake Boat. The boat does move around Manchester’s waterways, but its current stint sees Libby and Cast No Shadow moored on the beautiful Bridgewater Canal right in the heart of historical Castlefield.
As it moves around, Canal Life updates its Instagram account with dates, times and location (usually in the form of What3Words), meaning you can get your fix just about anywhere on its route. Serving freshly roasted and brewed coffees, delicious baked goods and cold refreshments for those warmer days, customers can grab their order and take a gorgeous stroll around the cobbles and canals of Castlefield, perhaps even taking in the stunning views from Castlefield Viaduct.
Whether you opt for a spot of lemon drizzle, Jamaica ginger cake, or one of many brand new creations, you’re spoilt for choice for a sweet treat on the waterways. The Canal Life Coffee & Cake Boat encourages slowing right down, living more consciously and taking a minute to stop and smell the roses (or more likely a mix of smog and sewage… what can we say, it’s still Manchester).
Just as canal boats do in general, calm right down, grab a drink and a treat, and take in all the city has to offer. In a city that can be extremely fast paced, and with many calling Castlefield their workplace, the Canal Life Coffee & Cake Boat serves as a refreshing reminder to take a minute (or 30) to yourself.
Check the Canal Life Instagram to keep updated on opening hours, dates and any changing locations.