Northwich, Cheshire, England

My parents live on a canal boat, which means that every now and then I get the opportunity to check out canalside towns and outlets. I've spent a little bit of time in Northwich with them recently and visited a few places whilst I was there.

The boat has been moored up at Oakwood Marina, which is home to an on site café serving breakfast and lunch, as well as having bits and bobs for sale in the shop. The staff are very friendly, and they have a varied but not overwhelming menu. At Oakwood there is also ready-to-go glamping as well as a field for you to bring your own tent or camper van. There is an abundance of wildlife here, including the swans, a heron who is a frequent visitor to the site, frogs, and plenty of fish!

In the evening, the Pizza Shed and Bar Wagon open, either for takeaway, or in nice weather, there is ample outdoor seating, As a teetotaller I didn't make use of the bar, but there is a great selection, and the guys running it are super friendly. We've made use of the Pizza Shed a couple of times though, and each time has been excellent. The ingredients are all fresh and tasty, and they have a really good selection of pizzas and specials (which change regularly). I highly recommend the puttanesca pizza and the goats' cheese salad!

The Old Broken Cross is a short (approx. 30 minute) walk from the marina, along the towpath. It seems to be the go-to for the area, and it's got a really nice atmosphere. It's clean and welcoming, and the food, whilst not necessarily anything special, is good, honest pub grub. The only real gripe I have is the size of the menu. There's so much to choose from, which is a pet hate of mine, as I just find it so overwhelming. The fajitas were tasty, although I feel that the portion sizes are actually too big (I say that as someone who loves a big portion - but even I have to admit that chips on the side of a full fajita meal is just too much!) I'd certainly go back though, and would recommend it if you're looking for a hearty evening meal.

Another fast favourite, which will definitely have to be revisited on return to Northwich, was Riverside Organic. It's a farm with an on-site café, local produce shop and play area. As you walk in there's a little pen of guinea pigs, and it's a really welcoming place! We ate here twice on our last visit, the first time for breakfast - excellent full English! - and the second time for coffee and a cake. Service was friendly, although food is a little slow, but I do find reassurance in that, as it means that everything is cooked from scratch. I do have to admit, though that the toilet facilities aren't fantastic - they're situated in a cabin, and weren't particularly clean.

On the farm there are a couple of outlet buildings, one of which houses the Ryde Store. Ryde is an outdoor lifestyle brand, with some really cool clothing! I'm rubbish at clothes, and generally have no idea what I like, but I fell in love with Ryde brand instantly. It's a mix of fashion and adventure, and everything is excellent quality. Their joggers and sweaters feel incredible! I've got their link on my favourites, ready to get spending on payday! If you subscribe to their mailing list, you'll also receive 10% off as a new customer.

At a Glance Information:

Oakwood Marina, Café, Pizza Van and Bar

• 🐶 - Yes, dogs allowed everywhere, including the café. Keep them on leads, though, as there is wildlife around

• 🚽 - Yes

• 🚗 - Yes

• ///acoustics.alerting.craftsman

The Old Broken Cross

• 🐶 - Yes, in some areas

• 🚽 - Yes, lovely and clean!

• 🚗 - Yes

• ///dull.union.mobile

Riverside Organic

• 🐶 - Yes, on leads, but not around the animals or in the play areas

• 🚽 - Yes

• 🚗 - Yes, across the road from the farm shop

• Car park ///hurricane.sage.timed

Ryde Store

• 🐶 - Yes

• 🚽 - At the farm shop

• 🚗 - Farm shop parking, as above

• ///radiating.unloaded.directs