Britain’s best motorcycle cafés
The United Kingdom is a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts, offering some of the most scenic routes and picturesque landscapes for riders to explore. While the thrill of the open road and the beauty of the British countryside are undoubtedly the main attractions, there’s something else that makes these journeys even more enjoyable: a good cup of coffee and a hearty meal at a motorcycle café.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the best motorcycle cafés across Britain. These places aren’t just a pit stop for refuelling your body, but they’re also a hub for like-minded riders to share their stories, swap tips, and bask in the camaraderie of the biking world.
So, fasten your helmets and get ready to discover some of the most iconic and welcoming motorcycle cafés in the UK.
1. The Ace Café – London
Our journey starts at the iconic Ace Café on London’s North Circular Road in the shadows of Brent Cross shopping centre. Opened in 1938, this legendary motorcycle café is not just a place to grab a bite to eat, but a historic landmark in British motorcycling culture. The Ace Café has an unrivalled charm that draws bikers from all around the world.
The interior is adorned with classic memorabilia and vintage bikes, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that pays homage to the café’s long and illustrious history. The extensive menu includes all the traditional favourites, from burgers and pies to classic English breakfasts. But the Ace Café offers more than just food; it hosts regular events, live music, and bike nights that make it a true pilgrimage site for motorcycle enthusiasts. Read this blog to find out more about the Ace Café.
2. Squires Café Bar – North Yorkshire
Heading north, we find ourselves in North Yorkshire, home to Squires Café Bar. Nestled in the picturesque countryside, Squires Café Bar is a motorcycle oasis surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. With ample parking for both motorcycles and cars, it’s a popular spot for riders and travellers alike.
The café serves a variety of dishes, including hearty breakfasts, burgers, and traditional British fare. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect place to take a break from your journey and chat with fellow motorcyclists. Squires Café Bar also hosts bike meets and events, creating a vibrant community of riders in the heart of Yorkshire.
Camping and caravanning pitches are also local on the site of the café.
3. Matlock Bath – Derbyshire
Our next stop is in the heart of the Peak District, where the village of Matlock Bath has gained a reputation as a biker’s haven. The town, located on the banks of the River Derwent, is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and scenic landscapes, making it an ideal location for riders to congregate.
Matlock Bath offers a wide range of cafés and eateries, with numerous motorcycle-friendly options, including the Outkast Company and The Fishpond. The town’s steep, winding roads and picturesque setting make it a favourite spot for Sunday rides and weekend getaways. It’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere, chat with other riders, and enjoy the winding roads that snake through the Peak District.
4. The Super Sausage Café – Potterspury
Our journey continues into the heart of England with The Super Sausage Café in Potterspury, near Milton Keynes. This quaint café, known for its mouthwatering sausages and biker-friendly atmosphere, has become a beloved stopover for riders in the region.
The café offers a diverse menu, with options ranging from breakfast classics to a variety of sausages, as the name suggests. The outdoor seating area allows riders to enjoy their meals while taking in the fresh air. The Super Sausage Café also hosts regular bike meets and events, making it a social hub for bikers from all walks of life.
5. Whiteways Café – West Sussex
Let’s venture down to the south coast and explore Whiteways Café, located in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex. Set against the backdrop of the stunning South Downs, this café is a fantastic destination for bikers who love scenic rides and natural beauty.
Whiteways Café offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of delicious options, including classic English breakfasts and homemade cakes.
The real highlight, however, is the location. Riders can enjoy their meals while gazing at panoramic views of the South Downs, which are especially captivating during sunset. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of riding and take in the breathtaking scenery.
6. The Green Welly Shop – Stirling, Scotland
Heading north of the border, we find a Scottish gem, The Green Welly Shop, located in Tyndrum, Stirling. Although not exclusively a motorcycle café, it caters to riders and travellers on the famous A82 route, making it a pivotal stop on the way to the Highlands.
The Green Welly is renowned for its hearty meals, from traditional Scottish dishes to an array of sandwiches and baked goods. The café’s central location makes it a popular meeting point for bikers and tourists embarking on Scottish adventures. It’s a great place to share travel tips, stories, and experiences while taking in the breathtaking landscapes that Scotland has to offer.
7. Devil’s Bridge – Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
Nestled in the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, Devil’s Bridge is a famous biker haunt. The café’s name comes from the nearby three-arched bridge, which has been a crossing point for centuries and is a magnet for riders seeking thrilling roads and stunning vistas.
Devil’s Bridge offers a wide range of food, from classic fry-ups to homemade cakes and hot drinks. The café is an essential stop for those who want to enjoy a leisurely meal while watching motorcycles and classic cars rumble across the iconic bridge.
Additionally, you can often find an array of market stalls on weekends, offering motorcycle gear, accessories, and memorabilia.
8. Loomies Moto Café – West Meon, Hampshire
In the scenic county of Hampshire, we come across Loomies Moto Café in West Meon. This café is known for its strong connection to the local motorcycle community and its welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for riders in the area.
Loomies Moto Café offers a menu filled with a variety of dishes to suit all tastes, including a selection of specialty burgers. The café has a lively and sociable atmosphere, with regular bike meetups and events, attracting motorcyclists from across the region. The outdoor seating area allows riders to enjoy their food while taking in the beautiful countryside surroundings.
9. The Sound Café – Isle of Man
The Sound Café is located at the very southern tip of the Isle of Man, which is a beautiful place to appreciate the island’s coastal beauty, whether it is on a sunny summer afternoon or a dramatic winter morning.
The café offers panoramic views of the Calf of Man, a 600-acre nature reserve and home to 33 species of seabird. With indoor and outdoor seating the café offers seafood or locally sourced main courses, hot drinks and a wide selection of freshly baked cakes and goodies, most of which are made by the owner’s wife. Popular with walkers, cyclists and kayakers too, there’s plenty of footpaths running east and west.
10. Wee Bear Café – Lintrathen by Kirriemuir, Angus
Based at the Lodge at Lochside, the Wee Bear Café is a family run establishment named after their family dog called Bear. Every visit to the Wee Bear will see a warm smile from the hosts and a friendly chat.
You’ll be able to enjoy homemade cakes, freshly served lunches or weekend brunches, whatever you fancy it’ll be on the menu. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten and lactose free options are available – nobody is left out at the Wee Bear!
All are welcome at Wee Bear Café including motorcyclists, cyclists, walkers, dog walkers and four-legged friends too!
11. West End Café – Broad Street, Llandovery
If you’re looking for the perfect Welsh café during your ride out then take a visit to the family run West End Café. Open seven days a week in the heart of the market town of Llandovery, all meals are freshly prepared in house.
The menu includes light lunches, snacks and salads and special evening meals. Don’t forget to check out the daily specials on the blackboard too!
West End Café are big supporters of the biking community including with the sponsorship of Tony Davies Racing. With the size of the café you’ll often see many bikers parked up outside, or in the bigger car park opposite the café, enjoying the food, atmosphere and a good chat!
12. Chapter 1 – Newquay, Cornwall
Just outside of Newquay, you’ll find Chapter 1 Café in the Indian Queens Industrial Estate. Chapter 1 Café is all about bikers; from the decor to the music to the food – after all, it is Cornwall’s number 1 motorcycle themed diner.
You’re always guaranteed a good time at Chapter 1 with its extensive menu ranging from an all day riders breakfast to biker themed burgers including the Harley, Chopper and Bruno burgers.
Due to the location of the café, Chapter 1 is a great meeting point for ride-outs and events. There are always a host of events on from Easter Egg runs to Christmas toy runs, and regular bike nights on a Thursday throughout the summer months. You won’t be stuck for space as the Chapter 1 Café has an extremely large outdoor parking area which is tailored just for bikers.
13. The Bike Shed – Shoreditch, London
Our journey concludes where it began, back in London at the Bike Shed in uber trendy Shoreditch. It offers great food and a great vibe and you can even get a beard trim and haircut from the onsite barbers or top up your body art at the Shed’s tattoo parlour.
If you’ve already got the look you want, just enjoy the music and soak up that turbo-charged atmosphere. With permanent and visiting exhibitions of bikes, bike gear and memorabilia, the Bike Shed is a place to see and be seen.
First class cover whichever café you are riding to
While the allure of the open road and the stunning landscapes of Britain are undeniable, it’s the welcoming embrace of motorcycle cafés that truly enriches the biking experience. These cafés are more than just places to refuel your body, they’re hubs of camaraderie, storytelling, and shared passion for biking adventures.
Whether you’re in the heart of the city, nestled in the countryside, or exploring the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, there’s a motorcycle café ready to welcome you and your bike and Bikesure will have the ideal motorcycle insurance policy for you too. Call 0800 369 8580 for a swift no hassle quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.
And if you are planning a roadtrip, remember: Bikesure also provides motorcycle breakdown cover from just £62 a year.
