“It might have something to do with a very late mid-life crisis,” commented Clive Agran as he produced another practice crepe prior to the June 2 opening of “Crêpes on the Corner” next to the Landgate in Rye. “Sixty-seven is really a bit old to be embarking on a new career,” explained the former sports journalist, “and so my wife and I thought we had better not leave it too much longer!”
A regular visitor to France and a huge fan of crêpes, Agran has divided his time over the last few months helping to convert what was formerly a charity shop, recruiting staff and sourcing top quality local ingredients. “I’m really happy with the way the place looks and thrilled with the people I’ve persuaded to join us. Like me, they have all spent the last few weeks perfecting their crêpe-making skills and looking forward to offering something truly exceptional.”
Together with his wife Rose, Agran has visited a great many crêperies since he secured the premises back in February and was shocked to discover that nearly all use a pre-prepared, manufactured crêpe mix. “That stuff is full of all sorts of additives, preservatives and various nasties. I suppose they do it for the convenience but we will be whipping up our mix daily using fresh ingredients.”
And Agran promised to be generous and honest with the fillings. “I had a smoked salmon crêpe in Brighton recently that didn’t appear to contain anything remotely resembling smoked salmon. I was appalled. We’re not going to cheat customers like that and promise to make what we genuinely believe are exceptionally good crêpes.”
The free wifi and numerous power points on the breakfast bar for customers to plug in their devices, are further evidence of the owners’ generous disposition. “Customers can sit down and relax if they want or take their crêpes away if they prefer. There aren’t many takeaway eateries in Rye and so we believe we’ll be satisfying a demand on the part of those who want to eat good wholesome food but don’t necessarily have time to sit down for a leisurely meal.”
The Agrans live just a few miles from Rye in Ewhurst Green. “We both love Rye, have been coming here for years and hope to play a small part in the town’s continuing success. Previously, our only reservation about the place was that it lacked a crêperie.” Not any more it doesn’t.
Source: Clive Agran
Photo: Chris Comac
Excellent crepes!