There’s only one thing better than hitting the open trail and pedaling up that satisfying burn in your thighs – and that’s the coffee and cake you earn for your efforts when you finally reach the bike cafe.
Forget love and marriage, or even a horse and carriage; bikes and cafes are the real match made in heaven. That’s why we’ve taken the time to point out a few of the best cycling cafes situated on these fair isles.
This is a wee bit off the mountain biking track, but I know a lot of you dabble in road riding from time to time. Plus, even on the mountain bike they’re always a good stop as you pedal back into town, covered in mud. In any case, even more satisfying than that coffee and cake is the sight of a roady eyeing your flats with jealousy as he slip-slides across the tile floor on his cleats. At least we’re sensible.
Right, down to the details – here are 5 of the best bike cafes in the UK. Let us know if you think we’ve missed any – I’ll add it in!
Ronde – Edinburgh
A testing ride up and down the hills of the Scottish capital will put you in the mood for putting your feet up and watching the Grand Tours and Classics. And at Ronde, the big pro tour races are often screened in this shop-cum-bike cafe. The coffee and cake is outstanding at Ronde, and the quality bikes stocked here aren’t half bad either. There’s even an exhibition space where a selection of artful photos and prints can be found.
Don’t miss: If you’re into the skinny wheels too, the 3-hour club rides organised every Saturday. We’ll get onto them about mountain bike ones…
Velo – Brighton
Nothing to do with the French cycling magazine, Velo is the new place for people to eat, drink and talk cycling in Brighton. An environmentally friendly establishment, this cafe located at The Level is equipped to harvest rainwater, features solar panels and has a lawned roof (apparently it’s a good source of insulation).
Don’t miss: the Strava integration on their website – for those competitive souls
Athlon
If Athlon were a pro-cycling outfit they would be Team Sky. Aggregating marginal gains to become a truly special retailer, workshop, sports injury clinic and cycling cafe, Athlon not only attracts keen riders but also genuine pros such as Alex Dowsett. Athlon is a family-run outfit and the passion for all things on two wheels makes this a great place to unwind with a hot drink when you’ve finished pounding the pedals.
Don’t miss: the expert bike fitting service
The Cycle Hub – Newcastle
Nestled on the bank of the River Tyne just a stone’s throw from Newcastle’s bustling quayside, The Cycle Hub is a must for anyone wanting a quick caffeine fix before tackling the final miles of the Coast2Coast out to Tynemouth. The bike café is complemented by a showroom, workshop and a big screen which is rolled out for some of the major races on the cycling calendar.
Don’t miss: bike maintenance courses, right up to strip and build for the experts.
PopUp Bikes – Manchester
Over on the other side of the country from The Cycle Hub, PopUp Bikes is much more than just a place to rest your bike and have a drink. Developed with the local community in mind, PopUp Bikes provides those on low incomes access to tools and second-hand parts in the spirit of social enterprise. And for cycling commuters with nowhere else to store their pride and joy, PopUp Bikes offers weekly, monthly and annual tariffs on its parking facilities.
Don’t miss: the Barn Raiser coffee blended in right there in Manchester.
What are Your Favourite Bike Cafes?
That’s our starter for 10, but let me know your favourite bike cafe, especially those on the trail which are often harder to find. Look forward to hearing from you.
This article was brought to you by Kris Headland and as a keen roady and mountain biker he writes from his experience. He has written about numerous subjects including cycling style, fashion and cycling accidents for further information click here.
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