There’s nothing better than a good café stop on a gravel ride.
Whether it’s for a strong coffee, breakfast, a slice of cake or just a chance to rest your legs, the right café can turn a decent gravel ride into a great one.
We’ve spent plenty of time out on the trails and we’ve come to really appreciate the places that welcome riders, serve up good food and drink and embrace the gravel vibe.
In this blog, we’re highlighting some of the best gravel-friendly cafés across the country that might make you want to stay a little longer before heading back out on the bike!
1. Church Farm Cafe, Aldbury
Address: Church Farm Station Road, Aldbury, HP23 5RS, England
Website: https://www.churchfarmcafe.com/
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/churchfarmcafe/
About: Tucked away in the postcard-perfect village of Aldbury, Church Farm Café is a hidden gem for gravel cyclists seeking that ideal mid-ride coffee stop, or a post-ride refuel spot to kick back and take in the views. Set in a lovingly restored barn that once housed legendary jockey Walter Swinburn’s racing stables, the café blends rustic charm with cyclist-friendly warmth.
Just a short ride from Tring station and nestled at the foot of the Ashridge Estate, this spot is a gateway to some of the finest gravel routes in the Chiltern Hills. Flowing forest tracks, ancient holloways and rolling ridgeway trails offer endless adventure in every direction.
Inside, you’ll find a cosy and welcoming space packed with character, while the outdoor courtyard looks straight onto the countryside, ideal for basking in the sun with your ride crew. The café offers a classic cyclist-approved menu featuring top-tier coffee brewed from Doe & Fawn’s freshly-roasted beans, homemade cakes and a hearty breakfast lineup.
Church Farm Café works with the incredible Suave Foods, serving up high-quality, locally sourced brunch and lunch options that go well beyond your standard bacon bap.
Founded by three cycling enthusiasts - Simon, Stuart, and Tink - the café is a true reflection of their passion for bikes, great food and good vibes.
2. Spoke Cycles CC
Address: Ridge Farm, Codicote, Hertfordshire, AL6 9UA
Website: https://spokecycles.cc/
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/spokecyclescc/
About: Located in a beautifully restored barn on a tranquil farmstead in the heart of Hertfordshire, Spoke Cycles CC is a hub for gravel riders and adventurers. Whether you're spinning through for a mid-ride refuel or lingering over a lazy weekend brunch, the experience here hits every note.
Step inside to be greeted by the warm hum of an authentic Italian espresso machine and pair your flat white with a warm slice of homemade cake. Looking for something more substantial? How about a loaded toastie fresh from the kitchen, or a crisp Belgian beer from a curated list that wouldn’t be out of place in a Flanders café.
You might spot some friendly goats roaming the paddock outside, picnic benches under open skies, and their iconic 1964 Citroën H van—once a Tour de France broom wagon, now reimagined as a stylish outpost for coffee and cake.
But what really makes Spoke Cycles CC special for gravel cyclists is its location. Surrounded by an ever-growing network of scenic bridleways, forest track and winding farm roads, this corner of Hertfordshire offers some of the best gravel riding in the south east. Whichever direction you head, you'll find a satisfying mix of smooth gravel, punchy climbs and peaceful rural scenery.
3. G!RO Cycles
Address: 2 High Street, Esher, KT10 9RT
Website: https://www.girocycles.com/
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/girocycles
About: Nestled on the edge of the iconic Surrey Hills, G!RO has been a cornerstone of the local cycling scene since it opened its doors in October 2013. From day one, the vision has been simple yet powerful: to create a space where riders and non-riders alike feel genuinely welcome. With community at its heart and cycling as its passion, G!RO has become a home from home for coffee lovers, adventurers and gravel grinders passing through.
It’s no surprise G!RO was listed by The Daily Telegraph as one of the Top 3 Cycling Destinations in the UK and has bagged titles like “Best Coffee Stop For Cyclists” at the UK Coffee Awards and “Best Independent” in the 2022 Love Elmbridge awards.
For gravel cyclists, G!RO is perfectly placed. Just a few pedal strokes from the café, the roads give way to a network of bridleways, forest paths and gravel tracks that wind through the Surrey Hills. Riders can dive into routes through Oxshott Heath, Ashtead Common and Prince’s Coverts. Whether you're rolling out for a quick loop or a full-day adventure, many believe the gravel riding here is second to none.
For those who want to bring a piece of G!RO with them on the road, the shop inside offers a curated selection of premium cycling gear and exclusive collaborations.
4. Velo Domestique
Address: 176-180 Seabourne Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, BH5 2JB
Website: https://www.velodomestique.co.uk/
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/velodomcafe
About:
Velo Domestique has been a cornerstone of their local cycling community since 2016. Born from a passion for bikes and a love of community, Velo set out to create a welcoming home for cyclists of all kinds, promoting cycling as a fun, sustainable way of life.
Inside, you'll find a laid-back, friendly atmosphere paired with expert service. Head mechanic Mike brings over 20 years of hands-on bike maintenance experience, offering everything from routine servicing to custom bike builds. Working with trusted brands, Velo Domestique specialises in creating bikes that are not only built to last but matched to each rider's unique needs.
Beyond the bikes, the café side of Velo has become legendary in its own right. Their menu features local favourites like the famed Breakfast Burrito and a fresh twist on Avocado on Sourdough. Expect high-quality, fresh-to-order food, ideal fuel for big rides.
Southbourne’s coastal location is the perfect springboard for some of the South Coast’s best gravel cycling. From Velo Domestique’s doorstep, you can easily link up to miles of scenic gravel trails. Head west towards the New Forest National Park for endless gravel roads winding through ancient woodland, heathland and wide open spaces. Alternatively, explore the Stour Valley Way, a stunning riverside trail offering off-road sections ideal for mixed-terrain riding. For those seeking coastal views, gravel paths along Hengistbury Head and out towards Christchurch Harbour offer a more leisurely but equally beautiful spin.
With great coffee and direct access to some of the UK’s most varied gravel routes, Velo Domestique is an ideal gravel café stop.
5. The Hub
Address: 22 High Street, St Albans, England, AL3 7LL, United
Website: https://www.hubcoffeebikes.com/
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thehub_redbourn/
About:
Located in the charming village of Redbourn, Hertfordshire, The Hub Coffee & Bikes has been a favourite among cyclists and locals since it opened in spring 2012. Housed in a beautiful 17th-century building, The Hub delivers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with roaring fires in winter, relaxed garden seating in summer, and always a genuine smile behind the counter.
The Hub serves outstanding coffee, delicious homemade food and essential bike spares and kit for riders passing through. It's not just cyclists who love it; The Hub has become a vibrant part of the wider community, attracting visitors from all over the region. The café’s eco-conscious approach, using biodegradable cups, lids and paper straws shows their commitment to sustainability.The surrounding countryside offers some of the finest gravel riding in the south of England. From Redbourn, riders can easily access the sprawling Chiltern Hills, where an extensive network of bridleways, byways and quiet lanes weave through rolling farmland and scenic villages.
Highlights include the Ashridge Estate's gravel tracks, the Ridgeway National Trail and lesser-known routes threading through Whipsnade, Aldbury and Ivinghoe Beacon - all offering a mix of challenging climbs, fast descents and stunning panoramic views.
6. Chesters by the River
Address: Skelwith Bridge, Nr Ambleside, Cumbria. LA22 9NJ
Website: https://chestersbytheriver.co.uk/index.html
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/chestersbytheriver/?hl=en
About:
Among the serene banks of the River Brathay in Skelwith Bridge, near Ambleside, Chesters by the River has evolved into a vibrant pro-vegan bakery, making it a cherished stop for gravel cyclists exploring the Lake District.
Chesters by the River offers a delightful array of plant-based treats, from wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads to fresh salads and hearty mains like Sri Lankan curry and buffalo cauliflower mac & cheese. Complementing the food is coffee made with beans from Red Bank Coffee Roasters.
The café's spacious interior features warm, rustic décor, while the outdoor seating area, including a covered pagoda adorned with flowers and lights, offers picturesque views of the river.
The area surrounding Skelwith Bridge is a haven for gravel cyclists, offering a variety of routes that cater to different skill levels. Claife Heights Trail Loop is a 42.3 km loop from Skelwith Bridge provides expansive views over Windermere, combining gravel paths and forest tracks. There is the Elterwater to Dungeon Ghyll route, following the River Brathay through Elterwater to Dungeon Ghyll and back, featuring gravel paths and opportunities to stop at local cafes and pubs. For those new to gravel cycling, the Lake District offers several accessible routes that balance scenic beauty with manageable terrain.
These routes not only provide stunning landscapes but also convenient access to Chesters by the River, making it an ideal spot to refuel and relax during your gravel adventures.
7. Town End Farm Shop & Tearoom
Address: Town End Farm Shop, Airton, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 4BE
Website: https://townendfarmshop.co.uk/town-end-tea-room/
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/townendfarmshop/
About:
In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Town End Farm Shop & Tearoom in Airton, near Malham, offers a delightful respite for gravel cyclists exploring the region's rugged beauty. This award-winning establishment combines a traditional farm shop with a cozy tearoom, providing a perfect blend of local flavors and warm hospitality.
Cyclists can refuel with hearty breakfasts, homemade soups, toasties, baguettes and freshly baked cakes and scones, all complemented by Yorkshire Tea and Rounton Coffee. The menu emphasizes locally sourced, homemade dishes, including home-cured bacon, ham, and charcuterie made from the farm's own grass-fed lamb, traditional breed cattle and rare breed pork.
With indoor and outdoor seating offering stunning views of Malhamdale and Malham Cove, the tearoom provides a serene setting to relax and unwind.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park offers a plethora of gravel cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. The area's diverse terrain includes rolling hills, limestone pavements and scenic valleys, providing both challenging climbs and leisurely rides.
The region's extensive network of bridleways, byways, and quiet country lanes make it an ideal destination for gravel cyclists seeking to explore the natural beauty of the Dales.
If you're embarking on a Yorkshire gravel adventure, Town End Farm Shop & Tearoom offers a welcoming atmosphere, delicious local cuisine and a chance to experience the charm of the region.
8. The Cowshed Cafe
Address: Oak Farm, Bedford Rd, Northill, Beds, SG18 9AW
Website: https://www.thecowshedcafe.co.uk/
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thecowshedcafe
About:
Found in the tranquil countryside of Northill, Bedfordshire, The Cowshed Café is a haven for gravel cyclists seeking a picturesque and welcoming pit stop. Housed in a renovated former cowshed, the café exudes rustic charm with its exposed brick walls, original crittall windows and upcycled furniture. The interior offers a variety of seating options, including cozy corners, breakfast bars, and a unique handmade velodrome table that seats eight, catering to both solo riders and groups.
The café's menu is designed to satisfy the appetites of active visitors, featuring a selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes, sausage rolls and bagels. Vegan options are also available as well as a range of plant-based baked goods.
The surrounding area offers a wealth of gravel cycling opportunities. The café is accessible via road and bridleway, guiding riders through charming villages like Old Warden, Southill, Ireland, Ickwell and Northill. For those seeking structured routes, the café provides downloadable GPX files. These routes offer a mix of terrain and scenery, making them ideal for gravel cyclists looking to experience the best of Bedfordshire's countryside.
Whether you're embarking on a short ride or a longer gravel adventure, this café offers a delightful blend of comfort and community for gravel enthusiasts.
9. Holme Coffee House
Address: 108 School Street, Holmfirth, HD9 7EQ
Website: https://holmecoffeehouse.co.uk/
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/holmecoffeehouse/
About:
Holme Coffee House, nestled in the heart of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, has become a cherished stop for cyclists exploring the rugged terrains of the Peak District.
Since its establishment in 2019, this independent café has been serving locally roasted artisan coffee from Bean Brothers, complemented by a diverse menu featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. The warm atmosphere, combined with its dog-friendly policy and a dedicated menu for four-legged companions, makes it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Additionally, the café's fully licensed status allows patrons to enjoy an alcoholic beverage at the end of their ride.
For gravelers, Holme Coffee House offers more than just a place to refuel. Situated approximately four miles from the challenging Holme Moss climb, a renowned ascent in the region, the café serves as an ideal rest stop for riders tackling this formidable route. The surrounding Holme Valley boasts an array of gravel trails, catering to various skill levels. Routes like the Ramsden Road – Holme Woods Lane gravel loop from Upperthong provide intermediate riders with a scenic and challenging ride, featuring fast-flowing gravel tracks and stunning views across the reservoir.
For those seeking a more demanding adventure, the Swineshaw Reservoir – Woodhead Reservoir loop from Brockholes offers an expert-level experience, covering 43.6 miles with significant elevation gains. These trails, along with others in the area, are part of the extensive network of routes that make the Holme Valley a haven for gravel cycling enthusiasts.
After a day of cycling, Holme Coffee House stands ready to welcome riders, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the gravel trails of the Peak District.
10. RIDE Coffee House
Address: 46 Station Rd, Banchory AB31 5YA
Website: N/A
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/ridecoffeehouse/?hl=en
About:
Based on the high street of Banchory, a vibrant town on the edge of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, RIDE Coffee House is far more than just a café - it’s a hub for the local cycling community and a welcoming pit stop for adventurers passing through Royal Deeside.
Founded by cycling enthusiast and elite mountain biker Kieran McDonald, RIDE blends specialty coffee, fresh food and a passion for the outdoors in a space designed to feel like home for riders of all kinds. Inside, the café has bike-themed touches, a laid-back atmosphere and shelves stocked with locally roasted beans and kit.
Set against a backdrop of forested hills, flowing rivers and remote glens, Banchory is perfectly placed for exploring some of the best gravel terrain in the northeast of Scotland. The ancient trails of Scolty Hill, with its panoramic views over the Dee Valley and distant Grampians, offer both punchy climbs and flowing descents through pine and heather. Heading west and deeper into Royal Deeside, riders can link up secluded gravel routes through Glen Tanar and Aboyne, while those with the legs for a bigger adventure can push toward Ballater and Lochnagar for highland passes, lochs and true backcountry solitude.
Whether you’re fueling up pre-ride,looking for recovery cake, or just swapping stories over flat whites, RIDE Coffee House hits the sweet spot. It is an authentic, community-driven café that lives and breathes the gravel spirit.
11. The Bike Shed Cafe
Address: 1 Manor Road, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3RP
Website: https://bikeshed.cafe/
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thebikeshedcafe
About:
Established in the South Downs, The Bike Shed Café is a true gem for gravel cyclists exploring the rich network of bridleways and forest trails of southern England.
Known for its welcoming vibe and passion for proper refreshments, The Bike Shed Café is more than just a pit stop—it’s a place to recharge, refuel and soak up the atmosphere of a community that lives and breathes the outdoors. Their aim is simple: to serve exceptional coffee, an irresistible array of cakes and sweet and savoury pastries (including outstanding sausages rolls).
Whether you’ve just descended from the wooded trails of Queen Elizabeth Country Park or climbed up from the chalky gravel ridgelines of the South Downs Way, the café’s sunny deck or cosy indoor space with a crackling wood burner makes for a perfect post-ride retreat.
It’s a hub for all sorts of adventurers buzzing with friendly chatter and shared stories. And if you ride with a four-legged friend, you’re in luck: The Bike Shed is super dog-friendly and always stocked with treats. The surrounding area is a gravel rider’s dream, offering everything from fast-rolling fire roads through ancient woodland to punchy climbs and panoramic ridgeway tracks, with plenty of opportunities to link together loops of all lengths and technical levels.
Whether you’re out for a short spin or a full-day exploration, this is the kind of place you’ll want to return to time and again - good coffee, great people and unbeatable riding right from the doorstep.
