Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Huff n Puff on 23 February, 2017, 09:52:01 pm
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Came across a great bike shop café in Berlin:
http://www.westerley.cc/cafe-au-lube-spares-repairs-and-eclairs/
Then asked on Facebook if anyone knew of any more bike shop cafes that I'd left out and the list now looks like this:
CYCLE RIGHT – NORTHWOOD HILLS, NW LONDON
http://cycleright.cc/
VELOLIFE – WARREN ROW (MAIDENHEAD / HENLEY)
https://www.facebook.com/velolife.co.uk/?fref=ts
THE HUB – REDBOURN (ST.ALBANS)
http://www.hubcoffeebikes.com/
LOOK MUM NO HANDS – LONDON (CITY / EAST)
http://www.lookmumnohands.com/
RAPHA – CENTRAL LONDON & MANCHESTER
http://pages.rapha.cc/clubs
VELO HOUSE – TUNBRIDGE WELLS
http://www.thevelohouse.com/
THE FREEWHEEL – FAVERSHAM, KENT
http://www.thefreewheel.pub/
CAFE VENTOUX – TUGBY NEAR LEICESTER
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=cafe%20ventoux%20-%20destination%20cycle%20cafe&hc_location=ufi
ROAD CYCLE EXCHANGE – KINGSTON
https://roadcycleexchange.com/
ROCKETS AND RASCALS – PLYMOUTH & POOLE
http://www.rocketsandrascals.com/
EUREKA – CHESTER
http://www.eurekacyclistscafe.co.uk/services/eureka-cycle-sports/
THE GREN JERSEY – CLITHEROE
http://thegreenjersey.co.uk/
VELO DOMESTIQUE – BOURNEMOUTH
http://www.velodomestique.co.uk/
PEDALING SQUARES – NEWCASTLE
http://www.pedallingsquarescafe.com/
PSYCHLING – WIMBORNE, DORSET
https://www.facebook.com/psychling.co.uk/?ref=nf
SYNERGY – AUCJHTERARDER – SW OF PERTH, SCOTLAND
http://synergycycles.cc/
MAGLIA ROSSO – BURY St.EDMUNDS
https://magliarosso.co.uk/
MICYCLE – ISLINGTON, LONDON
http://www.micycle.org.uk/
LONDON VELO – DEPTFORD, LONDON
http://www.ldnvelo.co.uk/
MACHINE – ELEPHANT & CASTLE, LONDON
http://www.ldnvelo.co.uk/
PEDAL BACK – TOOTING, LONDON
https://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/pedal-back-cafe
CADENCE PERFORMANCE – ANERLEY HILL, SOUTH LONDON
http://cadenceperformance.com/
SOHO BIKES – CENTRAL LONDON (WEST END)
http://sohobikes.co.uk/
So, anyone on YACF want to add to the list?
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Giro, Esher
https://www.girocycles.com/pages/cafe
Pilgrim Cycles, Westhumble (at the bottom of Box Hill)
http://pilgrim-cycles.co.uk/
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Veloton in Tetbury
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Kirkley Cycles, near Ponteland, Northumberland:
http://www.kirkleycycles.com
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A number of Audaxes and clubs have used Maglia Rosso (https://magliarosso.co.uk/) in Hawstead, south of Bury St Edmunds (Suffolk) - whoops, you got that one!
Also Bicicletta (https://www.biciclettavelo.com/) in Saffron Walden (Essex).
The local one for me is Kinetic (http://kineticcycles.co.uk/) in Hitchin (north Herts).
My wife found Twenty3c (https://www.twenty3c.co.uk/) in Stony Stratford (west of Milton Keynes, Bucks) on a recent conference visit, so I'm off to try it on Saturday.
And you didn't mention LMNH (http://www.lookmumnohands.com/) in London.
But there must be loads.
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There's the Hub on the rover side in Newcastle
http://www.thecyclehub.org/
There's also the quirky Greystoke Cycle Cafe on the C2C near Penrith
http://www.greystokecyclecafe.co.uk/
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Ronde, Edinburgh http://rondebike.com/
Velocity, Inverness http://velocitylove.co.uk/
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"Tubs" Cafe at Abbots Ann Cycles, Andover, NW Hampshire.
It's a great bike shop, with a Wattbike studio, demo bikes and has become a cycling hub for the area. They buy their coffee from local Roasters, they have rides from the shop, they run training camps in Spain...etc..etc. They have bike maintenance evenings, some women specific, they run Breeze rides...etc etc. It's so much more than just a cycle shop.
(Note. I have no financial affiliation to Abbots Ann Cycles... I just think it's a superb place. I'm going to their Chianti & Pizza evening soon, to celebrate their new status as a Colnago dealership).
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Nqk9UI7S0osr7JOwNlvOMclJAhYD5nSzL4MQ4-SLbD7DJTPTqsmGY9YB2ZGohAjkhBya1hAh-k_jTZHF7TKJv6qFL2e7Psy-jFbaoz0O9rnWVElHteW5uIi57AT8_u2f7yxN3VR0CagxSkvW9TrueVgjoPE7b8aoNR9Bbnk-V2wOzplnjHIA8XvQzTm6eQjn54-hdStQfahhsYnMA0SOAwvaypzonPoUYnaLRSpm9kWfvIqjdVC4ODUGgAcmW1uBD91Gj2Zeb4v6iRN2BdJUdPeMt4nBqj_H-3zlEjeNJsgwMOXnMRR8Eq1Kt7LZCobAMfcZqnbl_0eQWBVTe5ngQb3-Y74x7JEJ5FyOVSoSUZfuSDIBemGjKYeXKuY_uAoJa1dc0h5yu_cb6pzBA3GhJaWadt1lyjTASKB9E0BT9wGfJoMiBegdtTBIR7pGMwq0XVEQqYzp16YxeuRD3dRDDgrPbE4Oa7Ji0LpioeufhmOSTR0YTz3GbM9Vl-KeYIa17RRqeZCih_WIJZhmliMGZqlviICOU3MxobLZXLG9p9YLzo87bs3Cy2kAQZRFmsaBOdIY_UZ4ZAvBe2p9FpHdXc1W7H-OHqpbwSqHzPWCQWle4-p_kFtW=w713-h950-no)
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Mud Dock, Bristol (http://www.mud-dock.co.uk)
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Siempre in Glasgow
http://www.siemprebicyclecafe.com/
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Ilkley cycles in Ilkley http://www.ilkleycycles.co.uk/ (http://www.ilkleycycles.co.uk/)
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The Commute, also in Ilkley.
http://www.thecommuteyorkshire.com/
The coffee is really good.
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Interesting to see the evolution of the cycle shop.
It's clear that the "pile-em-high" bike shop, where you just crammed as many bikes into a dusty old shop as possible, is changing into a "cycling hub". The Rapha Cafe and Look-mum-no-hands model is spreading.
It's a positive reaction to the threat of on-line retailers. Obviously no independent can compete on price and range with Wiggle (Check how many types of brake blocks/pads Wiggle sell) but they can definitely compete on customer service and atmosphere.
Long may it continue to evolve and spread.
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Mud Dock cafe and bike shop, mentioned already by JStone, opened in 1994, which I think makes them older than Rapha and LMNH. This makes sense because if there's anywhere in Britain that's going to emulate the Mediterranean cafe lifestyle, it's Bristol, where we're all too stoned/sleepy/lazy to do any real work.
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http://www.rollforthesoul.org
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Bertie Maffoons In Marlborough - although slightly out of town
http://www.bertiemaffoons.com/giftcert.php (http://www.bertiemaffoons.com/giftcert.php)
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Dynamic Rides in Hockley Heath
http://dynamicrides.co.uk/cafe
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On a slightly different note, Peppers Cafe in Gloucester is run by a cyclist – a former competitor in RAAM and RAW, no less – and has cycling themed decor, such as sprocket saucers (Campag, naturally), but doesn't sell or service bikes. http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/this-is-why-peppers-cafe-is-gloucester-s-best-eating-out-establishment/story-29976303-detail/story.html
In fact, there are probably (at least) two sorts of bike shop cafes in terms of who eats there: ones which feed cyclists on rides (I stopped at Cafe Ventoux, which someone has already mentioned, on my way back from Rutland last summer, mostly because it was just in the right place but also the evident cycling-ness attracted my attention) or while buying/browsing bikes and bits; and ones which might share a general ambience but are essentially parallel businesses in one premises. Mud Dock and Roll for the Soul are definitely in the latter category – the people eating there are not generally cyclists.
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Bike Beans Cycle Cafe in Ashtead nicely straddles both those categories: owned and run by a cyclist, good stock of the sort of stuff you just might need to pick up whilst out on a ride without trying to be a fully-stocked cycle shop, great coffee and great cakes, space to park your bike safely. But it appeals to civilians too which dilutes the Sky-jerseyed testosterone fest all too common on the weekend in the Surrey Hills. And an antidote to the, ahem, experience that is the Box Hill Cafe on a summer weekend too.
http://www.bikebeans.co.uk
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useful list, but why isnt there one of these in cambridge? there are bloody millions of cafes and bike shops, nobody does both!
(the espresso library has some bikes on the wall and serves awful coffee so it doesnt register on either scale)
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When I wrote the original article 'CAFE AU LUBE - SPARES, REPAIRS AND ECLAIRS':
http://www.westerley.cc/cafe-au-lube-spares-repairs-and-eclairs/
I was definitely focusing on establishments that sold both bike stuff and refreshments alongside each other. I left a few suggestions out where they were just cycling themed cafes, or where there was a bike shop and a café in the same retail building, but they weren't the same establishment.
Thanks for all the replies, I will collate these, and someone has just added Hex in London via Facebook. In particular, I wasn't sure about Bike Beans which I knew of but had never visited, so thanks for the clarification that it does sell spares....that's good enough for me!
The primary test could be: ONE LUBE OR TWO?
Coffee/tea and chain lube in one establishment meets the criterion.
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I have not been to Emily's Tea Rooms in Whitwell, Herts. I understand they sell bike spares, which doesn't make this a bike shop...
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Zappi's bike cafe in Oxford (now above http://www.bike-zone.co.uk/ (http://www.bike-zone.co.uk/)) is well known locally and even made the Guardian top 10 bike cafes a couple of years back.
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Veloton in Tetbury
Now we know that cycling has joined beagling, shooting and equestrianism as a true sport of the elite.
When I lived near Tetbury I never ever saw another cyclist. Nearest shop or club run was Gloucester or Swindon.
:-)
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Active Cycles in Corbridge. Started life as a bike shop, added a cafe but the bike shop bit is dwindling. Good food though.
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At the risk of sounding like a self-appointed judge, here's an updated list of cafes that I believe qualify, please feel free to argue the case if I left one out that you think should be there. Emily's Tea Rooms - jury out, Zappis, didn't seem to me to be the same establishment for example?
http://www.westerley.cc/cafe-au-lube-spares-repairs-and-eclairs/
CYCLE RIGHT – NORTHWOOD HILLS, NW LONDON
http://cycleright.cc/
MICYCLE – ISLINGTON, LONDON
http://www.micycle.org.uk/
LONDON VELO – DEPTFORD, LONDON
http://www.ldnvelo.co.uk/
MACHINE – ELEPHANT & CASTLE, LONDON
http://www.ldnvelo.co.uk/
PEDAL BACK – TOOTING, LONDON
https://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/pedal-back-cafe
LOOK MUM NO HANDS – LONDON (CITY / EAST)
http://www.lookmumnohands.com/
RAPHA – CENTRAL LONDON
http://pages.rapha.cc/clubs
ROAD CYCLE EXCHANGE – KINGSTON
https://roadcycleexchange.com/
CADENCE PERFORMANCE – ANERLEY HILL, SOUTH LONDON
http://cadenceperformance.com/
SOHO BIKES – CENTRAL LONDON (WEST END)
http://sohobikes.co.uk/
HEX/SUPER DOMESTIQUE - SHOREDITCH, LONDON
https://hexcycling.com/
VELOLIFE – WARREN ROW (MAIDENHEAD / HENLEY)
https://www.facebook.com/velolife.co.uk/?fref=ts
THE HUB – REDBOURN (ST.ALBANS)
http://www.hubcoffeebikes.com/
VELO HOUSE – TUNBRIDGE WELLS
http://www.thevelohouse.com/
THE FREEWHEEL – FAVERSHAM, KENT
http://www.thefreewheel.pub/
GIRO - ESHER (SURREY)
https://www.girocycles.com/pages/cafe
PILGRIM CYCLES - WESTHUMBLE (NEAR BOX HILL, SURREY)
http://pilgrim-cycles.co.uk/
TWENTY 3C - STONY STRATFORD, MILTON KEYNES
https://www.twenty3c.co.uk/
BIKE BEANS - ASHTEAD (SURREY)
http://www.bikebeans.co.uk/
MAGLIA ROSSO – BURY St.EDMUNDS
https://magliarosso.co.uk/
BICICLETTA - SAFFRON WALDEN
https://www.biciclettavelo.com/
ROCKETS AND RASCALS – PLYMOUTH & POOLE
http://www.rocketsandrascals.com/
VELO DOMESTIQUE – BOURNEMOUTH
http://www.velodomestique.co.uk/
PSYCHLING – WIMBORNE, DORSET
https://www.facebook.com/psychling.co.uk/?ref=nf
VELOTON - TETBURY (GLOUCS)
http://veloton.co.uk/
TUBS - ANDOVER
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g503822-d10162396-Reviews-Tubs_Cafe-Andover_Hampshire_England.html
MUD DOCK - BRISTOL
http://www.mud-dock.co.uk/
ROLL FOR THE SOUL - BRISTOL
http://www.rollforthesoul.org/
BERTIE MAFFOONS - MARLBOROUGH
http://www.bertiemaffoons.com/giftcert.php
CAFE VENTOUX – TUGBY NEAR LEICESTER
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=cafe%20ventoux%20-%20destination%20cycle%20cafe&hc_location=ufi
DYNAMIC RIDES - HOCKLEY HEATH (SOLIHULL)
http://dynamicrides.co.uk/cafe
RAPHA –MANCHESTER
http://pages.rapha.cc/clubs
EUREKA – CHESTER
http://www.eurekacyclistscafe.co.uk/services/eureka-cycle-sports/
THE GREN JERSEY – CLITHEROE
http://thegreenjersey.co.uk/
GREYSTOKE CYCLE CAFE - PENRITH
http://www.greystokecyclecafe.co.uk/
ILKLEY CYCLES - ILKLEY
http://www.ilkleycycles.co.uk/
THE COMMUTE - ILKLEY
http://www.thecommuteyorkshire.com/
BICIS Y MAS - YORK
http://www.bicisymas.co.uk/
YOUR BIKE SHED - YORK
http://www.yourbikeshed.co.uk/
CYCLE HEAVEN -YORK
http://www.cycle-heaven.co.uk/
PEDALING SQUARES – NEWCASTLE
http://www.pedallingsquarescafe.com/
KIRKLEY CYCLES, PONTELAND (NORTHUMBRIA)
http://www.kirkleycycles.com/
THE CYCLE HUB - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
http://www.thecyclehub.org/
ACTIV CYCLES - CORBRIDGE (NORTHUMBRIA)
http://activ-cycles.co.uk/contact-us/
SYNERGY – AUCJHTERARDER – SW OF PERTH, SCOTLAND
http://synergycycles.cc/
RONDE - EDINBURGH
http://rondebike.com/
VELOCITY - INVERNESS
http://velocitylove.co.uk/
SIEMPRE - GLASGOW
http://www.siemprebicyclecafe.com/
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I have not been to Emily's Tea Rooms in Whitwell, Herts. I understand they sell bike spares, which doesn't make this a bike shop...
I didn't know that, but I don't think they do enough to really qualify. Our club hilly goes past their front door next week, maybe I'll pop in and check (no, I won't be racing at the time...)
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Dales Bike Centre, Reeth,North Yorkshire http://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/pages/the-cafe-and-cakery (http://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/pages/the-cafe-and-cakery)
Your Bike Shed ,York. http://www.yourbikeshed.co.uk/ (http://www.yourbikeshed.co.uk/)
Bicis Y Mas, York. http://www.bicisymas.co.uk/ (http://www.bicisymas.co.uk/)
Stage1 cycles,Hawes. https://www.stage1cycles.co.uk/pages/firebox-cafe (https://www.stage1cycles.co.uk/pages/firebox-cafe)
Cycle Heaven,Hospital Fields,York, has a cafe but it is a franchise renting space.
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I have not been to Emily's Tea Rooms in Whitwell, Herts. I understand they sell bike spares, which doesn't make this a bike shop...
I didn't know that, but I don't think they do enough to really qualify. Our club hilly goes past their front door next week, maybe I'll pop in and check (no, I won't be racing at the time...)
Agreed, which is why I qualified my reply.
I think they also have a variety of domesticated farm animals for added interest.
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https://stansbikeshack.coffee/
Locally roasted coffee and the hottest shed in Sussex - literally, it is like a sauna - perfect during a winter ride so you don't get cold and clammy when you stop. (Cooler in summer, obvs)
(The only financial arrangement I have with them is that they make me pay for my expresso :()
Edit: Not strictly a bike shop, as in selling bikes, doh, but they do various spares, Lezyne tools, and a bit of neat clothing. Must read topic title fully in future......
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Pop Up Bikes in Manchester (http://www.popupbikes.co.uk/)
and if you ever visit Hebden Bridge
The Bicycle Den (http://www.thebicycleden.co.uk/) deserves your support.
No. Not yet . . .
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Last night, the Cubs and I went to the theatre in Cycle Heaven, which is one of our L(ish)BSs. Cafe, shop and now venue.
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https://spokeandco.cafe/ (https://spokeandco.cafe/) Nottingham
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Zappi's bike cafe in Oxford (now above http://www.bike-zone.co.uk/ (http://www.bike-zone.co.uk/)) is well known locally and even made the Guardian top 10 bike cafes a couple of years back.
It's changed hands and is now titled 'The Handlebar'.
Not quite as cyclist friendly as before, very hipster. But, you can awkwardly ask Bike Zone (downstairs) to look after your bike for you.
Another shop with a cafe: Rides On Air - Wallingford, Oxon.
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Bertie Maffoons In Marlborough - although slightly out of town
http://www.bertiemaffoons.com/giftcert.php (http://www.bertiemaffoons.com/giftcert.php)
Sorry to say, but these guys shut up shop in January.
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Banjo Cycles in Newbury have a café in the shop - no dedicated barista/baked beans server, but they have a coffee machine, tea pot and a range of sandwiches and cakes which will be served by one of the normal staff, and a few tables and chairs both inside and out.
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Dean Forest Cycles (http://deanforestcycles.co.uk) has a good cafe, sells bikes and parts and does bike hire.
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Proper Cycling & Coffee (http://www.propercycling.co.uk/) in Hassocks, W Sussex.
Recommended, if a little pricey (but then I'm a renowned skinflint).
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Can someone do geo location heatmap? I don't mean you have to ride to them all!
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Three Peaks Cycles in Settle recently added a cafe and better bike parking facilities, though it's so new that they seem to have not added the fact to their web site as yet.
http://www.3peakscycles.com/
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Pop Up Bikes in Manchester (http://www.popupbikes.co.uk/)
and if you ever visit Hebden Bridge
The Bicycle Den (http://www.thebicycleden.co.uk/) deserves your support.
No. Not yet . . .
My bold
No offence tors...but I think you might need to sweep find the floor before they'll let you serve food ;)
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I was looking at another business but, so far, neither the right premises nor business partner has surfaced.
I might be daft but not bloody stupid . . .*
*Stop sniggering at the back!
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Brixton Cycles has a cafe now. In Brixton.
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And to the East of Ditchling on the Lewes road the old car sales showroom has been turned into a cycle cafe and charity cycle shop (Cyclists Fighting Cancer).
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https://www.towpathtrail.co.uk/cafe/
Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire. This used to be the TT cycles shop. I think they're still affiliated, but the shop has moved round the corner now and the old premises is a cafe and cycle/canoe hire place. Anyway, they do ace cakes, milkshakes and I'm reliably informed (cos I hate the stuff), coffee.
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Came across a great bike shop café in Berlin:
http://www.westerley.cc/cafe-au-lube-spares-repairs-and-eclairs/
Then asked on Facebook if anyone knew of any more bike shop cafes that I'd left out and the list now looks like this:
CYCLE RIGHT – NORTHWOOD HILLS, NW LONDON
http://cycleright.cc/
VELOLIFE – WARREN ROW (MAIDENHEAD / HENLEY)
https://www.facebook.com/velolife.co.uk/?fref=ts
THE HUB – REDBOURN (ST.ALBANS)
http://www.hubcoffeebikes.com/
LOOK MUM NO HANDS – LONDON (CITY / EAST)
http://www.lookmumnohands.com/
RAPHA – CENTRAL LONDON & MANCHESTER
http://pages.rapha.cc/clubs
VELO HOUSE – TUNBRIDGE WELLS
http://www.thevelohouse.com/
THE FREEWHEEL – FAVERSHAM, KENT
http://www.thefreewheel.pub/
CAFE VENTOUX – TUGBY NEAR LEICESTER
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=cafe%20ventoux%20-%20destination%20cycle%20cafe&hc_location=ufi
ROAD CYCLE EXCHANGE – KINGSTON
https://roadcycleexchange.com/
ROCKETS AND RASCALS – PLYMOUTH & POOLE
http://www.rocketsandrascals.com/
EUREKA – CHESTER
http://www.eurekacyclistscafe.co.uk/services/eureka-cycle-sports/
THE GREN JERSEY – CLITHEROE
http://thegreenjersey.co.uk/
VELO DOMESTIQUE – BOURNEMOUTH
http://www.velodomestique.co.uk/
PEDALING SQUARES – NEWCASTLE
http://www.pedallingsquarescafe.com/
PSYCHLING – WIMBORNE, DORSET
https://www.facebook.com/psychling.co.uk/?ref=nf
SYNERGY – AUCJHTERARDER – SW OF PERTH, SCOTLAND
http://synergycycles.cc/
MAGLIA ROSSO – BURY St.EDMUNDS
https://magliarosso.co.uk/
MICYCLE – ISLINGTON, LONDON
http://www.micycle.org.uk/
LONDON VELO – DEPTFORD, LONDON
http://www.ldnvelo.co.uk/
MACHINE – ELEPHANT & CASTLE, LONDON
http://www.ldnvelo.co.uk/
PEDAL BACK – TOOTING, LONDON
https://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/pedal-back-cafe
CADENCE PERFORMANCE – ANERLEY HILL, SOUTH LONDON
http://cadenceperformance.com/
SOHO BIKES – CENTRAL LONDON (WEST END)
http://sohobikes.co.uk/
So, anyone on YACF want to add to the list?
Banjo Cycles @Newbury , great cake and coffee !
Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk
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https://www.facebook.com/Exe-Trail-Cycle-Hire-at-The-Velo-Shack-667900350082934/
The Velo Shack - Dawlish Warren, Devon
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I get to go on lots of boring conference calls.
Here's a map
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Uj4YWuMOpBn1K7MeUX7saii3enO-p5sm&usp=sharing
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This is the FB page for the Ditchling caff - https://www.facebook.com/charitybikeshopditchling/
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Here for the smallest portion of beans on toast I have ever been served
http://www.beaconfell.com/store
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Here for the smallest portion of beans on toast I have ever been served
http://www.beaconfell.com/store
That address in Clitheroe is a long way from Beacon Fell
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Anyone know if there's a cycle friendly, back route into M40/A43 Cherwell Valley services (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.9494364,-1.1969263,16.58z?hl=en)?
edit. found this... https://oxfordcycling.uk/rides-and-events/sunday-ride-to-waterperry/ Looks like it's a hole in the hedge... :)
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Must be some in Eastern England... a small contribution...
Cafe Velo, Beverley - idk if they sell spares and what not long time since I visited.
Wymondham Windmill, Melton Mowbray, has a bike shop (Windmill Wheels) and the cafe at the Windmill itself. Absolutely worth a visit.
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The Victorian Tea rooms .
The Shackerstone Railway Society Limited,, Shackerstone CV13 6NW England
Extract from the days log:-
I was thinking of a break when we hit Shackerstone when Pam beat me in shouting to have a break at the Victorian Tearoom. We followed the signs an nearly missed it except we asked a local who noted it was over the Hump back bridge, it sign hidden by the Bridge. The access road was long and Muddy, GOAW muddy in a lot of places. Turns out its next to the canal and a station on the Battlefield line Heritage railway. The pace is unique absolutely stacked with Victoriana and lace tablecloths, but not linen napkins. Well worth a visit. Apprently from Pam’s Chat with the chef, the bulk of the Objects were collected by his mum, he was more select collecting china cups and teapots, of which there were Many. Highly rated, a Huge China teapot full, of strong tea, china cups and plates and homemade pasty and salad supplied with bone handled cutlery to eat it with. The only downside of the place is with very few exceptions its only open Sat, Sun and Wednesday. We were lucky as we normally ride Tuesday and as an exception this ride was a Wednesday. They do have a website:-
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Restaurant/The-Victorian-Tea-Rooms-Shackerstone-517008191787879/
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Dean Forest Cycles (http://deanforestcycles.co.uk) has a good cafe, sells bikes and parts and does bike hire.
We went here with our RSPB group over the weekend. Very friendly. 'Of course you can leave your cars in the car park while you go to find some birds'. Good jacket potatoes, hot apple juice with cinnamon, and cake.
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https://porteur.co.uk/kitchen
Excellent coffee if you're a ponce like me. Cyclist size portions of cake. Workshop that seems geared towards gravel and the American style of Randonneuring.
I can't comment on the workshop from experience, but looks to be as high quality as the food and drink.
Currently limited opening hours (9- 12 Friday and Saturday for the Cafe, think workshop is available Tuesdays till Saturdays 8- 5, but on an appointment basis).
Owners seem very quiet people who let their work do the talking.
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Spokes CC cafe and workshop. Codicote, north of Welwyn Garden City. Outdoor seating for the summer woodburner indoors for the winter. Great coffee. https://www.spokecycles.cc/
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There’s also the Old Post Office café in Datchworth, Herts. Near the Tilbury pub cross roads if looking for it on a map. Some seating outside but also a green nearby if you get take out.
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While I’m on Hertfordshire cafes. There’s also The Barn at Offley. Located at farm with pond just south of Offley.
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And there's me planning a ride on Saturday. All three in one day? ;D
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The Revolution Café at Cotswold Cycles, Moreton in Marsh
http://www.therevolutioncafe.co.uk/ (http://www.therevolutioncafe.co.uk/)
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The Revolution Café at Cotswold Cycles, Moreton in Marsh
http://www.therevolutioncafe.co.uk/ (http://www.therevolutioncafe.co.uk/)
Excellent - but if you're in Moreton on a Monday when the cafe is closed there is an excellent cafe in the Co-op store where the main road crosses the railway bridge (the other tea rooms in the town are nearly all pretty cyclist un-friendly IME - and expensive)
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AllezAllez has very recently opened in (Chipping) Ongar, Essex - https://www.allezallez.co.uk/ (https://www.allezallez.co.uk/). Not had a chance to try them yet, mainly as too close to home to even kid myself that I have earned the calories.
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AllezAllez has very recently opened in (Chipping) Ongar, Essex - https://www.allezallez.co.uk/ (https://www.allezallez.co.uk/). Not had a chance to try them yet, mainly as too close to home to even kid myself that I have earned the calories.
Oooh - that could easily be included in my regular training route and would be at the 2/3 point. Perfect :thumbsup:
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I have not been to Emily's Tea Rooms in Whitwell, Herts. I understand they sell bike spares, which doesn't make this a bike shop...
They have a resident mechanic on the weekend. There is also a workshop I’ve popped into during the week when it was unmanned. The guy used to run his business up in Bendish but not so much passing cyclists as Whitwell. The cafe was there first. Separate businesses really but co located on the farm.
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I have not been to Emily's Tea Rooms in Whitwell, Herts. I understand they sell bike spares, which doesn't make this a bike shop...
They have a resident mechanic on the weekend. There is also a workshop I’ve popped into during the week when it was unmanned. The guy used to run his business up in Bendish but not so much passing cyclists as Whitwell. The cafe was there first. Separate businesses really but co located on the farm.
I've been cycling past Emily's Tea Rooms without realising what lay beyond the roadside sign. Next time I'm in the area I will stop there instead of Hitchin.
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AllezAllez has very recently opened in (Chipping) Ongar, Essex - https://www.allezallez.co.uk/ (https://www.allezallez.co.uk/). Not had a chance to try them yet, mainly as too close to home to even kid myself that I have earned the calories.
I ride past there on my commute twice a week but it's too early/late each time and dark. I never really go that way at weekends, though.
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I ride past there on my commute twice a week but it's too early/late each time and dark.
Not a bike shop cafe so slightly off topic, but if you needed a late evening caffeine hit, then you could try Fratellis on the bend by the Two Brewers. That is often still serving at about 7pm or later when I go through Ongar.
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I ride past there on my commute twice a week but it's too early/late each time and dark.
Not a bike shop cafe so slightly off topic, but if you needed a late evening caffeine hit, then you could try Fratellis on the bend by the Two Brewers. That is often still serving at about 7pm or later when I go through Ongar.
Decent idea. It's still 17 miles back from there. I have often eyed up the chippy on the high street but realised it's better to arrive home still wanting my dinner (if anyone's in).
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Spokes CC cafe and workshop. Codicote, north of Welwyn Garden City. Outdoor seating for the summer woodburner indoors for the winter. Great coffee. https://www.spokecycles.cc/
Went in there on Sunday, as part of the planning/route checking for the Hopstock audaxes next August. (And a sociable DIY on 29th Dec - see ACME Christmas Perms ...) They're keen to promote their own events, more the sportive/leisure-ride type and wanted to know any recommendations for bike cafes in Essex/Suffolk. So many of their preferred routes go as we do: head away from London - sideways east-west routing is not really on many folk's radar round here.
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Earlier on this year, I led a ride to a cafe that was quite unusual. The Secret Diner, near Utoxetter.
Situated inside Sudbury prison, the food is prepared and served by prisoners.
Although only open weekdays for a couple of hours at lunchtime, the premises are usually the wardens cafeteria.
The food is very nice and incredibly cheap and proper coffee is prepared with Costa beans.
The prisoner serving us was quite chatty and the ladies in our group were quite happy to be referred to as 'Miss' although they were all aged over 70.
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Earlier on this year, I led a ride to a cafe that was quite unusual. The Secret Diner, near Utoxetter.
Situated inside Sudbury prison, the food is prepared and served by prisoners.
Although only open weekdays for a couple of hours at lunchtime, the premises are usually the wardens cafeteria.
The food is very nice and incredibly cheap and proper coffee is prepared with Costa beans.
The prisoner serving us was quite chatty and the ladies in our group were quite happy to be referred to as 'Miss' although they were all aged over 70.
I like the 'alternativeness' of that.
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Earlier on this year, I led a ride to a cafe that was quite unusual. The Secret Diner, near Utoxetter.
Situated inside Sudbury prison, the food is prepared and served by prisoners.
Although only open weekdays for a couple of hours at lunchtime, the premises are usually the wardens cafeteria.
The food is very nice and incredibly cheap and proper coffee is prepared with Costa beans.
The prisoner serving us was quite chatty and the ladies in our group were quite happy to be referred to as 'Miss' although they were all aged over 70.
I like the 'alternativeness' of that.
This is the first control of Shaun Hargreaves' Dales and Abbots 100k audax from Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent.
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Performance Cycles, in its new shop between Cerney Wick and South Cerney (rich Lahndon weekenders, give us your money) does coffee and flapjacks. Closed Sundays, thobuts.
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Earlier on this year, I led a ride to a cafe that was quite unusual. The Secret Diner, near Utoxetter.
Situated inside Sudbury prison, the food is prepared and served by prisoners.
Although only open weekdays for a couple of hours at lunchtime, the premises are usually the wardens cafeteria.
The food is very nice and incredibly cheap and proper coffee is prepared with Costa beans.
The prisoner serving us was quite chatty and the ladies in our group were quite happy to be referred to as 'Miss' although they were all aged over 70.
Here on the South Coast right next to Ford Open Prison* there's a café called Serving Thyme which is staffed by the inmates who also did all the construction work.
https://www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/news/crime/ford-prison-inmate-turns-life-around-to-become-barista-at-new-coffee-shop-here-is-his-story-2500845
* as used by ex Tory MPs as a nice cushy incarceration on the rare occasions when they get caught
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Coming soon, a Cyclist friendly Cafe, Bike Workshop near Chesham, Berkhamsted & Tring
https://www.chilternvelo.co.uk/
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Wild Carrot cafe at Chavenage.
Bike racks, bike workshop on site. Cafe was mostly outdoor with some sheltered space, but is now in a huge teepee with a log fire, sofas at one end.
Really good place, good coffee and cakes, but not a food cafe.
It's in the grounds of Chavenage House, home to James Lowesley-Williams, ex-pro, of GCN fame
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Coming soon, a Cyclist friendly Cafe, Bike Workshop near Chesham, Berkhamsted & Tring
https://www.chilternvelo.co.uk/
This is now open!
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Spokes CC cafe and workshop. Codicote, north of Welwyn Garden City. Outdoor seating for the summer woodburner indoors for the winter. Great coffee. https://www.spokecycles.cc/
Went in there on Sunday, as part of the planning/route checking for the Hopstock audaxes next August. (And a sociable DIY on 29th Dec - see ACME Christmas Perms ...) They're keen to promote their own events, more the sportive/leisure-ride type and wanted to know any recommendations for bike cafes in Essex/Suffolk. So many of their preferred routes go as we do: head away from London - sideways east-west routing is not really on many folk's radar round here.
Wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Sent from my Redmi Note 9S using Tapatalk
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I have not been to Emily's Tea Rooms in Whitwell, Herts. I understand they sell bike spares, which doesn't make this a bike shop...
As of today, I have. They do sell spares and the flapjacks are absolutely to die for. It is a bit tucked away though. I thought I was going into someone’s garden!
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They also have a mechanic , certainly at weekends
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Wild Carrot cafe at Chavenage.
Bike racks, bike workshop on site. Cafe was mostly outdoor with some sheltered space, but is now in a huge teepee with a log fire, sofas at one end.
Really good place, good coffee and cakes, but not a food cafe.
It's in the grounds of Chavenage House, home to James Lowesley-Williams, ex-pro, of GCN fame
And the priest's hole!
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I believe Wild Carrot is now shut.