CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Debate!

A question about cycle friendly cafes

(28 posts)
  • Started 8 years ago by Wilmington's Cow
  • Latest reply from gembo

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  1. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    I know we have the Cafe thread, but I was wondering what people looked for specifically in a cafe, particularly in the sticks, to make it cycle friendly, and even a place to make it a destination, or the reason for a route going a certain way.

    Type of food?
    Somewhere to store bikes? (would undercover be even better than just racks)
    A little dry shed area equipped with tools to correct any niggles en route?

    And is there anywhere Lothians / Borders that is missing out on having such a cafe at the moment?

    And yes, I am asking for 'reasons', and I know that you guys know a lot about cafes and so on.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  2. stiltskin
    Member

    1: Good coffee
    2: An area where you can either see the bikes or store them safely without locking.
    3:WiFi
    4: Good coffee*
    5: I personally prefer cakes which aren't too artificial in their sugariness.

    * I say this because an awful of of coffee shops seem to able to do nice cakes, but only mediocre coffee.

    I would say Linlithgow and surround are missing out on that. Heading East I can think of quite a few places, but as you go West, the coffee gets progressively more avearge.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  3. kaputnik
    Moderator

    If I were out further affield, I'd be carrying enough tools/spares to fix any niggles I would hope; anything that didn't require a bike shop that is, so I don't think I'd be looking for that. Although a track pump would always be useful if you've had to repair a puncture at road side.

    Main things I would look for is somewhere to lock/put bikes in eyeshot of the café but also somewhere that doesn't look like a bunch of cyclists with cloppy shoes whose outer clothing may be rather damp or dirty from the road aren't welcome. This may just be from word of mouth or a first impression glancing in the window. Basically, I try and avoid anywhere that might be that café out of Withnail and I.

    A range of lighter meals, hot drinks, cake etc. at a reasonable price are also of course important factors to consider. I'd veto anywhere that sells bits of cake out of plastic packets. I also would avoid anywhere that appeared to have pre-made its sandwiches.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  4. ARobComp
    Member

    Not sure what I WANT from a cafe but the newer one in innerleithen is currently my favourite stop while out on longer rides.

    GOOD coffee is a complete necessity - this includes getting the size of a coffee correct - A flat white is not a "almost latte" for example.

    So long as I can see the bike, that's cool with me.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  5. PS
    Member

    Basically, I try and avoid anywhere that might be that café out of Withnail and I.

    The Penrith tearooms as opposed to the London one near the start (with the fried egg sandwich)?

    Welcoming staff is a key feature. The café at Gifford doesn't have the bike storage, but the staff are really friendly, And the bacon and egg baguettes stave off hypothermia.

    Seats that I don't think I'm going to destroy if I sit on them in damp/roadmucky kit. Equally, floors that don't turn into an ice rink when walking on them in slightly damp cycling shoes.

    A pleasant outdoor area is a plus on a sunny day - the Humbie Hub scores well in this respect.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  6. amir
    Member

    My favourite topic has lured me out my work-related absence from the forum.

    All the above is definitely good.

    In terms of storage - that seems to be really rare. Some cafes (e.g. Whistlestop Cafe in Innerleithen) do have locks.

    Good cycle cafes can be really successful, so much that you can't get in! So keep 'em secret (apart from to CCErs)

    Posted 8 years ago #

  7. sallyhinch
    Member

    In the sticks you're not likely to have a choice of cafes so the main factor would be being on a route where it's nice to cycle and the right distance away from where you started / are going that a stop is appropriate, and being open at the time when you want to stop at it. Round here, anything else is jam...

    Posted 8 years ago #

  8. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Lothian sticks a wee bit different to D&G sticks ;)

    Posted 8 years ago #

  9. gembo
    Member

    @stiltskin there is a deluxe farm shop outside Linlithgow near the house of the bins that does Monmouth coffee. Slight issue with not bringing the cakes and coffee at the same time. Doing very brisk trade.

    Most of the ones we use have good space for bikes. None of them are cycle specific so need to appeal to a broad cross section to make their money. Running one is a labour of long hours dealing with general public. But maybe a wee book is a good thing?

    Apple pie bakery of carnwath is actually a cycling destination, our group, Livingston lot, clarion, law wheelers etc. It is half the price at least of any of the others in the book. Good cakes in the old fashioned scots stylee

    Posted 8 years ago #

  10. sallyhinch
    Member

    @WC that's true!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  11. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    "None of them are cycle specific so need to appeal to a broad cross section"

    Hence cycle friendly ;)

    This is all great stuff folks, thanks. Really interesting seeing some of the things coming up.

    "Round here, anything else is jam"

    Yes, there would likely be some of that as well... :D

    Posted 8 years ago #

  12. unhurt
    Member

    A proper cup of tea! I.e. not a tiny wee cup with not hot enough water and a teabag on the side so you end up with badly brewed lukewarm brown liquid when what you want is a really good mug of tea (with milk). You'd think the amount of tea we drink as a nation that cafes could manage this but no...!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  13. twq
    Member

    That cafe in Gifford (Love-Coffee-and-Food) has closed - owners have set up a few miles away at the Castle Park Golf Course. They have a temporary set-up at the moment, but still offering much the same, with a friendly welcome. Just watch out for the awkward grate at the entrance to the clubhouse - perfect for slotting narrow tyres into!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  14. PS
    Member

    That cafe in Gifford (Love-Coffee-and-Food) has closed

    Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  15. LaidBack
    Member

    Apple Pie in Carnwath - as Gembo says it's a good reward for heading out the Lanark Rd. I brought back a rhubarb pie last time and had lunch too. Still got change from a fiver.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  16. gembo
    Member

    @laidback they have also gone quite veggie in the last wee while. Winning awards for their Curried vegetable pie as well as big wins in the world scotch pie competition and a letter from the MSP congratulating them.

    If at apple pie and having an espresso (£1.20) get them to put it in a bigger cup. This works better than their teeny espresso cups.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  17. chdot
    Admin

    http://edinburghcoffeelovers.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/high-level-survey-results-cycling.html

    Posted 8 years ago #

  18. gembo
    Member

    @chdot, good to have my own opinions confirmed by 299 others.

    Apple pie bakery Carnwath is up for 18 awards in the Scottish baker competition

    Posted 8 years ago #

  19. Neil
    Member

    Great place.

    When I was in this afternoon they were genuinely chuffed with a review left by a very friendly cyclist from Balerno. Asked me if I knew him. I didn't. Martin?

    Posted 8 years ago #

  20. gembo
    Member

    Yes that was me. There can be no greater fruit based sponge product than their Paradise Slice. I have reviewed it on Easter Monday and then at their behest again today. We had done the old col du climpy route to north Lanarkshire passing some friendly west coast cyclists who we also met after the paradise slice on their return via Lang whang by which time the very young man I was with had put distance between us (not hard) He is layin intae ye quoted the cheeriest of west coast cyclists.

    We also took in addiewell main street and the back road to the a706, currently access only at the addiewell back road turn.

    So quite hilly and I was glad of the paradise slice to get me back to Balerno.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  21. Neil
    Member

    Does that count as "spotted"? ;-)

    Might have to try that next time I'm in....I always go for the Apple Pie, my brains always slightly muddled by the lang whang ascent so end up choosing the same thing every time :P

    Posted 8 years ago #

  22. gembo
    Member

    They have 18 products up for awards Neil so no need to stick with apple pie, despite their name. The wee rhubarb pie they do is a thing of great beauty for 80 p and a double espresso £1.20, same price as a single espresso ( depending on who is on the till).

    Only counts as a spot if you go onto Facebook and like the apple pie bakery of Carnwath (branch also at kirkmuirhill). You will then probably spot my reviews of the paradise slice.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  23. gembo
    Member

    Fietsclub Balerno faced with a forecast easterly wind is contemplating abandoning the apple pie bakery of Carnwath and heading east to the steam punk place in north Berwick. Does not open until 10 (abut five hours after the apple pie) but we will pedal slowly. Or there is a bad proposal to go the long way round. Anyone have an opinion on steam punk cafe?

    Posted 8 years ago #

  24. chdot
    Admin

    "Anyone have an opinion on steam punk cafe?"

    https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g315944-d4274641-Reviews-Steampunk_Coffee-North_Berwick_East_Lothian_Scotland.html

    Posted 8 years ago #

  25. Cyclingmollie
    Member

    I've been a few times. The coffee is very good though it's variable as they do their own roasting. They also have cakes. The chocolate brownie is especially nice if it's still warm. Chesterfields upstairs. But it can get busy. Plenty of space up the side to leave bikes.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  26. gembo
    Member

    thankls for reviews, due to competing needs of the peloton we may be in NB before 10, any other cafes open earlier on a sunday? (don't need to be the 7th best restaurant in North Berwick, just need to be open)

    Looks like maybe redstone rigg first. I love that climb , descent then climb descent to Garvald but it is quite a trek from Balerno and quite a lot lower, contour wise... Over confident because of the forecast easterly

    last time was for tour of britain and we just cut back from Garvald

    time before we had a rest at tyninghame

    also talk of skipping the town by driving to pathhead. Hmm, too many variables

    Posted 8 years ago #

  27. Cyclingmollie
    Member

    Looks like the Bostock Bakery in the High Street opens at 9am on Sundays if you're prepared to buy stuff and find a bench down by the beach. Everywhere else opens at 10am afaics.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  28. gembo
    Member

    Thanks cyclingmollie good to know. Forecast set fair, there is talk of shorts and I have a pink short sleeve shirt I am itching to wear but may need arm warmers etc. Will check that forecast again to ensure wind is easterly

    Man, they have really monkeyed around with that forecast. Now no easterly and rain in east. The fietsclub Balerno probably better heading on the west routes we tend to favour anyway. But can we change at such short notice given the many emails to even establish the path head to Gifford, garvald, tyneinghame, north Berwick and back via hadders. ....

    Posted 8 years ago #

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