Moonbean Cafe: I went to the floating coffee shop that travels across Yorkshire by barge
There is something special about grabbing a coffee and going for a walk. On Yorkshire’s canals, a floating coffee shop is encouraging exactly that.
Travelling in a converted barge, Moonbean Coffee Boat announces its location and opening hours via social media, stopping for a few days to serve different waterfront neighbourhoods.
On a sunny afternoon in Apperley Bridge, I decided to visit. According to the latest Instagram post, the barge was moored near the marina, and the post gave a What3Words location (under.clap.coffee, which seemed fitting).
As a coffee shop with no fixed address, I wondered if I’d struggle to find it. However, I soon spotted a chalk billboard, announcing that Moonbean was “just up the towpath.” There was already a steady stream of walkers enjoying the waterfront views and sunshine. I noticed that some were carrying coffee cups.
First, I saw a lime-green barge, its rooftop covered in potted flowers. Then I spotted the white-and-lilac Moonbean Coffee Boat, its name Marilyn, painted in swirling cursive. Outside, there were a few chairs for customers and a chalkboard menu.
My friend ordered a cherry mocha for £3.50, and I chose a regular cappuccino for the same price. From a homemade cake menu, we both ordered a tiramisu brownie for £3.50. Payment was available by card or cash.
Served in pastel-coloured takeout cups, the coffees were delicious, but the brownies were the cherry on top. I didn’t know what to expect from the texture, but the top layer was soft – like mascarpone – and the bottom was squishy like fudge. Part of the novelty was knowing that our purchases weren’t baked or brewed on land.
As we sat eating the brownies, I watched other customers ordering, many of whom already had loyalty cards. One couple with a black cocker spaniel appeared, ordering coffees and a pup cup, which the spaniel demolished in seconds. Most customers asked about upcoming locations, clearly tracking the boat’s whereabouts and planning their next visit.
The couple who run the business live on the lime-green boat with their dog, travelling across British canals with their second barge in tow. I’m told that they’ll be in Yorkshire for “the foreseeable,” and for anyone wondering, their next stop is Rodley.
Ready to stretch our legs, we decided to walk towards Calverley while sipping the coffee. The towpath was idyllic: ducklings zipped through rippling water, weeping willows dangled over the path, and families passed on bikes.
Rarely visiting local canals, I hadn’t realised the Apperley-Calverley section had such a serene atmosphere.
The drinks and cakes at Moonbean Coffee Boat were impressive, and the creative concept is clearly building a customer base. However, I have also appreciated the excuse to explore beautiful scenery on my doorstep. Having picked up a loyalty card, something tells me I’ll be collecting stamps.