Ace Cafe London

My first, but not last visit. Quick and friendly service. For arrived in good time and tastes far better than it looked in the pictures I took. A large car park with seating outside too. There are themed nights here that I couldn't comment on. A great place to visit with a very comprehensive menu too. Highly recommend.

We were 9 miles away visiting family, and have always wanted to visit. Dissapointed to see only 1 motorbike outside as it was very quite yesterday morning. Unfortunately we were in the car too, would rather have come on our motorbikes 😜 Lots of interesting information about the history of the cafe 🏍🏍🏍

The Ace Café just off the North Circular in northwest London. The breakfast was top-notch, and it was great to see the iconic bikes and old-school motors pulling up outside.

This is a historic, legendary place — the birthplace of moto culture, moto fashion, and even many broader style and music trends. It's not just a shop; it's a cultural landmark. Every motorcyclist should experience it at least once — the atmosphere, the design, the service, and the legacy make it truly special.

As a biker girl this was my 1st visit to this iconic place. Felt very welcome and the food was delicious. I feel like a proper biker now I've been to the Mecca of bike world.

Great place, always someting interesting is going on. Today was classic bikes. Just look at these beauties.

Been here a few times now and has always been good. Friendly staff and food is very nice. Also you get the bonus of a car or motorbike meet to look at aswell. Would highly recommend this place.

Stumbled across this place whilst looking for somewhere to eat before a concert at Wembley. Absolutely blow away by the atmosphere, food and decor. Lovely spot and we will most definitely be back!

This review is going to be super biased since I love riding motorcycles. This place is a historic café turned diner that began the café racer craze back in the day. Nowadays we appreciate and build those bikes for the nostalgia and esthetic they bring to the table. The same can be said about Ace, it doesn't forget where it came from. The establishment feels as close as it would have back when it was originally operating. There's even a juke box in there (not sure if it works), but I doubt people still place bets if you can get to the next café before the song is over playing hahaha. The food is pretty decent, but I can only attest to the "quick bites" portion of the menu since I wasn't too hungry. I ordered the tuna sandwich with an iced coffee. They don't go well together, but I had to have coffee there! How can I go to ace café and not drink any of their coffee?! That's like saying you went to San Francisco and didn't visit the golden gate bridge. People were very kind and fun to converse with. No matter where you are the biker community is always friendly and that's what I can say about this place and their customers. They also host bike nights and events. I only wish that I could attend with a bike, but since they're stuck in the states I don't imagine that will happen any time soon. Ultimately I'm extremely happy I was able to go to the place that started café racers because those bikes are what got me into riding in the first place. I never would have thought I'd be able to visit, so you should too if you can!!

My brother is a motorcyclist fanatic so I ended up going to this cafe one Sunday afternoon with him some time ago. We got chatting to loads of bikers outside and one girl enthusiastically jumped on her bike to pose for me when she saw I had my camera with me. The Ace Cafe is THE motorcycle venue in London. The great thing about the Ace cafe is it's open 24 hours so when you are cruising about on your bike late at night you can always call in here for a coffee and meet some kindred spirits. The Ace Cafe website has a great archive of black and white photographs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s, which i love looking at. It's all about rock and roll and bikes really.

5 stars? But... But... Truth be told, if this wasn't the Ace Cafe I'd probably only give it 1 or 2 stars. Why 5? Because its part of our heritage! It can't have anything less than 5 stars on principle! The Ace Cafe is London's original biker cafe. It serves biker food (read rubbish full breakfasts, greasy cafe stuff, and cups of tea in proper mugs). But it's worse, because they hold special theme nights like Harley Davidson or BMW (for cars as well as bikes) and you get stupid kids trying to wheelie their scooters outside. I can't even call it petrol head heaven. I think that title is more suited to somewhere like Silverstone. But you just get caught up in the atmosphere. You don't go there for the food or the coffee. You go there for the like minded folk you'll meet, the custom car and bike show with constantly changing exhibits that are driven there by their enthusiastic owners, and simply because there's nowhere else to go in London that's as car and bike friendly as the Ace Cafe.

After years of uncertainty, the Ace Cafe has been saved and this piece of British social history is now thriving once again, as THE motor-cycle venue in London. Built in 1938 as a cafe to service the then-developing road network, the Ace Cafe, open 24 hours a day, soon became popular with motor-cyclists. Rebuilt in a modernist style in 1949, it rapidly became the meeting point for bikers again, especially the ton-up boys (aiming for 100mph, 160 kmh). This was the heyday of British Motorcycles and Rock'n'Roll, and the Ace became an (infamous) institution. It was the pivotal setting for the 1964 film 'The Leather Boys', starring Rita Tushingham, and featured real bikers amongst the actors. It's well worth watching to capture the spirit of the times (and marvel at young people, all drinking - tea!). Closed in 1969 as travelling tastes changed, plans were begun by a small band of enthusiasts for its revival in 1993. Once again the Ace became the place for motor-cycle meets, including the famous annual Ace Reunion London-Brighton run, and a small cafe stall was opened. After a huge amount of work, 2001 saw the reopening of the rebuilt Ace Cafe, and since then it has gone from strength to strength. Usually held in early September, the Ace Reunion is the UK's largest biker run, with up to 45,000 bikes doing the journey from London to Brighton. The Reunion also features music (Rock & Roll - of course) and other events in the days before the run itself. The run is now so popular that runs are also organised from Continental Europe to join in the fun, most notably from the Cafe Hubraum in Solingen, Germany. The Ace Cafe web-site has a fantastic archive of black and white photographs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s, and is well worth a look in its own right.

This place is a legend and not only to the biking community. (you can walk there or go by car). A coffee and greasy spoon time establishment of the old school type..it is an experience! The Ace Cafe was built in 1938 as a roadside cafe to cater for traffic, particularly hauliers, using the new North Circular Road,open 24 hours, the Ace Cafe soon attracted motorcyclists. In world war two, the building was badly damaged during an air raid on the adjacent railway marshalling yards The Ace Cafe was reopened in temporary accommodation and subsequently rebuilt in 1949. The post-war increase in road traffic and advent of the teenage phenomena saw the Ace booming, and with it, the arrival of the Ton-Up-Boys. The British motorcycle industry was at its peak, and along came Rock n Roll. Not played on radio stations, initially the only place it could be heard was at fairgrounds or on jukeboxes at transport cafes.It became the place to meet, have a meal or cup of tea,arrange runs (often to other cafes or the coast) or simply to mend your bike.People came to listen to the jukebox, many subsequently starting bands or clubs. Some gaining success and considerable reputation. The Ace Cafe, with its combination of motorbikes, speed and Rock n Roll was the launchpad for many famous racers and the birthplace for many bands.Johnny Kidd and the Pirates for example. The riders who met at the Ace had their own sets of rules and codes, neither understood nor recognized by outsiders. Their wild and martial appearance didn't fit within conventional norms. Their racing, their music and the very distinctive way of expressing themselves frightened polite society and sensational press articles fanned the hysteria for all they could. Government officials often discussed counter-measures to be taken against these youths now known as Rockers. The cafe played a leading role in the 1963 Sidney Furie film THE LEATHER BOYS, which starred Rita Tushingham, Colin Campbell and Dudley Sutton, utilising many of the cafe's patrons as 'extras'. Shooting scenes at the Ace Cafe, Furie, eager to achieve realism, took advice from the local riders. You'd never find an Ace boy wearing them jeans he was told one morning. Furie's direction and strong performances combined to make The Leather Boys one of the great British films of the sixties. Rita Tushingham, Colin Campbell, Dudley Sutton, and author of the novel, The Leather Boys, Gillian Freeman, were all present for the Grand Reopening in September 2001. The expansion of the motorway network saw the Ace Cafe serving its last egg and chips in 1969. To mark the 25th anniversary of the cafe's closure, Mark, with friends, formed the organising team for the Reunion and arranged for motorcycle runs to converge at the former Ace Cafe site on Sunday 4th September 1994.It was estimated that over 12000 people gathered at the old cafe site. A film was made, entitled An Ace Day, the official Ace Cafe Reunion video.With its Rock n Roll soundtrack it has received worldwide critical acclaim. Finally, after a complete rebuild, September 2001 saw the Grand Opening of the famous bikers haunt. The Ace Cafe is back and is here to stay! Bikes, history, photographs and other related memorabilia and a football table. Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Monday to Saturday) 7 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. (Sundays & Bank Holidays) 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. (When operating as Nightclub) Ace Cafe London is a unique venue Facilities are available to cater for film and photo shoots, product launches, small conferences, presentations, business breakfast meets, weddings and other special occasions and celebrations. For a slice of history it has to be done.

4.5/5 - First visit: I went to Ace Cafe on a Saturday about midday. They were still serving breakfast, so I ordered a vegetarian breakfast - wow, what a treat it was. A big plate with 2 hash browns, a veggie sausage, 2 perfectly fried eggs, a pile of mushrooms, a grilled tomato, a big portion of bubble and squeak (Yum!), baked beans, and 4 halves of well buttered toast. Phew. It was all delicious, and came with a cup of tea to boot for about £6.95 I believe - excellent value for all that grub. My companions had a veggie burger which looked decent, and a mushroom omelette with chips which did what it said on the tin. I think I made the best choice by far so I highly recommend the breakfasts. Ace cafe being a biker cafe you might expect it to be a bit grim and dingy inside, but actually it is very spacious with high ceilings, the walls are painted light colours and the huge windows make it very bright and airy inside. Everything seemed clean and professional, and the waitresses bustling around did a good job keeping it tidy. This didn't feel like a greasy spoon operation. I didn't see many bikers since apparantly it was a Smart car rally that day. That's right, the lot was full of Smart cars; I even saw one enthusiast who had a picture of her spotty Smart car embroidered onto the back of her fleece. I guess some people are really into those dinky little vehicles - you learn something new every day.... Oh and the review wouldn't be complete without saying they played great music, lots of rock n roll, but not too loud so you didn't need to raise your voice or strain to hear. Don't be afraid to hit up Ace because you're not a biker, it doesn't feel snobby or exclusive at all, it's a come-as-you-are kind of place and anyone is welcome. So go get yourself a breakfast there and enjoy the tunes and the people-watching, you won't regret it.

Shake, Rattle and Roll BABY! This place is not just a biker venue, its a great hidden music venue for any Rockabilly fan, it's the beginning/end of the London to Brighton Motorcycle Ride and it also is a great American diner. Yes it is tatty, and yes it's in the middle of nowhere, but if you get off at Queens Park tube you can walk there in less than 5 minutes. This is a fantastic party venue if you like this sort of thing. There is a large dance floor and the bar has great service. These people live the life and it's not seen as fancy dress so bear that in mind when chatting to the locals!

Outside of the US, the Ace Cafe is the most famous biker hangout and any self respecting biker in the UK has paid this place a visit. To the biker, this is Mecca. On a busy part of the North Circular, the Ace Cafe has a steady loyal clientele of a mixture of bikers, petrolheads (gearheads), police officers and the general public. It has always been known as a true biker cafe, a meeting place for the start or end of epic road trips or simply a place to come to have a quick meal or drink on your way through. People come from far and wide to attend events here for both bikes and cars and this is place is heavily featured or referenced in many TV shows. Don't be surprised to see a celeb or two here at any time be it for an event or just passing the time. The cafe is styled as a mixture of a 50's diner and an old biker bar. While the general theme of the place is very authentic it is let down by the 1970's school furniture of black plastic chairs and wooden desk looking tables. A major plus is the fantastic authentic jukebox with a large selection of Rock N' Roll songs! I've eaten here many times and while the food is given in large portions and reasonably priced it is let down by the service, a popular complaint with most people who frequent the joint. For £1 you can get a large mug of tea or coffee which is perfect if you're passing by and want to come in and relax for a bit. Overall, this is a place you go to meet like minded people and have a meal or a drink and chat about your common passion for cars and bikes. My brother is a biker and practically lives here!

Like Sean D. underneath me says- "To the bikers, Ace cafe is Mecca"- and that's the truth! Last time I was there I was representing my roller derby league (London Rockin' Rollers) at the Ace Cafe Reunion. I had so much fun! Everybody was so welcoming and friendly. Lots of bikers and cool bikes/cars, cool gigs and cool people. The food is delicious-especially the chilly chips- and the portions are ginormous...obviously, for the big, hungry bikers! Love it.

Brrrrrm!! Brrrrrm!! I like cars and bikes. Lots of FAST, pimped out cars and bikes. Check! I like rock and roll. Uber cool rock and roll music. Check! I like ktisch. At a glance. Check! I get hungry and thirsty. American diner-come-bar. Woop woop!

Simple, straightforward menu. Fast and efficient service. Good food and fun atmosphere. Can't ask for more on a Saturday morning. Especially when you weren't expecting it! We wandered past last weekend and as we hadn't eaten any breakfast, we chanced inside. It was a good choice. We had the English breakfast (the really big one, with everything on the plate) and I had a hamburger, just because I could (it *was* nearly 12pm...). The food arrive pretty quickly, and hit the hunger spot. More interesting is the decor - a cross between a motor-enthusiast's shrine and an American diner. Not being a motorcycle or car enthusiast, I was way more interested in the jukebox. If it had been later in the day, I definitely would have parted with some cash for a good tune! Worth popping in for a quick bite if you are in the neighbourhood.

Absolutely well done. Doesn't promise anything more than it delivers. Totally unapologetic about waving the retro cafe' flag, it's heritage and history. Dedicated parking lot means you're safe and starts conversation. Great music. communal tables, friendly staff, good grub and cold beer. Traveled across the Atlantic to see the original. Worth the trip. Meet-up spot for petrolheads, bikers, wrenches, geeks and fans. Didn't have a chance to see any live music, but the jukebox was choice. Met Mark, a super nice guy.Would have gone back if we had another day there, wanted to see the place at full roar. Next time. Cheers!

Amazing, traditional greasy spoon food. Great atmosphere. Unless you're part of one of the many marque days, plan to park on the road. Police, bikers, motor heads and kids mix to make a great Sunday morning brekkie.

Myself and two friends from the United States rent motorcycles every year (from Guildford Harley Davidson) and come to the UK and get lost for 10 days. Even though you people drive on the wrong side of the road - we still have a great time. People are fantastic! Last summer we had the opportunity of visiting Ace Cafe AFTER we returned our bikes - so we showed up in a four-wheeler, but still had an excellent time! The parking lot was full of old and new bikes of all makes, models and sizes, Everyone was friendly and I loved talking to the folks who were just hanging out and got a chuckle out of my accent (I didn't know Americans had accents). Food was typical old-style "on the road" food. But, you don't come here to eat - you come here to socialize and watch kids pop wheelies on 1,000 cc Kawasaki's. We will be back in September. Jim Fredericksburg, Virginia (USA)

Great place to hang out with your mates and have a proper English Breakfast! Weekends are also a blast, especially when the cafe racers are out in force.

Really love this place! went there on the New Year bank holiday for back to work blues cheering up food and it was perfect. Had a gigantic burger with chips and my companion had an all day breakfast. No, it's not fancy and service is brisk (although never rude), but the music is great and although it's mainly inhabited by bikers/rock types it's very friendly from what I could tell. There were a few parents with children there and they seemed to be having a great time! I'd definitely love to come back and try one of the evening events (especially the Motown night that's coming up) but alas I do like a drink or two and it's a bit tricky to reach the Ace Cafe from where I live without a car. Saying that, I think I might go anyway!

Always a little too busy, and more pricey than your average fry up, but a good fun atmosphere.

Being a North West London girl by birth the Ace has always been a special place for me, and I visit as often as possible The food is always good and the atmosphere is friendly and fun, even the rockin music events, bikes and classic cars are a sight to behold, esp on a warm evening when you can sit outside on the provided chairs or the little low wall. Only downside is the jukebox could be turned up a little bit, some of the staff find it hard to understand an order and the music kind of gets lost as the sound on band nights is a bit tinny But still it's a great place, a bit of history and a little gem for bikers!!!

As a biker person - I have found myself here on many occassions. I have seen a few bands, including James Toseland's (he rides a Yamaha in MotoGP) band Crash, plus much Rock and billy. It's a reasonable place, with alot of history, but I'm probably too familiar with it to get uber excited. They do tea, which is ok, but for £1, plus full bar too. Food - not really eaten much here - fried brekkie is ok. The Ace do there own brand bangers! There are many events held here, whether your like music or gawping at a variety of bikes/ cars/ vans etc. I've even seen JK wandering around on a Porche owners meet. Some of the ride outs attract huge numbers, and it can be a sight in itself seeing that many different bikes in one place. For myself - keep it green, keep it Kawasaki.

5 stars for history... this is mecca of the cafe racer world. I paid a visit on their 1 year anniversary one Sunday after it reopened back in like, 1999? A great collection of old bikes, and fun people. Any time I find myself in London, a trip to the Ace is on my mind.

The best full English brekkie I've had in a long time and big servings too. Kept me filled up till dinner time. The history also makes this place special.

Bit of a bikers cliche this place, food is ok, surroundings biker kitsch. Meeting place for bikers and posers. Although I do enjoy popping in here for some social activities with the guys from LondonBikers.com

Was fortunate enough to receive a guided tour with Mark, who's an awesome piece of living history himself. Every night, it seemed, they had something different going on, so if you're a gearhead, Ace Cafe is mandatory.

This place is truly an iconic piece of history! We came here from the states not knowing a soul and were welcomed into this establishment like we were old friends! We even got a history lesson and tour around the place by the owner the man who started it all! We made some great friends here and had some delicious diner food and danced to rockabilly music all night! Can't wait to come back and visit again! Thank you Ace Cafe for giving us the best time!

Love it! What an iconic place. Staff was friendly. Food cheap. I even help the girl fixed the computer register in the gift shop..didn't get a discount but hey we both laugh. They need to update the hoodies though. The girl at the register had one that was a little older. Now that was a really cool one. They need to make that one a standard stock one. Great experience for a motorcycle enthusiast.

Went two weeks ago while on vacation. Breakfast was great. Good burgers and the nachos where so good!

The ACE is a great place and a bit of North West London history should be told about by everyone to everyone been down there on number of times on bike nights, hotrod&custom car nights and even just for a cuppa everyone is friendly and welcome the only thing that annoys me is the wannabes that get down there a lot of us who go there are bike and car enthusiast and have been bikers and custom car/hotrod guys n girls most of our life and then you get these weekend James Dean lookalikes who have had there cars or bike built for them by somone else giving it the biggun and sometimes it spoils it for the the genuine people, anyway enough of moaning just get down the ACE CAFE and see some London A406 NCR history and see some nice bikes and cars

Been here love it and going again soon

A decent spot to have a quick breakfast or lunch in Wembley. The place may be packed during the rush hours but it's definitely worth it. You won't be disappointed.

Only went for the Ruff Ryders Europe night few years ago to say the least but well worth it!!!

It looks scabby but god the food is good. I mean honestly. You want good warming tasty food. Get in here!

your typical cafe style food, full english brekkie, burger & chips etc etc. i had the burger&chips, really enjoyed it especially since it was Amercican hotrod night and had V8 muscle cars revving their guts out 8ft away from where i was eating...perfect!!!! apart from redbulls costing £3.50 ...my ears may have been damaged from the hotrods...but im 95% sure she said that..HA

Great brekkie at a very reasonable price ,very authentic venue and lots of events going on thoughout the year .NOT so authentic i feel was the service which was at best surly,shame really, the welcome was not as i remember it back in 60`s,well thats progress for you hey , no use looking back i suppose