The city is all set for some Fluffy Fluffy fun as a much-talked about pancake house is now ready to open, with a flurry of deals on offer to celebrate.
The American dessert café, whose light and airy Japanese-style soufflé pancakes have gone viral, will be launching in the city centre at noon on Saturday and is set to see queues of eager customers. As a treat for first arrivals it also will be giving away free lemonade as well as offering half-price pancakes and even a chance to win freebies for a year.
The company – which in the US is known as Fuwa Fuwa, its Japanese name – is as excited as eager Geordies about its latest expansion. Hussein Umar, its UK development lead, said: “We’re thrilled to bring Fluffy Fluffy to Newcastle, a city celebrated for its lively energy and community spirit.
“Our soufflé pancakes have won over customers across the UK and we’re excited to share them with the people of Newcastle.” He added: “This new store is another step in our commitment to creating memorable dessert experiences and becoming a local favourite.”
As previously reported, the Fluffy Fluffy menu – besides is giant soft pancakes, which come with a range of topping options – also includes ‘croffles’, which are a twist on a waffle with a crispy exterior, fluffy centre and caramelised edges. The company is the biggest brand of its kind in America and brings to a wider market the hand-made soufflé pancake concept which first originated in Japan where the treat is traditionally served at weddings and celebrations.
Fluffy Fluffy is opening in Newcastle on January 18
(Image: staff photo)
Newcastle’s café takes over premises in Grainger Street previously occupied by the Royal British Legion, although it has been empty now for some years, and its transformation has been covered by hoardings which will be taken down to reveal a bright yellow interior décor, with booths and table seating plus neon signs of pancakes across its walls.
This is the 10th Fluffy Fluffy in the UK and previous openings, such as in Cardiff, attracted big queues. On Saturday, January 18, the new addition will be handing out free lemonade to the first 100 customers in celebration of its launch.
There also will be 50% off all pancakes all day plus an opportunity to win free pancakes for a year by scanning the in-store QR code to enter a competition. The day will be the first opportunity here for locals to try the signature soufflé pancakes which are made to order, with whipped egg whites, and take longer – around 20 minutes – to cook, as a low temperature is needed to create their distinctive texture which is described as ‘cloud-like’.
Topping choices include a range of fruit, creams, syrups and sauces including flavours such as Biscoff and matcha tiramisu. The croffles come in five savoury options including a Nordic, with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion and cucumber.
The company occasionally likes to add seasonal specials and new flavours to ensure that it keeps things interesting for regular customers too. It also serves speciality drinks including a matcha espresso, matcha latte and pistachio latte.