When the sun is shining there’s nothing quite like a scenic day out by the water, whether that be the nearby beaches, lakes or much closer to home, Manchester’s canalside. For those who like to stretch their legs in the sunshine with a wander down the waterways, there’s something new moored nearby that’s sure to make you stop this summer.
You’ll smell it before you see it. The sensational aroma of crêpes made fresh to order wafts down the canal that may just influence you to pick up the pace to see what delicious treats lie ahead. That delightful smell comes from Crepe Factory Afloat, a narrowboat that cruises along the Manchester canals flipping French-style pancakes for passers-by to enjoy.
Crepe Factory Afloat is run by couple Sandra and Robert Fell, from Nelson, Lancashire, who moved onto the boat and started their floating food business 14 years ago. Although their mooring location differs, you’ll always be able to order a crêpe with various sweet and savoury fillings, ranging from Nutella and strawberries to ham and cheese, bananas to breakfast.
But that’s not all that Crepe Factory Afloat serves. You can also treat yourself to an ice cream, cake, milkshake, coffee, snacks and so much more. You can even get a taste of Tenerife by ordering a ‘barraquito’ a multi-layered coffee featuring coffee liqueur that is so tasty and sweet it should be served as a dessert. In addition to running Crepe Factory Afloat, Sandra and Robert Fell also run All Things Spanish, which sells everything from bags and wooden carvings, to a range of Spanish food like tapas.
Crepe Factory Afloat has previously been docked close to The Moorings pub in Boothstown as well as at Pennington Flash in Leigh. Weather depending, the canal boat is open to customers from 10am to 5pm on weekends. To find out where the boat will be each weekend, head to the All Things Spanish Facebook page and discover the what3words for the exact location.
So if you do find yourself peckish on a waterside walk, don’t panic get yourself a pancake.