New cafe suggestions

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 03 Nov 2010 07:57

Index of cafes

http://cafefinder.moonfruit.com/home/4591212255

Post by **CakeStop** » 03 Nov 2010 08:56

Thanks Philip - this looks handy.

I've got a bit of backlog of new cafes to add to the web site. It would help me if we could have all future cafe suggestions in one place because as it it they're dotted around the message board.

Please add any further suggestions to this topic - thanks.

Post by **CakeStop** » 03 Nov 2010 13:57

Philip Whiteman wrote:New Cafe for Intro Club Rides?

http://www.thestablesfarmshop.co.uk/

Just happened to pass that way this morning. They passed the cake test -decent selection of homemade cakes and quality coffee. Breakfast fare was limited to bacon sarnies, toast, eggs on toast and toasted teacakes but there was homemade soup, sandwiches & paninis. Prices above average but probably not extortionate given quality. OK for a smallish group inside (10-12 would be fine), nice outdoor picnic area for the summer.

Post by **CakeStop** » 28 Nov 2010 10:10

I've updated the cafe page, clearing the backlog of suggestions I think.

Tudor Rose in Alcester has been removed because I understand they're relocating and the timing & new location are unclear.

bobg · Post by **bobg** » 11 May 2011 15:34

For those travelling a little further afield there is bar/cafe in Leek Staffs. called Cafe Den Engel named after the very well known cafe in Ghent where all of the top british cyclists based themselves in the 1960,s. It is also the headquarters of the Leek cycling club. It would however be as well to check opening times etc.

Grogz · Post by **Grogz** » 31 Jul 2011 08:24

Goodnight Sweetheart's in Stourport is no more. New owners took over about 4 months ago and have renamed the cafe 'Blossoms'. Same sort of fare. Colour scheme is fresher, more Giro d'Italia and Gingham

Post by **CakeStop** » 09 Jul 2012 20:41

Suggestion from Roger Green - no longer open on Sundays.

http://www.thepriorycafe.co.uk/

Dave Cox · Post by **Dave Cox** » 07 Sep 2012 14:39

The Holt Fleet Cafe nestled on the West Bank of the Severn at the bridge is now open every day except Wendesday until 2. Good breakfasts great value but it's small so worth phoning Lisa first if bringing a largish group 0751016210
Now closed !!!!

George · Post by **George** » 08 Sep 2012 10:21

Dave, do you know whether it's going to be open all winter? And can you eat inside? (When I've drive past, at least some customers always seem to be outside.)

Dave Cox · Post by **Dave Cox** » 09 Sep 2012 21:06

Yes there are tables inside - not that many. Lisa hopes to stay open if she can make a go of it.

bobg · Post by **bobg** » 12 Sep 2012 17:59

Found a new cafe this week at Holberrow Green. It is at the Redditch golf acadamy, and has only just opened. Cyclists are welcome and prices are very reasonable, it is also very comfy and the owner very obliging.

Oscar · Post by **Oscar** » 13 Sep 2012 20:56

Bob took the slow clubrun all 5 of us there today.We eat our bacon or sausage sandwiches sitting on settees.OK

George · Post by **George** » 16 Dec 2012 18:06

The Bulls Head Inn at Inkberrow has just befriended Scarlett Whitengreen on Facebook.

Either they are very confused, or they want to attract cyclists. Does anyone have any knowledge of this place?

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 16 Dec 2012 19:13

Lisa and I tried out the new coffee shop in Belbroughton Post Office today. Slightly expensive but they sell good coffee, cake and tea cakes. No savory products though. It is probably a good venue for cyclist seeking a short ride or in preparation for Dayhouse Bank on their way home.

The Post Office Coffee shop is tucked away behind The Talbot pub on Clent Road.

George wrote:The Bulls Head Inn at Inkberrow has just befriended Scarlett Whitengreen on Facebook.

Either they are very confused, or they want to attract cyclists. Does anyone have any knowledge of this place?

It's a bog standard pub as far as I am aware, aside from its reputation of being The Bull in Ambridge on The Archers - the pinnacle of asininity.

Clive · Post by **Clive** » 17 Dec 2012 05:33

The Bull's head inn, Inkberrow used to be known locally as being a bit of dump, but is under new management so may be very different now.

Not to be confused with The Old Bull inn just across the way, which has always been the better of the two; real fire, real ales, home cooked food.

The Bull in Ambridge in the Archers is based on the Old Bull inn, not the Bulls Head inn.

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 08 Jan 2013 10:47

Not been there yet but I recently found this:

Holloways, Suckley.

http://www.holloways.co.uk/the-greenhouse-menus.htm

George, do you know anything about it?

Upton Marina (again)

http://www.thewheelhouseupton.com/food-and-drink/food/

George · Post by **George** » 08 Jan 2013 21:00

I think the Suckley café is probably a recent addition to an established business, Phil. Certainly I've never noticed it, although it's very close to me and I ride/drive through Suckley reasonably often. However, my failure to notice it may be at least partly due to the fact that the lane it's on is a dead end; consequently I never go right past it, and if they don't have a board on the 'main' lane ...

Andy Terry · Post by **Andy Terry** » 08 Jan 2013 22:36

Philip Whiteman wrote: Upton Marina (again)

Nice looking menu. Warning: contains moderate apostrophe abuse.

http://www.thewheelhouseupton.com/food-and-drink/food/

bobg · Post by **bobg** » 27 Jan 2013 18:47

Dont think i have seen this one on the m.b. before. Farm shop between Ombersley and Holt Fleet. (not far from Broomfields) A good large room that can seat about 50 and serves good hot and cold food. Cyclists, and clubs welcome and not very busy when i was there this morning.

George · Post by **George** » 28 Jan 2013 10:15

Philip Whiteman wrote:New Cafe for Intro Club Rides?

http://www.thestablesfarmshop.co.uk/

That web site is no longer live. Has the café closed?

George · Post by **George** » 28 Jan 2013 10:38

George wrote:I think the Suckley café is probably a recent addition to an established business, Phil. Certainly I've never noticed it, although it's very close to me and I ride/drive through Suckley reasonably often. However, my failure to notice it may be at least partly due to the fact that the lane it's on is a dead end; consequently I never go right past it, and if they don't have a board on the 'main' lane ...

Contrary to what I previously said, the entrance is on the main lane and there is a board outside. Either the café is a new addition to the business, or I have been very unobservant in the past. I'll try and check it out some time.

George · Post by **George** » 01 Feb 2013 13:33

The Priory Café referred to earlier in this thread is not open on Sundays.

Oscar · Post by **Oscar** » 10 Apr 2013 17:29

Just been down the 3/4 mile drive to Umberslade park farm farmhouse café,which was very busy due to the school holidays.(you dont have to pay just to use the café, similar to Rays farm) .It can seat over 40 inside and nearly as many outside.They also have a large and varied menu. As it is local and set in lovely countryside it makes ideal for beginners rides. Open seven days a week. Tel 01564742251. www.umberslade.com

Grogz · Post by **Grogz** » 10 Apr 2013 22:45

Oakes Farm has recently opened quite a sizeable café in Balsall Common (Balsall St, CV7 7AQ). Varied menu including bacon baps and beans on toast, prices reasonable. Nice atmosphere. Coffee cups are quite small, though.

George · Post by **George** » 08 Sep 2013 17:16

Today, I passed through Alcester for the first time on a Sunday for ages, and noticed a café open at the end of the high street near the church (which I don't think was there/open last time I passed through).

Alcester used to be a regular destination until a few years ago, when some sort of lease issue forced the semi-closure of the café we used to use. There were several cafés in the town, but at that time all the others were closed on Sundays.

Anyway, I called in to check out the 'new' place. It's not very big, but easily big enough for one club run group; maybe two at a pinch. Bacon sarnies or beans for about £3.50; fancier stuff from about £4.50. One bike parking hoop and a lamppost in direct line of sight outside, more bike-leaning space just out of sight. Proprietors welcome cyclists, but prefer a reservation.

Contact details as follows:
Venue Xpresso
3 High Street
Alcester
B49 5AE
07801 732819
venuexpresso.com

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 03 Nov 2013 17:19

APLEY FARM SHOP
W: http://apleyfarmshop.co.uk/cafe/
Location: Between Bridgnorth and Shifnal
Typical Distance from BH: 30 miles
Verdict: Excellent
Booking advice from cafe: It may be necessary to reserve a table. The club run leader should ring through with numbers before departing from the BH. Last orders for their breakfast menu is at 11.45.

Mark Carter, Richard Greer and I undertook a reconnaissance to evaluate this venue for a club run. Well done to Mark for finding it, the cafe is excellent. They provide a good range of items on their breakfast menu and the quality is excellent. Not only that, Lady Hamilton of Dalzell, the co-owner invited us to return.

In terms of routes, I was concerned that Apley would be too far from Birmingham. In fact, it was a quick jaunt. I reckon that a club run would typically arrive between 11 and 11.15. Topographically, their are no substantial climbs but there is a combination of undulations and some short sharp pulls. The routes we tried consisted of lanes.

Suggested route:
Outbound (shortest leg)
- Kinver
- Halfpenny Green
- Claverley
- Worfield

Return (longest leg)
- Badger
- Pattingham
- Kinver

Example Breakfast Menu Items
- Egg and bacon in cheddar and chive sauce in toasted flour bap. £3.75
- Bacon and egg roll. £3
- Beans on toast. £1.95 (off the children's menu?)
- Teacake. £1.50
- £5 for cappuccino and cake

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 11 Feb 2014 09:41

A cafe for introductory rides, located at Astwood Bank?

http://www.thestablesfarmshop.co.uk/cafe/

Post by **CakeStop** » 11 Feb 2014 23:00

Philip Whiteman wrote:A cafe for introductory rides, located at Astwood Bank?

http://www.thestablesfarmshop.co.uk/cafe/

I'm pretty sure we've been there before, at least a couple of years ago, nice cafe for a small group inside or a larger group outside in the summer.

Post by **CakeStop** » 27 Apr 2014 20:41

From Dave Pountney of Kidderminster CTC....

A Cafe has just opened just off the A458 Stourbridge to Bridgnorth road. Very welcoming to cyclists!

Their website is: www.stablestearoom.com

It is just off the A458 - 2nd left after the Six Ashes cross roads (heading west) marked on the O/S map as Broad Lanes.

Could be good for club runs, we used to visit a cafe in Six Ashes before it closed.

George · Post by **George** » 19 May 2014 12:50

The café map & info on the club website is gradually getting out of date. Several of the cafés that we now use aren't on, and some of the contact info is missing/out of date.

It's unreasonable and impractical to expect Steve to keep abreast of every addition to our collective knowledge of local cafés and to keep updating the website accordingly. I feel that the ideal would be a database that all of us (or, failing that, a little group of us) can add to and edit independently. So, for example, if I spend 10 minutes tracking down the phone number for a café, I can immediately add it to the database, so that the next leader who wants to use that destination doesn't have to track down the number in the same way. Is something like that realisable, without creating a lot more work for Steve?

Andy_Craddock · Post by **Andy_Craddock** » 19 May 2014 13:27

George wrote:The café map & info on the club website is gradually getting out of date. Several of the cafés that we now use aren't on, and some of the contact info is missing/out of date.

It's unreasonable and impractical to expect Steve to keep abreast of every addition to our collective knowledge of local cafés and to keep updating the website accordingly. I feel that the ideal would be a database that all of us (or, failing that, a little group of us) can add to and edit independently. So, for example, if I spend 10 minutes tracking down the phone number for a café, I can immediately add it to the database, so that the next leader who wants to use that destination doesn't have to track down the number in the same way. Is something like that realisable, without creating a lot more work for Steve?

Hi George

I think I this would work well, as a recommendation I would like to say orangemabel in alcester is a great little stop.

As for the database, this could be easily done via an online file such as google drive. Anyone with the link could view it and also there can be a different link for those wanting to input any data. I have used something with Stuart for the club kit which has worked well

laurence_cooley · Post by **laurence_cooley** » 19 May 2014 19:40

There's a feature on Google Maps that allows the creation of custom maps, which could probably be embedded on the website. It's possible to grant editing rights, so if anyone who wanted to contribute was given these, it might be a good option.

Post by **CakeStop** » 19 May 2014 21:59

I think that's what we have already http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/resources/cafes/index.html but I'm not sure there's any way of also providing a useful listing so at present that's maintained separately. An editable resource for internal club run purposes might be OK but I suppose we'd need to think about the wisdom of doing this on the website unless there was some way of approving changes before they're published.

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 20 May 2014 08:43

Why not just create a dedicated sticky called 'Club Run Cafe Destinations' on this forum that lists the cafes?

NAME OF VENUE:
ADDRESS:
OPENING HOURS:
PHONE NO:
WEB:
COMMENTS:

We can all add details 'as and when' but this would require strict editing and be more focussed than the current 'cafe suggestions' thread.

George · Post by **George** » 20 May 2014 10:16

A couple of years ago, I signed up for Zoho Creator, which is free for up to a certain number of apps. I used it to set up a contact info database, which any family member can consult and update using a predefined form. I have it embedded in a page in the private area of our webspace, where the current data appears in spreadsheet format, which the user can search.

I'm now a bit hazy about the details of how I achieved that, but it can't have been too technically demanding, or I couldn't have done it.

I principle, I'd've thought that you could combine something like that with a Google map. I'm not sure how visible it would be to search engines, though. Also, I don't have time to experiment myself for at least a couple of weeks. I'm throwing the idea out mainly in the hope it might start someone else thinking.

Another possibility for data display that crosses my mind is what I used to do with Audax entrant data:
People entered using a web form, which sent me a standard e-mail. I then used a macro to paste the data into an Excel spreadsheet. I would then save the spreadsheet as an HTML file, which a synchroniser on my PC automatically uploaded to the web. There was a page of the club website that simply had an iframe containing the uploaded Excel file in HTML format.
You could do the same thing: have the existing café data in an Excel-created HTML file, and a button at the side 'Update/Add', which leads to another page with a webform.
Disadvantage compared with Zoho: a human 'database manager' is needed. (But not such a big deal if the update frequency is low.)
Advantage compared with Zoho: much easier to format the data in a way that blends with the existing site; relies on familiar software; data definitely visible to search engines.

laurence_cooley · Post by **laurence_cooley** » 20 May 2014 10:43

CakeStop wrote:I think that's what we have already http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/resources/cafes/index.html but I'm not sure there's any way of also providing a useful listing so at present that's maintained separately.

If by listing you mean the details for each café, I thought (it's been a while since I last used it) that it was possible to edit the text in the box that pops up when you click on the map pins, so all of the information that's currently listed below the map could be embedded into it. That does mean losing the ability to scroll through a text list of destinations though.

Andy Terry · Post by **Andy Terry** » 20 May 2014 14:20

I did this one recently to help with planning club runs:

http://andyterry.com/maps/cafe.locations.html

Nicks_77 · Post by **Nicks_77** » 22 May 2014 11:32

I visited the cafe Yew Tree Farm nr Wooten Wawen yesterday. Nice venue with reasonably priced food.

Had a rather tasty hot beef sandwich on thick (i mean doorstep) sized white bread for about a fiver with salad.

I would say it could accommodate a maximum of about 20. Would be ideal for B, C Runs as its a shorter distance unless someone devises a longer loop to incorporate it so could be made into a local A Run.

Post by **CakeStop** » 22 May 2014 16:54

I like the Yew Tree too (C run went there 2 weeks ago), it's already on the list by the way. It's especially good if the weather's dodgy because it's possible to do a quick dash for home if necessary but also easy to extend.

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 25 May 2014 15:50

CakeStop wrote:From Dave Pountney of Kidderminster CTC....

A Cafe has just opened just off the A458 Stourbridge to Bridgnorth road. Very welcoming to cyclists!

Their website is: www.stablestearoom.com

It is just off the A458 - 2nd left after the Six Ashes cross roads (heading west) marked on the O/S map as Broad Lanes.

Could be good for club runs, we used to visit a cafe in Six Ashes before it closed.

Lisa, Thomas and me, visited this cafe today. It is EXCELLENT!!!!

They are very friendly and deliberately cater for outdoors folk. They have a specific area for the parking of horses and cycles. My only concern is their apparent popularity and potential difficulties in obtaining a seat, although outside seats are available in the summer. I guess that inside they can seat 20-25 persons. They are keen to receive groups of cyclists.

In terms of menu, the food may disappoint the beans-on-toast folk. The only hot savoury is a bacon sandwich for £2.70 plus the normal array of cold sandwiches. The cakes score 9/10.

petemarshall · Post by **petemarshall** » 05 Aug 2014 09:02

Kinver Edge Maize Maze and Farm Shop
Hill Farm
Sandy Lane
Kinver
Stourbridge
DY7 6HX

Tel: 07803 859 569

Email: info@kinveredgemaizemaze.co.uk
used for last Sunday's run. Good cafe, good service.

Post by **CakeStop** » 11 Aug 2014 19:16

From the proprietor...

Longbarn Village Alcester is now permanently closed. New cyclist friendly location with garden

Orangemabel Tearoom
59 High Street
Alcester
Warwickshire
B49 5AF
01789 766300

kind regards
Jayne Roberts

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 11 Aug 2014 20:25

CakeStop wrote:From the proprietor...

Longbarn Village Alcester is now permanently closed. New cyclist friendly location with garden

Orangemabel Tearoom
59 High Street
Alcester
Warwickshire
B49 5AF
01789 766300

kind regards
Jayne Roberts

Cakestop saw the cake counter http://www.orangemabel.com/

Andy_Craddock · Post by **Andy_Craddock** » 12 Aug 2014 10:37

I will be using this cafe on my club runs to alcester. Very friendly staff and loads of cake.

It is always worth letting them know as they do have quite a lot of functions on. I know this is normal practice but it was the one thing the owner asked.

Post by **CakeStop** » 12 Aug 2014 12:10

Owner says...

With prior booking can do 45. No booking around 15 We have a garden too that seats 30 weather permitting of course!

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 11 Sep 2014 10:33

A new cafe destination suited for longer A runs:

Flowerdews at Bromyard. www.flowerdews.co.uk

The cafe is owned by cyclists and they are most accommodating.

Andy Terry · Post by **Andy Terry** » 13 Sep 2014 17:28

Banners's in Bromsgrove is opening a cafe/restaurant in the corner of St Godwald's Road. Here's hoping they are cyclist friendly - I look forward to taking an intro ride there. The bacon sarnies will be a winner for sure.

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 14 Sep 2014 18:43

UPTON UNDER SEVERN

The Secret Mess

Situated opposite the Pepperpot Tower.

Open Sundays and it has a reasonably cyclist friendly menu.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant ... gland.html

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 25 Sep 2014 20:17

WOODPECKER CAFE, Walsgrove Farm, Evesham Road A44, nr White Ladies Aston

Visited by Lisa today. Apparently the cafe is very nice but probably too small for a club run. Suited for a handful of riders. Food includes sandwiches and cakes.

https://www.facebook.com/thewoodpeckercafe

http://www.walsgrove.co.uk/wordpress/

Open 10am – 4pm Tuesday – Friday and Sunday; 8am – 4pm on Saturdays. Closed on a Monday but open August Bank Holiday Monday 10am – 5pm

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 20 Oct 2014 15:21

Coffee#1 in Pershore

http://www.coffee1.co.uk/our-locations/pershore/

Excellent coffee shop chain. Okay, they are not going to produce beans on toast but do provide the usual array of savoury and sweet foods associated with a coffee shop.

The Beacon Message Board

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Re: New cafe suggestions

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