Ace Café London: A legendary pit stop for petrolheads and Rock 'n' Roll fans

If you love motorbikes, classic cars, and the roar of an engine, there’s one place in London that should be on your must-visit list: Ace Café.

A legendary hub for petrolheads, rock ‘n’ roll lovers, and anyone passionate about vintage speed culture, this iconic North London spot has been revving up the city’s nightlife and motoring scene for decades.

Whether you’re a biker, a music fan, or just someone looking for a slice of London’s alternative history, Ace Café is where the rubber meets the road.

Ace Café first opened its doors in 1938 as a simple roadside diner catering to lorry drivers and weary travellers along the North Circular. However, it didn’t take long for it to become a magnet for motorbike riders, drawn by its prime location and the promise of a quick cuppa before hitting the road again.

During the 1950s and 60s, the café became synonymous with Britain’s growing youth motorcycle culture, hosting an influx of rockers who fuelled the “café racer” movement - a style of motorbike racing from one café to another.

The venue flourished as a social hotspot, where jukeboxes played rock ‘n’ roll hits and riders showed off their souped-up bikes. However, changing traffic patterns and cultural shifts led to its closure in 1969. It wasn’t until 1997 that Ace Café was resurrected, thanks to Mark Wilsmore and a dedicated community of motor enthusiasts. Since then, it has grown into a global brand while staying true to its gritty, rebellious roots.

A modern-day Mecca for motorheads

Today, Ace Café is far more than just a roadside diner - it’s a cultural institution. Hosting themed nights throughout the week, the café welcomes bikers, classic car lovers, hot rod enthusiasts, and rockabilly fans. From Harley-Davidson meet-ups to Japanese bike nights and vintage car rallies, there’s always something happening.

The café also has a strong music scene, with live bands and DJs playing everything from rock ‘n’ roll to blues. The famous Ace Café Reunion, an annual event in September, sees thousands of bikers ride from London to Brighton in a nostalgic tribute to the 1960s seaside runs.

The food menu is classic British, serving all-day breakfasts, burgers, fish and chips, and hearty home-cooked meals - fuel for the road! Inside, the walls are decorated with vintage motor memorabilia, giving the place an atmosphere steeped in history and passion.

An iconic venue

Raj Verdee rated the cafe 5 stars and said: “Iconic place and a great vibe. A must-go to place if you are a petrolhead. Lots of events and something for everyone.”

Martyn Kyson also rated it 5 stars, commenting: “Simply an iconic, cool place that speaks to petrol heads. A very busy calendar to cater for all cars and bikes.”

Jade Ewings wrote: “Somewhere that every petrolhead should visit at least once. Lovely atmosphere and great fun learning about the history of the place. If we lived closer we would definitely hit this up more often.”

Tim Lake said: “Loads of history and character here and a great place for a car or bike meet. Also, the breakfast is one of the best in the UK. My personal recommendation is the special breakfast with an extra sausage. Perfect.”

How to get there

Ace Café is located at Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. The easiest way to get there is by road - unsurprisingly, the best way to experience Ace Café is by bike or classic car. However, if you're using public transport, the closest train station is Stonebridge Park (Bakerloo Line and Overground), just a short walk away.