During lockdown, mother and daughter duo Jenny and Jackie noticed that this particular stretch of the Transpennine Trail – on the River Mersey in between Stretford and Urmston – was absolutely buzzing.
It felt like a no-brainer to create a haven for walkers, cyclists and even paddle boarders to enjoy a rest and a brew.
Riverbank Coffee is the result.
Initially they kept things humble, operating out of a compact red caravan, but over the years things have evolved. Riverbank Coffee today is a cute cluster of huts and cabins you have to seriously seek out – but it’s worth the effort.
Visitors arrive at this secluded spot from all walks of life. Cyclists on the Transpennine roll in for a refuelling break; anglers in wellies pause for a flat white between casts; they’ve even had paddle-boarders glide over for a brew.
Every single day of the week you can enjoy freshly made coffee and tea (they use their own blends), as well as old school homemade cakes, savoury bakes like pies and sausage rolls. Crucially, these are served piping hot to warm you your hands up after a walk in the cold, handy for the winter months.
Those seeking sweet treats aren’t left hanging either. Jenny and her mum bake daily, with the Biscoff blondie being the first thing to vanish every weekend. Pies, pasties, cakes and sausage rolls sell out fast – on busy days the team struggles to juggle orders, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Despite the fact you can’t get to Riverbank Coffee by car – it’s an 18 minute walk from the nearest road – the punters have not been discouraged, and they’ve only become more popular over the years.
It’s every bit as idyllic as it sounds. And those sausage rolls? 10/10.
