Last updated: 9 April 2024
One of the things that we cyclists like to obsess over as much as our bikes is a decent cup of coffee. So, is there a better place to combine our two passions than a cycling café?
Pre-ride, post-ride, or even mid-ride, these friendly cafés bring the cycling community together. Here is our pick of the best bike friendly cafés that you can find in the UK.
Want extra peace of mind next time you leave your bike locked up outside your favourite cafe? Consider cycling insurance from Pedalsure to protect your bike against theft, accidental damage and loads more.
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Giro, Esher
Giro is something of a Surrey institution. Based in Esher, Surrey, it’s ideally located as the start or end point of rides for many thousands of cyclists based in the south west London area as they head into the Surrey hills and beyond. The coffee is consistently high quality and the selection of pastries, cakes and warm food is not to be missed.
More than just a cafe, of course, Giro is the complete cycling community hub. As well as a workshop, it sells very cool bike brand Curve in-store and hosts regular rides for all abilities itsel and with partners like Hotchillee. It offers a great selection of local cycling routes for you to tackle. You can get the Strava routes from their website. The infamous ‘Belgie’ is a well known 30km full gas gravel loop through the local trails and woodland and is run regularly in the summer after work.
Address: High St, Esher, KT10 9RT
VIA Atelier, London
Opened in 2022 and also making our list of London's best cycling cafes, VIA Atelier is a cycling concept store and cafe in King's Cross. The store itself stocks a range of high-end bikes and accessories, and clothing from some of the most desirable brands out there.
It also has an in-house workshop for repairs and servicing, while the VIA cafe serves great coffee and a range of home-baked breads and pastries. It's the perfect spot to put your legs up after a weekend spin and watch the Classics.
Address: 18-19 Stable St, London, N1C 4AB (Coal Drops Yard)
Bank View Cafe, near Sheffield
One of the most iconic cycling cafés around, Bank View, not far from Sheffield, was painted in polka dot jersey style to celebrate the 2014 Tour de France that started in Yorkshire. It was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement award as part of Cycling UK’s annual café of the year awards. Set in a picturesque area and surrounded by fantastic roads, it’s the ideal stop off point for any Dales adventure.
This cafe also makes our list of the best cycling cafes in Yorkshire.
Address: Langsett, Stocksbridge, Sheffield S36 4GY
Cinnamon Cafe, Windsor
A staple for many riders based in and around South West London, Windsor's Cinnamon Cafe is best known for its namesake buns which have achieved a cult like following among sweet-toothed cyclists. Situated in the heart of Windsor, just next to the magnificent castle, this is one not to be missed.
Address: The Old Ticket Hall, Windsor Royal Station, Windsor SL4 1PJ
The Cycle Hub, Newcastle
This Tyneside café does exactly as its name suggests. A workshop and café that runs self-guided rides with bike hire, this is a community hub. The Cycle Hub is in a beautiful repurposed riverside building so the perfect place to start when exploring the city by bike.
Address: Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1BU
Velocity Café & Bicycle Workshop, Inverness
One of the Northernmost cycling cafés in the UK, Velocity describe themselves as a social enterprise and organise many rides from the shop to promote health, wellbeing and sustainability. If it’s just a quick bite you need, the vegetarian café caters for many needs.
Address: 1 Crown Ave, Inverness IV2 3NF
The Hub Portreath, Cornwall
From one end of Britain to the other, this Cornish café boasts a menu that includes gluten free and vegan options made from locally sourced ingredients. Located at the start of the Coast to Coast Trail and with many other routes in the area, The Hub is a must visit if you're in the area.
Address: Sea Front, Portreath, Redruth TR16 4NN
Rapha Clubhouse, London
The Rapha name speaks for itself and has become a British institution. They have tens of clubhouses across the world, but their Soho one is one of the best. Their first ever clubhouse, Rapha Soho expanded in 2021. Great coffee, and a showroom of the latest Rapha goodies, what's not to like? It also makes our list of the best cycling cafes in London.
Address: 85 Brewer Street, London W1F 9ZN
Velolife, Henley
Velolife is situated at the foot of the Chilterns, just a few kilometres away from the historic town of Henley. A destination in its own right, this increasingly popular stop serves up some of the best toasted sandwiches you'll find with the converted pub also including an on-site workshop.
Velolife hit the headlines in 2019 when the local council decided to ban cyclists from using the cafe as a meeting point after complaints from local residents. Fortunately both sides saw sense and the ban was eventually binned. Vive the meatball marinara toastie.
Address: The Old House, Warren Row, Maidenhead, RG10 8QS
Café Ventoux, Leicester
Taking its name from the ‘Giant of Provence’ itself, Café Ventoux is an equally iconic landmark for Leicestershire cyclists. As well as being in the middle of excellent riding country and serving many energy boosting treats, Café Ventoux also runs a wide range of social events.
Address: Tugby Orchards, Wood Ln, Tugby, LE7
Cafe Velo, Beverley
Nestled in the heart of the the south Yorkshire town of Beverley, Cafe Velo serve cracking coffee as well as tasty homemade food. There are also countless bits of memorabilia hanging around the cafe from all different eras. Be sure to try their Millionaire's Shortbread, you won't be disappointed.
This cafe also makes our list of the best cycling cafes in Yorkshire.
Address: 21 N Bar Within, Beverley HU17 8DB
Spokes Cycles, Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire's finest artisan cafe, Spokes Cycles quickly become one of the most popular hotspots for the local cycling community. Whilst the rustic, bike themed cafe serves great coffee and excellent food ideal for a mid ride stop-off, Spokes also offers full workshop and bike fitting services and even courses in bike maintenance.
Address: Ridge Farm, Rabley Heath, Codicote, Hertfordshire, AL6 9UA
Bicicletta, Saffron Walden
Nestled within the pretty market town of Saffron Waldon, Bicicletta is a favourite hangout for many Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex based riders. With a varied menu, good coffee and stylish contemporary interior, not to mention plenty of outdoor seating, it's an ideal place to rest the legs whatever the weather.
Address: 1-2 Market Row, Saffron Walden CB10 1JZ
We all have our favourite café stops and more importantly our favourite orders when get there. So, whether you’re a fruit cake and espresso or flapjack with an Americano type of rider, let us know your favourite bike friendly stops.
As well as sparing a few extra quid a week for your mid-ride café stop, how about investing in cycle specific insurance too? The fact is, you won’t find many of the things we cover in your typical home insurance policies. Taking out a policy with us means that your bike is protected in cases of bike theft and damage when you are out on your rides.
Need something to lock your bike up with when you’re out and about? We offer all Pedalsure customers big discounts on a range of high-security locks from our friends at Hiplok.
Just one of many ways we protect both you and your bike.
