Royal Albert Dock Liverpool has welcomed a new addition to its impressive food and drink offering, with the opening of family-run Italian cafe, Francie’s Focaccia & Coffee. Located on the dock’s Colonnades, Francie’s is the perfect spot to go for an authentic focaccia sandwich, signature cappuccino, or even a post-work drink on a warm summer’s evening.
Launched by Liverpool-based siblings, the concept of Francie’s has been created by drawing on their family heritage and shared passion for Italian food. Kayleigh and Talia named the cafe after their grandad Frank, known as Francie, whose roots were in the northern city of Genoa – which is also the birthplace of focaccia.
The siblings, who already run the successful Pasta Cosa on Castle Street in the city centre, are keen to share the delicious freshly-baked favourite with locals and visitors.
Francie’s serves a menu of freshly baked focaccia filled with Italian cheeses, cooked meats and deli toppings such as truffle paste, hot honey and sun-dried tomatoes, the majority of which have been imported directly from Italy.
Vegetarian and vegan focaccia options also feature on the menu, alongside flavoursome salads and antipasti, and Italian desserts including pistachio cream and crushed pistachio or Nutella and Amaretti biscuit.
The true Italian experience is complete with a selection of regular and iced coffees, their signature cappuccino with pistachio cream and crushed pistachio, and a selection of cold drinks including beers, wine, prosecco and the aperitivo classic, Aperol Rossa.
The warm interiors of the cafe ooze Italian style, with bottle green tiles complimented by pale pink seating and monochrome cushion seats, along with foliage and Italian touches, including photographs and travel books.
Co-owner Kayleigh comments: “Having already successfully run our pasta restaurant, Pasta Cosa, for the last seven years we wanted to delve further into the Italian flavours and foods of Italy. The focacceria is such a popular concept in Italy, it’s where you will find delicious, quality ingredients, packed into freshly baked bread. We really wanted to bring a taste of this to the city centre and offer something different to your typical sandwich shop.”
She adds: “The location of the Royal Albert Dock just adds to the opportunity as it’s such a culturally diverse spot that attracts local people and visitors from all over the world, so we are excited to see what everyone thinks about our concept and our food.”
Royal Albert Dock Estate Manager, Sean Morrison, adds: “We’re delighted to welcome another unique independent venue to the dock family. Francie’s adds a new exciting lunch time concept to the dock’s offering, one which we’re sure will be very popular with our residents and visitors alike”.
Ideal for a tasty takeaway lunch on the go, Francie’s also offers indoor and outdoor seating for eat-in and it plans to extend its opening hours over the summer to become a go-to for post-work drinks and light bites.
