10 of the Coolest Cars and Coffee Hangouts in the UK

Photo Ace Cafe

Need a hit Of caffeine and car culture? Check out Detour’s recommended top spots…

Maybe it’s the early starts. Those crack of dawn drives that are the only opportunity to have the roads to ourselves. But whatever the reason cars and coffee have become inextricably linked and the number of venues serving caffeine to car fans has never been greater. They’re meeting places where enthusiasts can share stories, admire each others’ automobiles, and fuel themselves for the next few miles with a flat white.

These car community hot spots can also have a higher purpose. Lewis Warren, founder of automotive fashion brand Takona, has set up a series of regular meets to encourage people to talk openly about their mental health. “From my own feedback that I've received, I've had a lot of people go, ‘Oh, I felt more comfortable talking because you are so much more vocal about it.’ Or ‘I made friends with someone because we both liked the brand and what it stands for’, and it is doing its part to break down those barriers and make talking about mental health more commonplace,” he says.

Several of the spots below host Takona meets, but what they all have in common is the blend of cars and coffee that enthusiasts crave.

Photo Ace Cafe

Ace Café, Wembley, London

The Ace Café (top) made its name as a slightly scary greasy biker hangout in the 1950s and 60s, but after a 2001 revival it’s become a much more friendly place for fans of all things automotive, with a calendar packed with meets for cars and bikes. Its burgers and sausage specials are famous, and its location on the North Circular Road makes access easy for the London car crowd. Find out more.

Photo Nik Berg

Caffeine & Machine, Warwickshire, Bedfordshire, Surrey

Caffeine & Machine has proved to be more than a one (coffee) hit wonder, with founders Phil McGovern and Dan Macken following up their original venue near Stratford upon Avon (now called The Hill), with locations near the Millbrook Proving Ground (The Bowl) and Guildford (The Hut). What you’ll find at each one is cool club-style décor, decent pub grub and a welcoming community that accepts anything on wheels. Only one thing is not tolerated and that’s bad behaviour as the “Don’t be a Dick’ signs warn.  

Photo The Piston Club

The Piston Club, Warwickshire

Opened by Power Maxed Racing, The Piston Club near Stratford upon Avon is “a haven for those who appreciate the beauty and power of classic cars and the thrill of all motorsports.” It’s a tastefully designed homage to racing with a wide gastro pub menu and traditional Sunday roasts. Outside there’s an extensive garden with classic pit-garage style covered seating. The calendar is packed with events and meets and you can even stay overnight if you overindulge in the hospitality. 

Photo Roadster!

Gilks Garage Café, Warwickshire

This family-run café has a 100-year heritage and still has its original petrol pumps on display. These days it’s people that get refuelled from a wide menu that includes big breakfasts, burgers and pizzas. Detour sent Sam, editor of Roadster! – the magazine for kids who love cars – to check it out. “The food is lovely and home cooked, they do amazing milkshakes, the staff are friendly and there’s always a cool car in the car park!” he says. Look out for themed events on the Gilks Garage website. Find out more.

Photo Dan Trent

The Motorist, Yorkshire

Combining a working garage and bodyshop with a swanky eatery and shop, The Motorist is a popular spot serving the Yorkshire car community. It even boasts meeting rooms, conference facilities and hosts weddings! Car and bike meets take place almost daily. “It’s all very slick and well-presented, though the crowd turning up with their cars and bikes are pleasingly down-to-earth, eclectic in their tastes and seemingly welcoming of anything on wheels,” reckons Detour’s Dan Trent. Find out more.

Photo NY500

NY500, Yorkshire

On a smaller scale is the NY500 Café near Pickering. Currently only open on weekends and bank holidays it’s got plentiful parking and a simple menu focused on satisfying your basic cravings with big breakfasts and burgers being the staple. NY500 welcomes drivers, motorcyclists, walkers and even helicopterists who can land in a nearby field. Check out the Facebook page for upcoming events and meets.

Photo Nik Berg

Gasoline Juice, Northamptonshire

Founded by an ex-Jaguar designer Gasoline Juice is part studio, part gallery, part event space and has quickly become a gathering ground for petrolheads. “I wanted to create an automotive hub where you can find artworks, have events, meetings, and all sorts of different car related stuff,” explains owner Cesar Pieri. “I've always done artwork, and I've been designing since 20 years ago. These things have coexisted for a long time. So I thought that now was the time to celebrate it all, and get them together with this space.” Find out more. 

Photo Baffle Haus

Baffle Haus, Wales

Classic bike lovers Salts and Sam also had a taste for coffee and combined their two passions in Baffle Haus, near Pontypool. Serving breakfast and lunch daily – all from local suppliers –  it’s the perfect base to meet up before, or after, enjoying the epic roads of the Black Mountains and beyond.

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