'The response has been fantastic' - Staffordshire oatcakes are selling like hotcakes at Wombourne's new coffee shop
A Wombourne coffee shop owner is bringing a taste of her heritage to the village with a unique menu item which has been going down a treat with customers.
Francesca Fitchew, who runs Francesca’s Coffee Shop, has introduced the people of Wombourne and Wolverhampton to Staffordshire oatcakes which have been selling like hotcakes!
She opened the business just three months ago in July and the tasty pancake-like snacks, made with oatmeal and wheat flour, have become a firm favourite.
Francesca, originally from Stoke, told the Express & Star: “Being originally from Stoke myself, oatcakes have always been a big part of my life and something very personal to me.
“When I opened Francesca’s here in Wombourne, I felt it was important to share this special part of Staffordshire’s food heritage with the village. Straight away I knew I was having oatcakes on the menu.
“The response has been fantastic—customers have been coming in especially for them, and it’s been wonderful to see how quickly oatcakes have become a favourite here.”
She said the most popular flavour is cheese and bacon although she prefers cheese and tomato as she’s vegetarian.
Traditional, vegan and gluten free options are available, delivered fresh from Povey's Oatcakes in Biddulph daily with the toppings added locally in the coffee shop in Common Road where people can choose from a range of savoury flavours.
Francesca, who has lived in Wombourne for about 15 years and has a background of working in hospitality, describes them as “light” and “quite healthy” and “only about 80 calories per wrap” compared to pancakes which she says tend to be sweeter and fluffier.
She said: “I grew up on them being from Stoke. We had them as a staple in the cupboard.
“When I go back to see family in Stone they’re in the shops everywhere - whereas round here in Wolverhampton no-one’s heard of them - and it’s only an hour away.
“I’m just so happy and passionate about the fact that people are coming in and trying them and now I’ve got regulars who are coming back for them and I’m selling out every day.
“People even ask if they can buy them and take them home. It’s so unique to the village.”
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