Altrincham Market trader Papa Dutch is to open a permanent cafe in Goose Green.
The family-run business has attracted a loyal following locally for its poffertjes, or Dutch-style mini pancakes.
The new cafe, which is likely to be called the Little Dutch Cafe, is opening in the former Bottle Shop unit.
Papa Dutch was originally launched by Sjoerd and son Joshua Jorritsma during lockdown, but the new permanent location will be fronted by daughter Naomi, who will be manager, as well as Joshua.
It will sell a selection of Dutch treats, including mini pancakes, ‘Stroopwafels’, ice cream and coffee.
The new business also has an alcohol licence and will be selling a range of imported Dutch specialty beers.
It will be open from Monday to Saturday, with a later closing time of 9pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Sjoerd, who has lived in Altrincham for 20 years, told Altrincham Today what had attracted them to the new location.
He said: “It’s a really nice area and willl really come into its own with the outdoor seating in the summer.”
As part of the move, the family will be closing its Altrincham Market stall with the final weekend this Saturday and Sunday.
It will still make occasional returns to the market – as well as other markets – and will be available for private hire.
We spoke to Naomi for more information about the Papa Dutch story:
ALTRINCHAM TODAY: Can you give us a bit of a potted history about Papa Dutch, the family behind it and how you came to set it up?
A: The idea for Papa Dutch started during the first lockdown. My older brother Josh was furloughed from working in a restaurant kitchen. He wanted to start a ‘Covid-proof’ street food business and my dad, who is Dutch, suggested ‘Poffertjes’ (mini pancakes).
They built a mobile stall and we started trading outside our house on Shrove Tuesday 2021. Josh managed to get a spot on Alty Market and we’ve been trading there ever since. We’ve also been doing other events, festivals and private hire.
It has been a lot of fun even my younger brothers have got involved. We call our dad ‘Papa Dutch’, that’s where we got the name. This year Josh has gone to uni in Exeter and I have taken over from him.
AT: Can you tell us more about the Dutch way of making pancakes?
A: We use a Dutch recipe for the batter. It’s different to normal pancake batter. It’s sweeter with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. They are cooked on a copper stove and they are gorgeously fluffy. Traditionally they are served with real butter and icing sugar, but the British love them with fresh fruit and loads of different toppings.
AT: What products do you currently sell at your stall in Altrincham Market and when are you open?
A: We also sell freshly made ‘Stroopwafels’ (a waver with warm caramel inside) and amazing award-winning ice cream from Daresbury Dairy in Cheshire. The ice cream is hand made on the farm with no nasty chemicals. I really recommend the Lotus Biscoff especially with a warm Stroopwafel.
We have really enjoyed our time at the market and are very grateful for the opportunity given. It has such a lovely atmosphere and all the traders are super supportive of each other.
Photography: Laura Marie Linck
