The Ace Cafe London - the Rebirth of the Motorcycle Cafe Legacy
Do you remember the heady rush of racing a motorcycle through the streets of London to the next motorcycle cafe? If not, you have missed out on the legacy of an era which is not to be relived, unless you have been to the Ace motorcycle cafe. This concept, which eludes us today, was born in the late 1930's, when the roadside diner known as the Ace Cafe became an institution in the trucking industry of London. Diners could stop at any hour of the day or night to grab a tea or coffee or a satisfying meal. Because of the 24-hour-a-day access, the nascent motorcycle clubs of the region began to congregate at the now-famous Ace Cafe, and the original motorcycle cafe was born. The Ace Cafe was all but destroyed during Word War II, but was rebuilt by 1949. The 1950's saw the advent of rock and roll music, and the motorcycle cafe became the place for the biker clubs to gather and listen to the music that spoke for a generation of youth. The cafe racer tradition evolved - the practice of staging rambunctious road races from one rock cafe to another; today, this remains a stricly English phenomenon.
What happened to the motorcycle cafe of the 50's and 60's? The alternative culture that thrived throughout the '50's and '60's began to wane with the advent of the conflict in Vietnam and the consequent cultural revolution. The Teddy Boys gave way to the Hippies, and the rockers lost ground to Dylan and the like.
Who brought the motorcycle cafe tradition back to life? In 1993, Mark Wilsmore became the brains behind the movement to restore the world-famous Ace Cafe to its former glory. He organized the first Ace Cafe Reunion Ride, which was so wildly popular that it has been held every year since.
When did the motorcycle cafe reopen to the public? After considerable planning and organizing, the Ace Cafe London was reopened in September, 2001. Since its rebirth, the Ace Cafe has become a virtual mecca to millions of biker enthusiasts from around the world who come to see the remnants of a lost era.
Current happenings at the motorcycle cafe in London: The Ace Cafe London hosts numerous regular events in the biker world. Bike shows, antique auto shows, and rider meets and rallies take place throughout the year, and the cafe has not lost touch with the rock 'n' roll roots which brought it to its original place of fame.
Where can I find out more? If you are interested in learning more about the Ace Cafe London, the comprehensive web site gives a complete history of the cafe, from its beginnings to its re-inception. Visit the motorcycle cafe online store for souvenirs and gifts for motorcycle and music enthusiasts of all ages.
