Ace Cafe at Classic Motor Show

London’s Ace Cafe, roadside legend and purveyor of teas and meals to several generations of motorists, motorcyclists and truck drivers, is making a welcome return to this year’s Classic Motor Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 13 to 15 November.

Founded in 1938 on the North Circular Road, The Ace Cafe was primarily a welcome sight for hauliers wanting refreshment as they steered their Leyland, AEC and Guy trucks towards the A1 and all points North.

After the war the cafe continued its sustenance offering, and later proved a hit with a young, new generation of motorcyclists who found excitement and adventure on roads – without speed limits! After a long period when the Ace was closed, it was successfully revived by Mark Wilsmore.

Today there’s still a strong link with motorcycles and cars, with numerous events held every month. Regular meetings, amazing musical acts as well as special one-offs attract car and bike enthusiasts from not only London and the Home Counties, but from all across the UK and abroad.

This year’s Classic Bikes at the Classic Motor Show sees the Ace Cafe Racer Concours, supported by Meguiar’s, which is open to motorcycles from all countries and of all ages – as long as they’ve been built in a cafe racer-style. The winner receives VIP tickets and hotel accommodation for next year’s Ace Cafe Reunion, a host of Meguiar’s products together with futher special prizes.

Alongside the finalists of the Cafe Racer Concours will be the winning motorcycles from Ace’s Triumph and Harley-Davidson Bike of the Year competition.

Keeping the spirit of Ace Cafe London alive is an Ace-themed catering area, which brings the spirit of the cafe up the M1 from London to the NEC. Accompanying the eating area is a rockabilly DJ who’s promising to be spinning swing, rock and roll and surfing tunes from the ‘40s through to the early ‘60s.

On the Live Stage, Ace Cafe London founder Mark Wilsmore will be joining Mike Brewer to talk about the Cafe’s history. Also making a stage appearance is Grand Prix road racer, motorcycle engineer and designer Peter Williams, who is a guest of the Norton Owners Club, as well as a selection of amazing and rare motorcycles.

Ace Cafe London will also host Rockit Tatu, who will be showing off his inking skills in Europe’s only mobile tattoo parlour, based in a unique custom American Airstream caravan. And there’s a range of Ace Cafe London merchandising on sale – including T-shirts and tea mugs – so anyone can buy a little part of the Ace Cafe London experience at this year’s Classic Motor Show.

Top this off with trade stands offering motorcycling memorabilia, helmets, leathers and everything else you can think of and the popular bike jumble, and you’ll be in motorcycle heaven as well as having full access to the rest of this classic motoring extravaganza.

For more information about the Ace Cafe, its event line up for the coming months including its Christmas and New Year Specials, visit ace-cafe-london.com. For more information on Classic Bikes at the Classic Motor Show, the latest show updates and to book tickets, visit classicbiker.co.uk.