Looking for ideas for your next day out? Whether you’re a car enthusiast or a motorbike fanatic, here are 18 of our top picks for places for automotive enthusiasts to refuel.
There are of course countless car and bike clubs and car and coffee events across the UK, but we’re focussing on some of our favourite spots where petrolheads can get their fix of caffeine and meet with likeminded friends.
England
There are so many great spots across England that we’ve broken them down by region so you can quickly find your nearest location.
London
ACE Café, Wembley, London
A bit of a biker’s mecca back in the 1950s and 1960s, the ACE Café is now welcome to all things automotive – often hosting meets for cars and bikes throughout the year. A must-see for any motor enthusiast, it’s easily accessible on the North Circular Road.
Bike Shed, Hackney, London
Described as a ‘social club for motorcycle enthusiasts’, the Bike Shed is dedicated to all things moto culture. Boasting an infamous café as well as an on-site store that sells all the popular moto brands and equipment, it also has a private members club where riders can meet other like-minded enthusiasts and take part in organised rides and experiences.
Duke Of London, Brentford, West London
The Duke of London is an iconic classic car destination – offering sales, restoration and servicing in a cool, relaxed setting. There’s a coffee bar, as well as the Brewery Tap pub and their very own award-winning pizza restaurant, Santa Maria Pizzeria.
South England
Podium Place, Newbury
Home to some of the world’s most desired luxury sports cars, Podium Place is a relatively new addition to the UK motoring hangout scene. Located close to Newbury town centre, you can admire the stunning cars and also grab a coffee that’s expertly roasted on site.
Re:Fuel, Devon
Located on J28 of the M5 in Devon, Re:Fuel welcomes motorists and enthusiasts alike. A place where petrolheads can meet, eat, drink and hang out, it has a family-friendly, chilled atmosphere, as well as an artisan café that offers everything from a fry-up to a cream tea.
Caffeine & Machine, Warwickshire, Bedford, Surrey
Self-proclaimed as a ‘brand that caters to everyone with a love for things that move’, Caffeine & Machine is a haven for those who want to stop off and ‘worship at the altar of the Cult of Machine’ with like-minded individuals. You can, of course, enjoy some great food and exciting machinery, and even spend the night in their B&B while you’re there.
After establishing their first site ‘The Hill’ (Stratford-Upon-Avon) in 2015, they’ve since opened a further two locations ‘The Hut’ (Petersfield) and ‘The Bowl’ (Ampthill). Truly a pit stop you don’t want to miss.
Midlands
The Classic Motor Hub, Gloucestershire
Described as ‘the ultimate destination for classic motorists’, the Classic Motor Hub has something for everyone. Said to be experts in sales, storage and transport of classic cars, as well as bikes and modern high-performance vehicles, you’ll find them situated at the historic site of RAF Bibury in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Gilks Garage, Kineton, Warwickshire
With over 100 years of history behind it, this family-run garage is now a roadside heritage café. Motorists can refuel on an extensive, locally sourced menu that includes big breakfasts, burgers, pizzas and more. With plenty of themed events throughout the year, there’s also electric chargers for those EV drivers who need an extra boost.
iGNiTiON Cars and Coffee, Lincolnshire
Nestled between Stamford and Rutland in the East Midlands, iGNiTiON is not only a great place for motoring enthusiasts to meet, but it’s close to some of the best driving roads in the UK. With a popular café on site, it hosts monthly meet-ups that you can book online.
North England
The Motorist, Sherburn In Elmet, North Yorkshire
Located near Leeds, The Motorist is a working garage and bodyshop, combined with an eatery and shop. A unique spot, it even has meeting rooms, conference facilities and hosts weddings! Popular with the Yorkshire car community, car and bike meet-ups take place almost daily here with weekly socials such as ‘Coffee & Cars’, ‘Wednesday Wheels’ and ‘Bikes and Bonnets’.
NY500, Yorkshire
NY500 is a small family-run business that opens on weekends and bank holidays. Welcoming drivers, motorcyclists and walkers, it’s home to a great café, as well as displays of cars and motorcycles and a workshop. They’ve also created route guides that visitors can follow around the area.
The Oil Can Café, West Yorkshire
Another café that’s more than just a coffee stop, the Oil Can Café first opened in 2012, located near Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. It sits within the Carding Shed, which was originally a woollen mill but has now been transformed into a place to browse classic cars, purchase vintage clothing and even book a guided tour of the garage to see old cars be brought back to life.
Scotland
Boasting some of the most scenic driving roads in the UK, including the North Coast 500, Scotland attracts automotive fans from across the world. Despite the reputation for some unparalleled drives paired with incredible eateries en route, Scotland doesn’t have many dedicated automotive hang outs. However, there are still some excellent spots for motor fanatics to check out.
Bacon and Brakes (Rhynd Cafe), Fife
Bacon and Brakes is a free monthly car and motorcycle meeting that takes place on the first Sunday of every month from March through to September. Welcoming cars and bikes from all eras, it takes place at Rhynd Café in Fife, which offers many great breakfast options and coffee.
Bikers Cove Café, South Queensferry
Situated on the seafront of Scotland, the Bikers Cove is a popular bike haunt that offers regular bike nights, rallies and more. They even offer free training throughout the year to help local bikes stay safe and prevent injury.
The Coffee Apothecary
With spots in the idyllic villages Udny Station and Ellon in Aberdeenshire, The Coffee Apothecary has fast become popular with motor enthusiasts. According to their website, they ‘live and breathe coffee’ – they have a roastery on site as well as hearty meals made from local produce and home-baked cakes and treats.
V8-Breakfast (Fennel Restaurant), Inverurie
Described as ‘the one and only truck stop’ in Inverness, Café V8 is another family-run business, featuring a full sit-in and takeaway menu, using local produce in Inverness. They host themed nights throughout the year, along with classic car shows, bike rallies, fundraisers, and more.
Wales
With three national parks and five areas of outstanding natural beauty, which cover a quarter of the land mass of Wales, the country is home to some fantastic driving routes which are often set against dramatic, panoramic backdrops.
With narrow, winding roads and the introduction of new default 20mph speed limits – the driving pace may be more leisurely, but that doesn’t detract from the appeal to take a trip to some of these excellent Welsh pit stops.
Baffle Haus, Pontypool, Wales
Combining their two passions of cars and coffee, the owners of Baffle Haus serve breakfast and lunch on a daily basis to fuel drivers for the journey ahead. The motor-inspired coffee shop, retail and event space has grown into a major hub of motoring culture in South Wales, providing the perfect pit spot for exploring the Black Mountains and beyond.
Café Express
Café Express, situated on the A44 and A483 junction near Crossgates, is a popular pit stop thanks to its large car park, attached petrol station and good cup of tea – perfect for those on a long ride. Plus, if you time it right and keep your eyes peeled, you’ll see a car park filled with impressive cars and motorbikes.
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