London is blessed with so many gorgeous waterways running through the city, and we’re not short of floating hospitality: from a floating bookshop to a floating hotel that’s making a positive difference to communities around the world. We’ve even got a floating restaurant dedicated entirely to cheese. But there’s nothing quite like Crepes+Coffee, a historic narrowboat serving up speciality coffee and crepes along the Grand Union Canal.
Andrei Speriatu is the man with the plan: the plan being to put his Hospitality degree and experience to very good use. He spent 10 years working at the Connaught in Mayfair (you know, the one with the famously good cocktail bar) as a butler and room service manager, but now he’s out doing his own thing and giving locals their caffeine and crepe fix.
He chose to focus on crepes because they suit anyone and everyone: kids and adults, or those with a preference for sweet or savoury. And it’s not his first foray in the world of crepes, either. In 2019, he founded Crepes Masters – a mobile catering business serving his trademark crepes out of vintage vans at events and parties around the UK.
On top of that though, Andrei wanted to build a base for himself and establish a community of regulars. Enter PAVO, a narrowboat built back in 1935 for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company, which provided an opportunity for this exact venture. It’s now been open since November 2023, and it has some rave reviews to its name.
The menu has been designed by Andrei’s friend and French patisserie chef at the Connaught Hotel. You can expect a range of classics, like lemon & sugar and ham & cheese, as well as specials such as the Reuben Galette with beef brisket, sauerkraut, cheese & Russian dressing.
“All of my crepes are homemade – with options for both sweet and savoury. We also work with local coffee roasters Code.194, so we can provide our customers with high-quality speciality coffee. We are trying to develop something really cool here and have already worked up a loyal customer base who visit me every day for a coffee, a crepe and a chat. I love speaking with them and finding out what they like – that way I can make it a more personable experience.”
You’ll find Crepes+Coffee along the Grand Union Canal near Wembley, just off of Beresford Avenue. The nearest stations are Stonebridge Park and Alperton. It’s currently takeaway only, but once the weather cheers up, you can also expect table service (and possibly even some events – stay tuned).