It was on a Saturday when I got a WhatsApp message from the husband. He asked me to look up the Bike Shed cafe in London. We were planning a trip to celebrate my 40th and I had asked my husband and son to look at where they may like to go. I googled it immediately as I love a good cafe, and so was equally intrigued. As soon as I saw some photos I knew we needed to add it to our London stay.
Bike Shed Moto Co cafe is situated under Victorian railway arches in the Shoreditch area of the East End. From the road it is difficult to realise the vast size of this cultural and biker hub, but once inside – wow! There was an indoor eating area in a very industrial stylised large cafe – more akin to a restaurant. The overall aesthetic was bare brick, rustic wood, dull metal, with a black ceiling and concrete floors. For me, this is heaven. Industrial stylised interiors provide next level cosy environments for a cafe reader.
There was a kitchen/bar running down the left side of the room. With a large stone effect wall functioning to hold up the metal counter/bar, and a, what appeared to be, glass screen hovering above. It really felt like an industrial pub bar – which makes sense as they do seem beer and cocktails later in the day. Down the opposite side, up against a bare brick wall decorated with motorcycle decor, ran a series of seating booths – a mixture of red/brown leather and rustic wood. Finally, down the centre of the large space ran a number of smaller rustic tables and chairs and then a high seating area, specifically for those just ordering drinks.
Around the other side of the bar was a lounge area, complete with bare brick, red leather, old rugs, concrete flooring and media decor, including a couple of guitars. Unlike the eating area, which feels more intimate for families, the lounge area provides the perfect atmosphere for casual meet-ups with friends. There were multiple lounge areas, including one through an archway which I peered as we were getting ready to leave but unfortunately, I didn’t get a good look at this area. The bathrooms are in the vicinity and were amazing clean and certainly not forgotten in the overall design of the cafe.
The lounge area was home to one of the multiple motorbikes that are on display throughout the cafe. I can’t lie, the thought of creating a space for the husband’s BSA when it’s finally off the road, and dressing it in fairy lights, is pretty intense right now. Inspired! Just off both the lounge and internal dining area was a barbers. This place has everything. I mean, my husband has alopecia, so has no hair, and my hair is too long for a barbers, but I am pretty sure I would love this should I have short hair. The thought of going in to have your hair cut and then slipping out for brunch, without having to walk more than a few feet.
Next to the lounge area was an apparel space with everything from biker wear to casual Bike Shed branded attire and accessories. They really had an amazing array of boots, t-shirts, caps and other items. I have to confess, we did give in and my husband, son and I all purchased a Bike Shed cap (we like our caps), to commemorate our time at the Bike Shed, but also in Shoreditch, and in London. The boys got the same cap (they’re so alike), and I got one that specifically stated Shoreditch, as that meant something to me. There was another reason I was in Shoreditch. They had some amazing designs there, many of which can be found and purchased online – though not the styles we bought. The shop was fitted out in the industrial style to fit the vibes of the rest of the building. There is no obligation or feeling of being forced to purchase as you can visit any area of the cafe without passing through the shop, which means you can enjoy the cafe without feeling the pressure to ‘shop’ as well.
We visited the Bike Shed Moto Co on a Saturday morning (most of the week they do not open until midday, and are closed on a Monday). The cafe was not busy but there was a variety of clientele there, and mostly sitting outside in the courtyard, which is where we sat to enjoy a drink and what also became brunch. Whilst we were sitting in the London sun, we heard the rumble of motorcycle engines and from under one of the Victorian rail bridge arches came a couple of bikes. Bike parking is through the courtyard. As the husband and I love motorbikes, we enjoyed this thoroughly. Multiple bikes turned up through the duration of our stay. It was like a catwalk for bikers, and absolutely not disruptive, it was part of the experience. The courtyard ran down the side of the cafe, with a couple of tables set up by the shop window, and the remaining lining the wall of the bike runway. Maintaining the industrial vibes, tables were wooden and black metal, surrounded by simple black metal chairs, with wooden menu accessories. The tables on the outside have the option of ordering via an app, which for an introvert like me, is great.
Initially we purchased drinks. The husband had a latte, the son had a coke, and I had a cranberry juice (don’t judge me, I was getting over surgery, and was unable to drink or eat certain foods). The latte mug and saucer set and the coke glass were in line with the industrialist aesthetic, the glass being chunky with a handle. They served a variety of hot drinks, but perhaps fewer than expected. They make up for the quantity of hot drinks, but the amount of alcoholic drinks they serve, so I can only assume their success is perhaps as a bar in the evening. It’s hard to discuss the pricing of drinks without consideration of the value it has to the individual. Basic tea and coffee are really good prices. However, once you upgrade to a latte you’re looking at about £4 GBP. 330ml of coke will set you back around £4.25 GBP, yet the cranberry or other fresh juice will be approximately £2.95 GBP. Alcohol is what I’d blanket describe as ‘London prices’, however, you can check out their drinks menu and prices online.
Finally, we decided to have brunch. Our visit was on the day we were heading home and so it made sense to have brunch and then head back without the need to stop for lunch. We all had a breakfast bap option. The husband had sausage and egg, the son had sausage, bacon and egg, and I had the veggie sausage and egg bap (no, I’m not veggie, but I’m not eating sausages at the moment – I know, tragic!). The son and I really enjoyed our brunch, with the sweetness of the brioche bun. At the time the husband enjoyed his, but he wasn’t keen on the texture of the egg. I’d argue that the prices of food are standard, give or take a quid, with the breakfast baps starting from £7.95 GBP each. As with the drinks you can have a gander at the food menu and prices online. My only wish was that they dished it up on black or brown earthenware rather than white ceramic.
Final thoughts, I love it, I love it, I love it. Of course, this review is based on my experience of the environment during a Saturday morning visit, drinking limited drinks, and eating a limited menu. I cannot speak for the rest of the menu or service experiences at any other time of the day. As someone who loves to visit cafes to drink tea and read, as a general rule, I could imagine doing that on a Saturday morning, particularly in the lounge areas. The service was great. Had we not of used the app, a service member will take your order the old fashioned way. Everyone was very lovely and polite, yet not too interfering (no asking you how your food is whilst you have a mouth full, 60 seconds into eating. The atmosphere was cosy, industrial and friendly with warm yellow lighting, ensuring no harshness overhead. The cost was average and the food was nice. If this was local to me I have a feeling I would be there at least once a week. If you’re are visiting London and enjoy industrial or biker vibes, I cannot recommend enough.
Most importantly, according to Google, the Bike Shed Moto Co is LGBTQ+ friendly, which makes me a very happy bunny.
4.25 stars
