Riverbank Coffee is a peaceful outdoor cafe located on the banks of the River Mersey and the Trans Pennine Trail, between Urmston and Sale. It is about a 20-minute walk from the nearest road, and cars are strictly forbidden, making it a hidden gem for walkers, cyclists, and paddleboarders.
A Community Spot Since 2020
The cafe was established in 2020 by Brian and Jackie Kilcourse, the couple who own the farm on which it stands. They joined forces with friends Dane and Jennifer Smith, who brought it to life and made it the much-loved community spot it is today.
The cafe is housed in a converted shipping container, which has been transformed into a one-stop shop for freshly roasted coffee, homemade staples, and sweet bakes. Over the years, it has expanded and now spans two forest green shipping containers.
Accessible Only by Foot, Bike, or Paddle
The cafe's appeal lies in its idyllic setting and the fact that it can only be reached via stunning woodland and a waterside trail. Visitors often see bikes parked at the gates, and some regulars arrive by paddleboard or canoe.
The route has become so popular with waterway users that Paddle UK has ranked it as one of the best hidden paddle-to-coffee routes. The Trans Pennine Trail and Riverbank Coffee have become a must-visit spot for those enjoying coffee and breakfast with a morning paddle.
A Stop for Cyclists and Walkers
Riverbank Coffee has also become a stop-off for keen cyclists tackling different parts of the trail, particularly the west-to-east section that starts at Southport and heads south through the suburbs of Liverpool, through Widnes, Warrington, Manchester, Stockport, and Hadfield.
Jennie Smith, one of the co-owners, previously told the Manchester Evening News: "In the beginning, it started as an escape from lockdown, especially for us, and even today it still is." She added: "On days off, we'll still go walking around here and we've built up a strong community around us. At the start, we had a lot of people asking where to park, but we've stuck to our guns and while there is a road behind it's private and we want to keep it that way as it's Jackie and Brian's home."
Food, Drink, and Getting There
The cafe offers fresh coffee made with locally roasted beans, milkshakes, cold drinks, and hot chocolate. Breakfast options include sausage, bacon, and egg muffins, plus pasties, pies, and sausage rolls. Sweet treats regularly change and often include brownies, cherry Bakewell, shortbread, loaf cakes, and blondies, along with seasonal cakes, waffles with flavoured syrups, and snacks like flapjacks, crisps, and children's chocolate.
For those new to Riverbank Coffee, the website explains how to get there on foot, by bike, and where to park in Urmston. Visitors are encouraged to look up the cafe on Google Maps and select a walking route. If travelling by car, Eden Square Car Park (M41 5BE) in the centre of Urmston is suggested, offering free parking for up to three hours. From there, it's a 30–40 minute leisurely stroll through Cob Kiln Wood, along the river to the cafe. Visitors are asked to respect neighbours and local businesses when parking.
Riverbank Coffee is open seven days a week, from 8am until 4pm. A location map is available on their website.
