Europe's bubbles pumped from Felixstowe
WHO would believe that Europe's only working soda fountain could be found in the centre of Felixstowe? At the fountain stands Joe Crowley, also known as Kevin, 47, dressed in his authentic US Naval pinks, waiting to create for you a soda pop all of your own that packs more taste and fizz than anything sipped from an aluminium can.
WHO would believe that Europe's only working soda fountain could be found in the centre of Felixstowe?
At the fountain stands Joe Crowley, also known as Kevin, 47, dressed in his authentic US Naval pinks, waiting to create for you a soda pop all of your own that packs more taste and fizz than anything sipped from an aluminium can.
"Ice-cream is in my blood and I love the buzz that goes with creating
something different and
personalised," he said.
"Everyone loves ice cream whether they be young or old. And it's a happy food.
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"It's also the only time you get a please and thank you and that's something worth holding on to," said Joe.
From the outside Joe Crowley's looks like your average café and you would be forgiven for walking past it. But once inside a rush of nostalgia takes hold and you are transported back to a mini museum depicting America just after the Second World War.
The walls are covered in pictures and memorabilia from the 40s and 50s. On one side stands a classic 50s juke box playing timeless tunes by the likes of Al Saxon and the Everly Brothers and behind the counter is a cappuccino machine from 1948.
But the best feature is, without doubt, the fully decked-out soda fountain that was custom made in America at a cost of £20,000.
It stands, with it shiny chrome fixtures, housing the gleaming glasses, long spoons, tulip dishes, more than 17 syrups and bins of chopped nuts and fruit.
Tall silvery spigots spew
carbonated water and inside there is a host of frosty containers with a variety of ice creams.
Joe loves everything to do with the 50s – the ice cream, the colourful pictures, the music, the fashion, the cars and most of all the way of life.
"I came to Felixstowe because it is more than just a town, it's a real community. The people are laid-back and it is the ideal environment for my
business.
"People can come here and relax. Nostalgia never dies and it reminds them of the slower times in their lives when people had time for each other. That's what I hope I've created here," said Joe.
The soda fountain came to prominence in 1825 when soda water was created in a Philadelphia drug store as a cure for indigestion.
The idea was reinforced in the late 19th century when ice cream was introduced to
carbonated water, and the
thirst-quenching ice-cream soda
was born.
