You never really need an essential reason to cross the Channel. But whilst waiting for your next trip, we’ve had a look around to give you a taste of France without leaving the country!
In this article
Breakfast on board The Floating Boulangerie in London
It’s been a year since Lindsay and Jeremy Morel turned their bargehouse into a floating boulangerie, enchanting London’s canals from Westbourne Park to Hackney Wick with the delicious smell of warm bread and pastries, sold through their windows.
To push it one step further, hop on their deck to enjoy a traditional French petit-déjeuner on board, with a choice of pain au choc’ or croissant, brioche, an assortment of bread and drinks. Generously spread butter and jam on your tartine, and decide which team you’re on: to dip or not to dip in your coffee, that is the question.
£20 per person, pre-bookings only. No children under 10 years old. Covered and uncovered areas available.
The Floating Boulangerie - Breakfast on Board
Location changes every two weeks, cruising path usually from Westbourne Park to Hackney Wick.
Thursdays and Fridays – 9.45-10.45am or 11am-12pm
Saturdays and Sundays – 10-11am or 11.15am-12.15pm
A seaside breeze at Angela’s in Margate
At Angela’s neighbourhood bistro in vibrant Margate, the motto of head chef Rob Cooper is sustainability. The menu changes daily according to what’s fresh from the boat that morning, and what seasonal veg are around.
Our favourites with a French seaside bite include leeks vinaigrette, ray with beurre noisette, or mussels with cider and garlic. Sit back and enjoy with sand between your toes, and a glass of rosé from Languedoc or a sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne.
Angela’s of Margate
Tuesday-Saturday 12-2pm and 6-11pm
21 The Parade, Margate CT9 1EX
A Parisian night out at Le Petit Café du Coin in Liverpool
Open in 2017, this green-tiled, quirky little café-bar on the corner of Berry Street is all about laid-back vibes, music, and good drinks. Come the evening, sip a refreshing Suze Spritz, a fruity glass of rosé or a Breton bolée de cidre, whilst listening to the live jazz bands.
Food-wise, order a board of charcuterie, French cheese or both!
Petit Café du Coin
60 Berry Street, Liverpool L14JQ
Monday-Friday 3pm-1am
Saturday-Sunday 12pm-1am
A French escape at 63 degrees in Manchester
Since 2011, the Moreau family has been bringing a taste of classic French gastronomy to the Northern Quarter of Manchester - crisp white tablecloths and tasting menus included.
France is all around the plates, from the sunny fine pastry tart with tomato confit to the traditional escargots in parsley and garlic espuma, without forgetting the beef burger with a cheeky gribiche sauce, the cozy gratin dauphinois or the French cheese selection. Sweet teeth will indulge in the cherry crème brûlée.
104 High Street, Manchester M41HQ
Wednesday-Thursday 12pm-1.30pm and 5.30pm-11pm
Friday 12pm-1.30pm and 5.30pm-12am
Saturday 12pm-12am
Sunday 12pm-7pm
Contributor
Valentine Benoist
Editor
