Once upon a time, if you wanted to get your bike fixed and you also wanted a cup of coffee and perhaps even a pastry, you’d have to go to two separate places to do both. But not anymore. Cycling cafes offer those on two wheels a place to pick up new gear, get a tune up and refuel on coffee and cake under the same roof, and these are the best ones in town.
Look Mum No Hands!
This Old Street gaff was one of the first cycling cafes on the block an it’s still going strong today. LMNH hosts everything from cycling meet-ups and Tour de France screenings to talks and pub quizzes, with a team of mechanics on hand in the workshop and a whole range of gear to shop from to fulfill all and every cycling need. And if you just want a brew and a bite to eat, they have you covered there too with Square Mile coffee, beer on draught and a menu that includes eggs, avo on toast, fresh salads, sarnies and burgers.
49 Old Street, London, EC1V 9HX
lookmumnohands.com
London Velo
Part-cafe, part-bike workshop, London Velo is the place to come if you want a coffee, a tune-up or both. The cafe works with Union Coffee on its blends, so you can be sure you’re getting a very decent brew, and serves Brick Lane bagels. On the workshop side, there are two full time mechanics on-site, so you can be sure your bike is in good hands. There’s even a London Velo Cafe Cycle Club with regular social rides.
18 Deptford High St, London SE8 4AF
ldnvelo.co.uk
Rapha Clubhouse
Although it acts as a meeting place for the London Chapter of the Rapha Cycling Club, who gather here ahead of rides around Regent’s Park or even out to Kent and Surrey on the weekends, the Clubhouse is a space that’s open to everyone. You can fuel up in the cafe, drop into an exhibition or panel discussion, and catch live racing events – and you might even bump into some big names in the cycling world whilst you do so. Rapha also has a Clubhouse in Old Spitalfields Market, where over half of the staff are female, so it’s one to check out for any women who are new to cycling.
85 Brewer St, London W1F 9ZN
rapha.cc
Machine
Machine was the first cycling cafe to open in SE1 and it’s been going strong ever since. There are a range of bike models and brands on display if you’re in the market for a new one, and if your existing one needs fixing, the fully equipped workshop can see to it. Machine serves Monmouth Coffee, which is roasted just down the road, so it’s a real local affair.
97 Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 4TW
machinelondon.cc
The Dynamo
Though bike check ups and cleans are available at this Putney spot, food and drink is much more at the forefront, though there’s plenty of cycling memorabilia dotted around. Pop in for coffee and brunch in the mornings or sourdough pizzas and craft beers later in the day.
200-204 Putney Bridge Rd, London SW15 2NA
the-dynamo.co.uk